IELTS Writing Band Score Calculation Explained, Check Step-by-Step Process

The IELTS Writing test checks your ability to express ideas clearly in written English. It is a key part of the IELTS exam 2026 for both Academic and General Training candidates. Many students want to understand how their performance is marked. Here, we’ll explain the full process of IELTS Writing Band Score Calculation in simple and clear language.

Understanding the marking system helps you prepare better. When you know what examiners expect, you can focus on improving the right areas.

IELTS Writing Band Scores: Calculation and Assessment Criteria 

The IELTS Writing test has two tasks:

• Task 1

• Task 2

Both tasks are marked by trained IELTS examiners. Your performance is assessed using four main criteria. These criteria are the same for the Academic and General Training tests.

The four criteria are:

1. Task Achievement / Task Response: This checks if you answered all parts of the question. It also checks how clearly you supported your ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: This checks how well your ideas are organised. It also checks the use of linking words and paragraph structure.

3. Lexical Resource: This checks your vocabulary. It looks at word choice, range, and accuracy.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: This checks your sentence structure and grammar control.

Each criterion is scored from Band 0 to Band 9. The average of these four scores gives your final result. This is the core process behind IELTS Writing Band Score Calculation.

Average IELTS Score 2026

How to Calculate IELTS Writing Band Score?

In the IELTS Writing test, there is no raw score like in Listening or Reading. Instead, examiners directly award band scores based on your writing quality. The final band score is the average of the four criteria.

The process of IELTS Writing Band Score Calculation works in the following way:

• Each criterion is given a band score from 0 to 9.

• The four scores are added together.

• The total is divided by 4.

• The result is rounded to the nearest half or whole band.

For example:

• Task Achievement: 7

• Coherence and Cohesion: 6

• Lexical Resource: 7

• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6

Total = 26
26 ÷ 4 = 6.5

Final Writing Band Score = 6.5

This simple average method is used in IELTS Writing Band Score Calculation for all candidates. Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1. So, a strong performance in Task 2 is very important.

IELTS Writing Band Score Calculator 

An IELTS Writing Band Score Calculator follows the official marking method. It uses the four criteria scores and calculates the average.

The steps used in the calculator follow the official IELTS Writing Band Score Calculation method:

• Enter band score for Task Achievement / Task Response

• Enter band score for Coherence and Cohesion

• Enter band score for Lexical Resource

• Enter band score for Grammatical Range and Accuracy

• The system calculates the average

• The final score is rounded to the nearest 0.5 band

For example: If your scores are:

• 6.5

• 6

• 6

• 7

Total = 25.5
25.5 ÷ 4 = 6.375
Rounded score = 6.5

This rounding system is a standard part of IELTS Writing Band Score Calculation.

IELTS Writing Band Score Chart 

Below is a simple IELTS band score chart to understand performance levels:

In the official IELTS Writing Band Score Calculation, each band describes the level of writing ability.

For example:

• Band 7 means ideas are clear and organised. There may be small grammatical mistakes.

• Band 6 means the task is completed but with some errors.

• Band 5 means basic understanding, but limited vocabulary and grammar control.

Knowing the band descriptors helps you understand what you need to improve.

Tips to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score

Improving your writing requires practice and understanding of marking criteria. When you understand how the IELTS Writing Band Score Calculation works, you can prepare in a focused way.

• Understand the question carefully: Read the task properly before you start writing. Do not miss any part of the question.

• Plan before writing: Spend a few minutes planning your ideas. Structure your response with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

• Write clear paragraphs: Each paragraph should have one main idea. Support it with an explanation or example.

• Use linking words correctly: Use words like however, therefore, in addition, and for example. Do not overuse them.

• Improve vocabulary range: Use different words to express similar ideas. Avoid repeating the same words again and again.

• Use different sentence types: Write simple, compound, and complex sentences. Keep them clear and correct.

• Check grammar and spelling: Leave time at the end to review your writing. Correct small mistakes.

• Practice Task 2 more: Task 2 has a higher weight. Spend more time improving essay writing skills.

When you follow these steps, your performance in all four criteria improves. This directly increases your final band in the IELTS Writing Band Score Calculation process.

The IELTS Writing test uses a clear and structured marking system. Your score is based on four criteria. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 9. The average of these scores gives your final IELTS result.

Understanding the full method of IELTS Writing Band Score Calculation helps you prepare in a smart way. Focus on task response, organisation, vocabulary, and grammar. With regular practice and clear structure, you can improve your band score steadily.