IELTS Level Calculator Online - Text Readability to IELTS Band Score

IELTS Level for Text Readability

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test measuring English language proficiency. This tool provides an approximate mapping from text readability scores to IELTS reading band scores to help estimate what level of English learner can comfortably read your text.

Important Limitations

⚠️ Critical Note: This is a rough approximation with severe limitations:

• IELTS tests language proficiency, not just reading comprehension
• IELTS examines listening, reading, writing, AND speaking skills
• Readability scores only measure text complexity (sentence length, word difficulty)
• IELTS scoring considers accuracy, fluency, vocabulary range, and communicative competence
• This mapping should be used as a very rough guide only, not a definitive assessment

There is no direct, standardized mapping between readability scores and IELTS band scores. These are fundamentally different measurement systems.

IELTS Band Scores Explained

IELTS uses a 9-band scale to measure English proficiency:

Approximate Mapping

This tool estimates IELTS band scores based on Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level:

Grade 3-4     → Band 3-4 (Extremely Limited to Limited)
Grade 4-5     → Band 4-5 (Limited to Modest)
Grade 5-6     → Band 5-6 (Modest to Competent)
Grade 6-8     → Band 6-7 (Competent to Good)
Grade 8-10    → Band 7-8 (Good to Very Good)
Grade 10-12   → Band 8-9 (Very Good to Expert)
Grade 12+     → Band 9 (Expert)

Why This Mapping is Problematic

1. Different Measurement Systems

• IELTS measures a person's language ability across four skills
• Readability measures text complexity based on superficial features
• A Band 7 IELTS test-taker can read texts far more complex than "Grade 7" materials

2. IELTS Reading Section Reality

The IELTS reading section includes 40 questions across three passages. Performance is based on:

• Comprehension accuracy
• Ability to identify main ideas
• Understanding of detailed information
• Recognition of writers' opinions
• Following complex arguments

Readability scores measure none of these factors.

3. Score Conversion Issues

• IELTS uses raw scores (questions correct) converted to band scores
• The conversion is not linear and varies by test version
• Band scores consider performance consistency, not just difficulty

What IELTS Band Scores Really Mean

IELTS bands describe test-taker ability, not text difficulty:

• Band 6: Can understand factual texts on familiar topics
• Band 7: Can follow complex argumentation and distinguish main ideas from supporting details
• Band 8: Can handle extended, complex texts with ease
• Band 9: Can read and understand virtually all written materials

Better Approaches

For more meaningful IELTS-related assessment:

1. Use IELTS Practice Materials: Compare your text to official IELTS reading passages
2. Test with Target Learners: Get feedback from actual IELTS test-takers
3. Vocabulary Analysis: Check against IELTS vocabulary lists by band level
4. Professional Assessment: Consult with IELTS instructors or examiners
5. Multiple Metrics: Use this alongside other readability measures

Relationship to CEFR

IELTS band scores can be mapped to CEFR levels more reliably:

Since this tool provides CEFR estimates, you can use this mapping to estimate IELTS bands.

Use Cases

Despite limitations, this IELTS mapping may be useful for:

• Very Rough Screening: Initial, approximate difficulty assessment
• Trend Tracking: Monitoring changes in text complexity over time
• Comparative Analysis: Rough comparison between different texts
• Student Communication: Simplified way to discuss text difficulty with learners

Always supplement with professional IELTS assessment methods for serious applications.

Further Reading

• IELTS Band Scores: How they are calculated – IELTS Liz
• Free Readability Checker with IELTS Level – Lumos Learning
• Understanding IELTS Scores – IELTS.org
• Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level for Educators – Text Inspector