Cambridge English Scale to IELTS band
These ranges come from the score converter on Cambridge's Cambridge English Scale page. Cambridge says IELTS is mapped to the scale but does not report on it, so no IELTS band appears on a Cambridge certificate, and scores below 142 are not mapped. The first score of each row from 5.0 to 7.5 matches Cambridge's Comparing scores to IELTS guide for B2 First and C1 Advanced.
| IELTS band | Cambridge English Scale score |
|---|---|
| 9.0 | 209+ |
| 8.5 | 205–208 |
| 8.0 | 200–204 |
| 7.5 | 191–199 |
| 7.0 | 185–190 |
| 6.5 | 176–184 |
| 6.0 | 169–175 |
| 5.5 | 162–168 |
| 5.0 | 154–161 |
| 4.5 | 147–153 |
| 4.0 | 142–146 |
Grades and CEFR levels for each exam
Each exam reports a scale score for every skill, an overall score, a grade and a CEFR level. The bands below are from Cambridge's results page. Scores just below these ranges are still shown on the Statement of Results but earn no certificate.
| Exam and grade | Scale score | CEFR level |
|---|---|---|
| C2 Proficiency grade A | 220–230 | C2 |
| C2 Proficiency grade B | 213–219 | C2 |
| C2 Proficiency grade C | 200–212 | C2 |
| C2 Proficiency at Level C1 | 180–199 | C1 |
| C1 Advanced grade A | 200–210 | C2 |
| C1 Advanced grade B | 193–199 | C1 |
| C1 Advanced grade C | 180–192 | C1 |
| C1 Advanced at Level B2 | 160–179 | B2 |
| B2 First grade A | 180–190 | C1 |
| B2 First grade B | 173–179 | B2 |
| B2 First grade C | 160–172 | B2 |
| B2 First at Level B1 | 140–159 | B1 |
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →What Cambridge says about using these scores
Cambridge's comparison guide says C1 Advanced grade C (180–192) can be expected to be comparable to IELTS 6.5 or 7.0, and C1 Advanced scores of 160–179 to IELTS 5.5 or 6.0. B2 First grade A (180–190) is also placed at C1, but Cambridge says B2 First covers that level only narrowly, so it should be considered very carefully before being treated as IELTS 7.0.
Its worked examples: for IELTS 5.5 overall, ask for 162 from B2 First or C1 Advanced; for IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0, ask for 176 overall from C1 Advanced with no paper below 169. For IELTS 7.0 it suggests 185, possibly specified as a C1 Advanced result.
That guide covers B2 First and C1 Advanced only. For C2 Proficiency, the converter is the official reference: grade C starts at 200 (IELTS 8.0 on the converter) and grades A and B start above 209, the converter's IELTS 9.0 row.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score is C1 Advanced 180?+
180 falls in the converter's 176–184 range, IELTS 6.5. Cambridge's guide says C1 Advanced grade C (180–192) is comparable to IELTS 6.5 or 7.0.
Is B2 First grade A equal to IELTS 7.0?+
Not automatically. B2 First grade A (180–190) is placed at CEFR C1, but Cambridge says very careful consideration is needed before treating it as comparable to IELTS 7.0.
Does C2 Proficiency equal IELTS 9?+
Grades A (220–230) and B (213–219) are above 209, which the converter places at IELTS 9.0. Grade C (200–212) spans IELTS 8.0 to 9.0 on the converter.
Is this comparison official?+
Yes. Cambridge University Press & Assessment co-owns IELTS and publishes the converter and guide; ielts.org shows the same table from 154 to 191.
Will a university accept Cambridge instead of IELTS?+
Only if it lists the Cambridge exam. Many set a Cambridge English Scale score directly, so check the minimum and which exam it must come from.
Keep reading
Related
- English test score comparison
- IELTS band score calculator
- IELTS Academic vs General Training
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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