IELTS raw score

IELTS General Training Reading 21 out of 40: estimated band 4.5

21 correct answers out of 40 in IELTS General Training Reading gives an estimated band 4.5. This indicative table groups 19–22 correct answers at band 4.5. Actual boundaries vary slightly by test version. In this table, 2 more correct answers reach estimated band 5.0.
  • Estimated band 4.5
  • Updated 2026-10-20
  • 19–22 correct for band 4.5
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Estimated band4.5
Raw scores for 4.519–22
Practice target: band 5.02 more answers

How the IELTS General Training 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 4: 15/40
  • Band 5: 23/40
  • Band 6: 30/40
  • Band 7: 35/40

The same 21/40 in Academic Reading

21 correct answers gives an estimated band 4.5 in General Training Reading and an estimated band 5.5 in Academic 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.

IELTS General Training Reading raw score table

40/40 9.039/40 8.538/40 8.037/40 8.036/40 7.535/40 7.034/40 7.033/40 6.532/40 6.531/40 6.030/40 6.029/40 5.528/40 5.527/40 5.526/40 5.025/40 5.024/40 5.023/40 5.022/40 4.521/40 4.520/40 4.519/40 4.518/40 4.017/40 4.016/40 4.015/40 4.0

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Frequently asked questions

What band is 21 out of 40 in IELTS General Training Reading?+

21 correct answers out of 40 in IELTS General Training Reading gives an estimated band 4.5 on this indicative table, which groups 19–22 correct answers together. Exact boundaries vary slightly between test versions.

How many correct answers do I need for band 4.5 in IELTS General Training Reading?+

19 out of 40 is the minimum shown for band 4.5 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 5.0?+

2 more correct answers reach the next estimated band in this table: 23/40 for band 5.0. Actual test boundaries may differ.

Is 21/40 the same band in Academic and General Training Reading?+

At this raw score, the estimates differ. This indicative table gives band 4.5 in General Training Reading and band 5.5 in Academic 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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