Rules, comparisons and data

Do spelling mistakes count in IELTS Writing?

Yes. Spelling is assessed under Lexical Resource, one of the four equally weighted Writing criteria. ielts.org says this criterion looks at 'the density and communicative effect of errors in spelling'. A few slips are compatible with band 7 or 8; errors that are noticeable, impede meaning or predominate are band 5 or below in that criterion.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
Take a free mock →Read the guide

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

Where spelling is marked

ielts.org's Writing key assessment criteria list what Lexical Resource covers, including range, precision, collocation, 'the density and communicative effect of errors in spelling' and the same for word formation. Each task's four criteria are weighted equally (ielts.org).

Spelling is one part of one criterion, so its weight depends on how many errors there are and whether they make the meaning hard to follow.

Spelling wording, band by band

Lexical Resource lines on spelling and word formation, from the ielts.org Writing band descriptors. Task 1 and Task 2 share this wording.

BandSpelling and word formation
9Minor errors are extremely rare and have minimal impact on communication
8Occasional errors may occur, but have minimal impact on communication
7Only a few errors, and they do not detract from overall clarity
6Some errors, but these do not impede communication
5Errors may be noticeable and may cause some difficulty for the reader
4Errors in word formation and/or spelling may impede meaning
3Control is very limited, and errors predominate; they may severely impede meaning

Know your target? Check where you stand

Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.

Take a free mock →

Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.

Spelling is not the whole criterion

Range and precision matter as much. Band 6 vocabulary notes that a 'risk-taker' will use a wider range with more inaccuracy, which the descriptor accepts as long as meaning stays clear. Band 7 needs 'some ability to use less common and/or idiomatic items'.

Grammar errors and punctuation are marked separately under Grammatical Range and Accuracy. For the full criteria, see the Writing band descriptors guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do spelling mistakes reduce my IELTS Writing score?+

They can. Spelling is part of Lexical Resource, and the descriptors judge how dense the errors are and how much they affect meaning.

Can I get band 7 with spelling mistakes?+

Yes, with only a few that do not detract from overall clarity, per the band 7 descriptor.

Is spelling marked under grammar?+

No. Spelling and word formation are under Lexical Resource; punctuation is under Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

Does British or American spelling matter?+

The Writing descriptors do not mention it. They judge errors by density and effect on communication.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Take a free mock