How this calculator works
Pearson compares the two tests by equating the score distributions of people who took both within a short period. The July 2025 study found that a PTE Academic overall score of 63 to 70 corresponds to an IELTS Academic band of 7.0, and so on down the table. The correspondence is not a conversion of one test into the other: the two tests measure overlapping but different skills, and an individual can perform better on one format than the other. Universities and visa programs set their own requirements and may not accept the concordance as a substitute.
Formula
The overall concordance used here: 90 = IELTS 9.0, 86 to 89 = 8.5, 79 to 85 = 8.0, 71 to 78 = 7.5, 63 to 70 = 7.0, 55 to 62 = 6.5, 47 to 54 = 6.0, 39 to 46 = 5.5, 31 to 38 = 5.0 and 24 to 30 = 4.5. Pearson publishes no overall alignment below 4.5.
Worked example
A PTE Academic overall score of 65 falls in the 63 to 70 range, which Pearson equates to an IELTS Academic band of 7.0. A PTE score of 80 falls in the 79 to 85 range and equates to 8.0. Going the other way, an IELTS band of 6.5 corresponds to a PTE range of 55 to 62.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a PTE score officially converted to IELTS?
No. The concordance is a statistical comparison for guidance, not a conversion certificate. An institution that requires IELTS 7.0 may or may not accept a PTE score in the equivalent range; check its admissions page and any visa rules separately.
Why does Pearson not align scores below 24?
The July 2025 concordance study did not publish an overall alignment below IELTS 4.5, which corresponds to a PTE score of 24 to 30. Below that point the statistical link is too uncertain to publish. The calculator therefore rejects lower scores.
Do the skill scores follow the same table?
No. Pearson also publishes skill-level concordances, and they differ substantially from the overall table. For example, IELTS 7.0 in speaking corresponds to a higher PTE speaking range than the overall 63 to 70. Use the overall table only for the overall score.
Why do older tables show different numbers?
Pearson updated the concordance in July 2025 using a larger study. Older tables, such as the widely quoted PTE 58 for IELTS 6.5, are out of date; the current boundary for 6.5 is 55. Always check which version a university is using.