Free tool
IELTS to CLB Calculator
Set your four IELTS General Training scores and see the CLB level each one meets on IRCC's chart. Or pick a CLB level and see the IELTS score it needs in each ability.
For Express Entry, IRCC accepts IELTS General Training only, and not One Skill Retake.
Your CLB by ability
- Listening 6.0
- CLB 7
- Reading 6.0
- CLB 7
- Writing 6.0
- CLB 7
- Speaking 6.0
- CLB 7
7.5 reaches CLB 8.
6.5 reaches CLB 8.
6.5 reaches CLB 8.
6.5 reaches CLB 8.
CLB is set for each ability on its own, so there is no overall CLB. Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class set one minimum for all four abilities. Federal Skilled Trades sets a lower one for Reading and Writing, so check each ability against your programme.
How IRCC turns IELTS into CLB
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) describe English ability for Canadian immigration. IRCC, the immigration department, publishes a chart on its Express Entry page that gives the IELTS score needed for each CLB level. The chart gives a separate figure for each ability. So the same band can be a different level in Listening than in Reading.
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ | 8.5 to 9.0 | 8.0 to 9.0 | 7.5 to 9.0 | 7.5 to 9.0 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Each figure is a minimum. A score between two figures meets the lower level, so Listening 7.0 is CLB 7 until it reaches 7.5. IRCC prints the top row as a range up to 9.0 and lists nothing under CLB 4.
The chart comes from the Express Entry language test page on canada.ca, last checked October 2026. If IRCC changes it, this tool changes with it.
Which IELTS test counts
Express Entry accepts the IELTS General Training option only, and not IELTS One Skill Retake. Your results must be less than two years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you apply for permanent residence. These rules sit on the same IRCC page as the chart. Other immigration programmes have their own rules on IRCC's site, so check the page for the one you are applying to.
The visa score requirements tool lists the language minimum for several Canadian programmes.
New to the test? Read IELTS Academic vs General Training for what changes between the two papers.
Weighing CELPIP as well? Read IELTS vs CELPIP for how the two tests differ and how IRCC reads each.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score is CLB 7?
CLB 7 needs Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0 and Speaking 6.0. That is 6.0 in all four abilities.
What IELTS score is CLB 9?
CLB 9 needs Listening 8.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0 and Speaking 7.0. Listening asks for a full band more than the other three.
What IELTS score is CLB 8?
CLB 8 needs Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 6.5 and Speaking 6.5. Listening is again the highest of the four.
What IELTS score is CLB 5?
CLB 5 needs Listening 5.0, Reading 4.0, Writing 5.0 and Speaking 5.0. Reading is the lowest figure at this level.
Can I use IELTS Academic for Express Entry?
No. Express Entry accepts the IELTS General Training option only. IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted either.
Is there an overall CLB from my IELTS scores?
No. IRCC sets a CLB level for each ability on its own. Each Express Entry programme then sets its minimum ability by ability. That is why this tool shows four levels and no overall.
Why does the tool stop at CLB 4 and at 10 and above?
IRCC's IELTS chart starts at CLB 4 and groups every level from 10 up into one row. The tool names only the levels that chart lists.
Find out where your four bands sit now
A chart tells you what a CLB level needs. A practice test tells you how far each ability is from it. Sit a timed test, then convert your bands here.