IELTS to CEFR Converter
See the CEFR level, from A1 to C2, that matches your IELTS overall band, with a plain-English guide to what each level means.
IELTS to CEFR Converter
Select your IELTS overall band to see the matching CEFR level, from A1 to C2.
How IELTS Bands Map to CEFR Levels
CEFR is the Common European Framework of Reference, the six-level scale from A1 to C2 that describes language ability across Europe and increasingly worldwide. Universities, employers and visa systems often state their requirement in CEFR, so knowing your CEFR level from your IELTS band saves a lot of guesswork.
The rough rule is simple. IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 is B2, which is where most undergraduate and general visa requirements sit. IELTS 7.0 to 8.0 is C1, the advanced level that stronger universities and many professional registrations ask for. Only 8.5 and above reaches C2, and almost no route genuinely needs it.
IELTS was designed to measure from B1 upwards, so it does not draw fine lines below that. If your band is under 4.0, you are still building toward B1, and a structured course is the fastest way there.
Once you know your CEFR level, use the IELTS to CLB converter if you are heading to Canada, or the band score calculator to plan your target.
IELTS to CEFR table
| CEFR | IELTS overall band | In plain words |
|---|---|---|
| C2 | 8.5 to 9.0 | Proficient, near native |
| C1 | 7.0 to 8.0 | Advanced |
| B2 | 5.5 to 6.5 | Upper intermediate |
| B1 | 4.0 to 5.0 | Intermediate |
| A2 | 3.0 to 3.5 | Elementary |
IELTS reliably measures from B1 up to C2. The bands and CEFR levels line up as above, though exact cut points can vary slightly by the body reading your score.
Common Questions
What CEFR level is IELTS 6.5?
IELTS 6.5 sits at CEFR B2, upper intermediate. It is the level most undergraduate courses and general visa routes ask for, and it means you can handle most academic and everyday English with some effort.
What IELTS score is C1?
CEFR C1 corresponds to IELTS 7.0 to 8.0. C1 is advanced English, comfortable with complex and abstract material, and it is the common target for top universities and many professional bodies.
Is IELTS 7 B2 or C1?
IELTS 7.0 is the bottom of CEFR C1, the advanced level. A 6.5 is still B2, so 7.0 is the point where your English is officially classed as advanced rather than upper intermediate.
What is the highest CEFR level in IELTS?
C2, which needs an IELTS overall band of 8.5 or 9.0. C2 means near-native proficiency. Very few study or migration routes require it, so chasing C2 is usually unnecessary.
Why does IELTS not measure A1 or A2 well?
IELTS is built for academic and migration purposes, where the useful range starts around B1. It does not separate the lowest levels finely, so a band under 4.0 simply signals you are still working toward B1.
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