# IELTS Listening band score calculator

Listening marks out of 40 to a band, from the average marks IELTS publishes.

## Listening marks to band

IDP publishes the number of correct answers out of 40 that usually gives each Listening band. The exact cut-off moves a little between test versions, so treat the band as a close estimate.

| Correct answers | Band |
| --- | --- |
| 39-40/40 | 9.0 |
| 37-38/40 | 8.5 |
| 35-36/40 | 8.0 |
| 32-34/40 | 7.5 |
| 30-31/40 | 7.0 |
| 26-29/40 | 6.5 |
| 23-25/40 | 6.0 |
| 18-22/40 | 5.5 |
| 16-17/40 | 5.0 |
| 13-15/40 | 4.5 |
| 11-12/40 | 4.0 |

*Average marks out of 40 - IDP IELTS*

Every Listening question is worth one mark, and a wrongly spelled answer scores nothing. [Practice IELTS Listening](/ielts/listening) with single-play Timed mode to see where your marks go.

## Listening score questions

### How many correct answers do I need for band 7 in IELTS Listening?

About 30 out of 40, according to IELTS. The exact number varies slightly between test versions.

### Is the Listening scale the same for Academic and General Training?

Yes. Both modules take the same Listening test and use the same marks-to-band scale.

### Does spelling count in IELTS Listening?

Yes. An answer has to be spelled correctly to score, and an answer over the word limit is marked wrong.

**Sources**
- [IELTS: IELTS scoring in detail, checked 25 September 2026](https://ielts.org/take-a-test/your-results/ielts-scoring-in-detail)
- [IDP IELTS: Listening band scores, checked 25 September 2026](https://ielts.com.au/australia/results/ielts-band-scores/listening-band-score)
- [IDP IELTS: Reading band scores, checked 25 September 2026](https://ielts.com.au/australia/results/ielts-band-scores/reading-band-score)