IELTS raw score

IELTS Listening 28 out of 40: estimated band 6.5

28 correct answers out of 40 in IELTS Listening gives an estimated band 6.5. This indicative table groups 26–29 correct answers at band 6.5. Actual boundaries vary slightly by test version. In this table, 2 more correct answers reach estimated band 7.0.
  • Estimated band 6.5
  • Updated 2026-10-20
  • 26–29 correct for band 6.5
  • PTE listening 53–57
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Estimated band6.5
Raw scores for 6.526–29
Practice target: band 7.02 more answers

How the IELTS Listening 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: 16/40
  • Band 6: 23/40
  • Band 7: 30/40
  • Band 8: 35/40

PTE equivalent

Pearson's July 2025 concordance compares IELTS Academic listening band 6.5 with PTE Academic listening 53–57. This is a comparison between tests, not a predicted result or a substitute for taking PTE. See IELTS 6.5 to PTE for the overall and the other skills.

IELTS Listening 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 7.531/40 7.030/40 7.029/40 6.528/40 6.527/40 6.526/40 6.525/40 6.024/40 6.023/40 6.022/40 5.521/40 5.520/40 5.519/40 5.518/40 5.517/40 5.016/40 5.015/40 4.514/40 4.513/40 4.512/40 4.011/40 4.010/40 4.0

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Frequently asked questions

What band is 28 out of 40 in IELTS Listening?+

28 correct answers out of 40 in IELTS Listening gives an estimated band 6.5 on this indicative table, which groups 26–29 correct answers together. Exact boundaries vary slightly between test versions.

How many correct answers do I need for band 6.5 in IELTS Listening?+

26 out of 40 is the minimum shown for band 6.5 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 7.0?+

2 more correct answers reach the next estimated band in this table: 30/40 for band 7.0. 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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