IELTS raw score

IELTS Academic Reading 12 out of 40: estimated band 4.0

12 correct answers out of 40 in IELTS Academic Reading gives an estimated band 4.0. This indicative table groups 10–12 correct answers at band 4.0. Actual boundaries vary slightly by test version. In this table, 1 more correct answer reaches estimated band 4.5.
  • Estimated band 4.0
  • Updated 2026-10-20
  • 10–12 correct for band 4.0
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Estimated band4.0
Raw scores for 4.010–12
Practice target: band 4.51 more answer

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

IELTS Academic Reading raw score table

40/40 9.039/40 9.038/40 8.537/40 8.536/40 8.035/40 8.034/40 7.533/40 7.532/40 7.031/40 7.030/40 7.029/40 6.528/40 6.527/40 6.526/40 6.025/40 6.024/40 6.023/40 6.022/40 5.521/40 5.520/40 5.519/40 5.518/40 5.017/40 5.016/40 5.015/40 5.014/40 4.513/40 4.512/40 4.011/40 4.010/40 4.0

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Frequently asked questions

What band is 12 out of 40 in IELTS Academic Reading?+

12 correct answers out of 40 in IELTS Academic Reading gives an estimated band 4.0 on this indicative table, which groups 10–12 correct answers together. Exact boundaries vary slightly between test versions.

How many correct answers do I need for band 4.0 in IELTS Academic Reading?+

10 out of 40 is the minimum shown for band 4.0 in this indicative table. Use it as a practice target; it does not guarantee the same band on every test version.

How many more answers do I need for band 4.5?+

1 more correct answer reaches the next estimated band in this table: 13/40 for band 4.5. Actual test boundaries may differ.

What score does your university ask for?

Source: IELTS scoring in detail 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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