About 15-17 mistakes allowed.
IELTS Listening Score Chart – Band Scores Out of 40
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IELTS Listening marks out of 40
Convert your Listening score to an estimated band
IELTS Listening has 40 questions. Each correct answer earns one mark, and the raw score is converted to the IELTS nine-band scale. The same Listening score chart is used for Academic and General Training, so you do not need to choose a test type.
- 40-mark score chart
- Instant band estimate
- Academic and GT friendly
Listening band converter
Enter your correct answers
Type a whole number from 0 to 40 to estimate your IELTS Listening band.
Estimated IELTS Listening band
7.0
7.0
30 correct answers typically corresponds to Band 7.0 in IELTS Listening.
Next target2 more correct answers can lift this estimate to Band 7.5.
Preparation estimate only; exact test conversions may vary slightly.
See how this affects your overall IELTS score
Popular targets
How many Listening answers do you need?
A common next step for study and migration pathways.
Often required for professional registration routes.
Strong control across all four Listening parts.
After checking Listening, use the IELTS band score calculator to combine all four skills or compare your result with the IELTS Reading score chart.
Benchmark IELTS preparation
Turn your Listening score into a higher band
Practise with structured IELTS materials that train prediction, spelling accuracy, note completion and time control.
- Exam-style Listening practice
- Guided skill lessons
- Preparation across all four skills
Complete score table
IELTS Listening score chart out of 40
Use these typical raw-score ranges to estimate your Listening band during preparation.
IELTS Listening
Listening band score chart
| Band | Correct answers | Errors allowed |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 39-40 | 0-1 |
| 8.5 | 37-38 | 2-3 |
| 8.0 | 35-36 | 4-5 |
| 7.5 | 32-34 | 6-8 |
| 7.0 | 30-31 | 9-10 |
| 6.5 | 26-29 | 11-14 |
| 6.0 | 23-25 | 15-17 |
| 5.5 | 18-22 | 18-22 |
| 5.0 | 16-17 | 23-24 |
| 4.5 | 13-15 | 25-27 |
| 4.0 | 10-12 | 28-30 |
| Below 4 | 0-9 | 31-40 |
Why these are approximate: IELTS equates different test versions so that results remain comparable. Use the chart for practice planning, not as a replacement for an official Test Report Form.
Academic and General Training
Does Listening use a different chart for IELTS Academic and General Training?
No. IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training use the same Listening test and the same Listening score conversion. Reading is different because Academic Reading and General Training Reading use different text types and score thresholds.
| Skill | Academic IELTS | General Training IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Same test, 40 questions | Same test, 40 questions |
| Typical Band 7 target | 30-31 correct answers | 30-31 correct answers |
| Reading | Academic Reading chart | General Training Reading chart |
| Computer vs paper | No scoring difference | No scoring difference |
For the section where test type matters, use the IELTS Reading score chart. For the full result, use the IELTS overall band calculator.
Worked examples
What common Listening raw scores mean
23 correct answers
Estimated Band 6.0
This is a useful baseline, but you need several more correct answers to reach Band 6.5.
30 correct answers
Estimated Band 7.0
This is the common Band 7 target, especially for applicants with component-score requirements.
35 correct answers
Estimated Band 8.0
At this level, spelling, plural endings and distractors often decide whether the band moves higher.
How Listening is marked
One mark for every correct answer
The Listening test has four parts and 40 questions. Each correct answer receives one raw mark; there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Your final raw score is converted to a band score. Build accuracy with IELTS Listening practice and lessons.
- Spelling matters for typed or written answers.
- Singular and plural forms can change an answer.
- Distractors often appear before the correct answer.
- Paper and computer-delivered Listening use the same scoring scale.
Frequently asked questions
IELTS Listening score FAQ
How many correct answers are needed for Band 7 in IELTS Listening?
A typical target is 30-31 correct answers out of 40. Exact boundaries can vary slightly between test versions.
Is IELTS Listening marked out of 40?
Yes. There are 40 questions and each correct answer receives one raw mark before conversion to the nine-band scale.
Is the Listening score chart different for Academic and General Training?
No. IELTS Academic and General Training use the same Listening test and the same Listening score conversion.
Do wrong answers reduce my Listening score?
No. IELTS Listening does not apply negative marking, so it is sensible to attempt every question.
Does spelling affect IELTS Listening marks?
Yes. If the answer requires you to write or type a word, the spelling must be correct to receive the mark.
Is this converter an official IELTS result?
No. It is a preparation estimate. Your official band is the score reported by IELTS after your test.
