Free tool
IELTS to CEFR Converter
Set your overall IELTS band and see where IELTS's own figure places it on the CEFR. Three bands sit on a border between two levels, and the tool shows them that way. Or pick a CEFR level and see the bands IELTS puts in it.
Only have section scores? Work out your overall band first.
CEFR for overall 6.5
C1 or B2
IELTS draws band 6.5 on the border of C1 and B2, so it gives no single level. Many people with 6.5 are at C1, but some are just below it.
IELTS places overall bands only, never a single section's band.
How IELTS places its bands on the CEFR
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) describes language ability in six levels, from A1 to C2. IELTS publishes its own figure showing where its overall bands sit against those levels. IELTS bands and CEFR levels have never lined up exactly, so three bands sit on a border between two levels: 8.0, 6.5 and 5.0.
The bands have never lined up exactly with the CEFR levels, so three bands sit on a border. This maps overall bands only, never a section band.
Source: ielts.org, IELTS and the CEFR
Show the data
| Overall band | CEFR level |
|---|---|
| 9 | C2 |
| 8.5 | C2 |
| 8 | C2 or C1, on the border |
| 7.5 | C1 |
| 7 | C1 |
| 6.5 | C1 or B2, on the border |
| 6 | B2 |
| 5.5 | B2 |
| 5 | B2 or B1, on the border |
| 4.5 | B1 |
| 4 | B1 |
IELTS publishes the figure to help people understand the relationship, not as a claim that the two scales are exactly equal. The figure comes from the IELTS and the CEFR page on ielts.org, last checked October 2026. If IELTS changes it, this tool changes with it.
Overall bands only
The figure maps the overall band on your Test Report Form. It does not map the band for one section, so this tool takes an overall band and nothing else. If you have four section scores, work out your overall band first.
Where a university or employer asks for a CEFR level, its own IELTS requirement is what counts. Institutions are advised to set the band they need from the IELTS band score descriptors and the IELTS Scores Guide.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS band is C1?
IELTS draws overall 7.5 and 7.0 inside C1, and 8.0 and 6.5 sit on its borders. Many people with 6.5 are at C1 but some are just below it. An institution that wants to be sure of C1 may ask for 7.
Is IELTS 6.5 B2 or C1?
IELTS draws 6.5 on the border of C1 and B2, so it gives no single level. Its research puts the start of C1 somewhere between 6.5 and 7.
What IELTS score is B2?
IELTS draws overall 6.0 and 5.5 inside B2, and 6.5 and 5.0 sit on its borders.
Is IELTS 8.5 C2?
Yes. IELTS recognises overall bands of 8.5 and higher as C2. Band 8 sits on the border of C2 and C1.
Can I convert a Writing or Speaking band to the CEFR?
Not with IELTS's figure. The bands in it are overall bands, not the band for Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking on its own.
Why does the tool not place bands under 4.0?
IELTS's figure starts at band 4.0, in B1, and puts no band in A2 or A1. The tool places only what the figure shows.
Find out which band you are at now
The figure shows where IELTS draws each CEFR level against its bands. A practice test tells you where you stand. Sit a timed test, then convert your overall band here.