IELTS raw score

IELTS Academic Reading 17 out of 40: estimated band 5.0

17 correct answers out of 40 in IELTS Academic Reading gives an estimated band 5.0. This indicative table groups 15–18 correct answers at band 5.0. Actual boundaries vary slightly by test version. In this table, 2 more correct answers reach estimated band 5.5.
  • Estimated band 5.0
  • Updated 2026-10-20
  • 15–18 correct for band 5.0
  • PTE reading 36–41
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Estimated band5.0
Raw scores for 5.015–18
Practice target: band 5.52 more answers

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 17/40 in General Training Reading

17 correct answers gives an estimated band 5.0 in Academic Reading and an estimated band 4.0 in General Training Reading. General Training texts are everyday notices, adverts and workplace documents rather than academic articles, and generally require more correct answers for the same band. At some high raw scores, the estimates can coincide.

PTE equivalent

Pearson's July 2025 concordance compares IELTS Academic reading band 5.0 with PTE Academic reading 36–41. This is a comparison between tests, not a predicted result or a substitute for taking PTE. See IELTS 5.0 to PTE for the overall and the other skills.

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 17 out of 40 in IELTS Academic Reading?+

17 correct answers out of 40 in IELTS Academic Reading gives an estimated band 5.0 on this indicative table, which groups 15–18 correct answers together. Exact boundaries vary slightly between test versions.

How many correct answers do I need for band 5.0 in IELTS Academic Reading?+

15 out of 40 is the minimum shown for band 5.0 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 5.5?+

2 more correct answers reach the next estimated band in this table: 19/40 for band 5.5. Actual test boundaries may differ.

Is 17/40 the same band in Academic and General Training Reading?+

At this raw score, the estimates differ. This indicative table gives band 5.0 in Academic Reading and band 4.0 in General Training Reading. General Training Reading generally requires more correct answers for the same band; exact boundaries vary by test version.

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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