Based on the standard IELTS–CEFR alignment
IELTS to CEFR Converter
Enter your IELTS band to find your CEFR level, or pick a CEFR level to see the matching IELTS band range.
Approximate mapping — exact boundaries vary by source
IELTS to CEFR Alignment Table
| IELTS Band | CEFR Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | C2 | Mastery — expert user |
| 8.0–8.5 | C2 | Mastery — very good user |
| 7.0–7.5 | C1 | Effective operational proficiency — good user |
| 5.5–6.5 | B2 | Vantage — competent user |
| 4.0–5.0 | B1 | Threshold — modest user |
| 3.0–3.5 | A2 | Waystage — limited user |
| Below 3.0 | A1 | Breakthrough — extremely limited user |
Why This Mapping Is Approximate
CEFR describes broad bands of ability (A1 through C2), while IELTS reports scores in precise 0.5 increments across a 1–9 scale. Mapping one onto the other means some rounding is unavoidable — different organisations (Cambridge, British Council, UK Visas and Immigration) publish slightly different boundary points.
The table above reflects the most commonly cited alignment. If a specific visa route or institution requires a CEFR level, always check their own published IELTS-equivalent requirement rather than relying solely on a general conversion table.