How the IELTS Academic Reading score is converted
Each of the 40 questions is worth one mark and there is no penalty for a wrong answer, so never leave a blank. Your raw total is converted to a band from 0 to 9. IELTS publishes the average marks needed for the whole bands, and the precise cut-offs vary slightly from one test version to the next:
- Band 5: 15/40
- Band 6: 23/40
- Band 7: 30/40
- Band 8: 35/40
The same 40/40 in General Training Reading
40 correct answers is band 9.0 in Academic Reading but band 9.0 in General Training Reading. General Training texts are everyday notices, adverts and workplace documents rather than academic articles, so the table asks for more correct answers at every band.
PTE equivalent
Pearson's July 2025 concordance puts IELTS reading band 9.0 at PTE Academic reading 81–90. See IELTS 9.0 to PTE for the overall and the other skills.
IELTS Academic Reading raw score table
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Start a free reading test →Frequently asked questions
What band is 40 out of 40 in IELTS Academic Reading?+
40 correct answers out of 40 in IELTS Academic Reading is band 9.0 on the standard conversion table. Band 9.0 covers 39–40 correct answers. The exact cut-off can move by a mark between test versions.
How many correct answers do I need for band 9.0 in IELTS Academic Reading?+
39 out of 40 is the usual minimum for band 9.0. Aim one or two marks above it, because the boundary varies slightly from test to test.
Is 40/40 the same band in Academic and General Training Reading?+
No. The same 40 correct answers is band 9.0 in Academic Reading but band 9.0 in General Training Reading. General Training texts are easier, so they need more correct answers for the same band.
What score does your university ask for?
Source: IELTS, “IELTS scoring in detail” (ielts.org) for the whole-band averages; half-band rows follow the widely used indicative table. BandLadder is an independent practice platform, not affiliated with IELTS, the British Council or IDP.
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