IELTS results are reported on a scale of 0 to 9, with half-points reported, meaning you can get a score of 4, or perhaps 7.5, but not a score of 7.25. Your IELTS result is the average of the four IELTS section results, which are also on a 9 point scale. This means that each of the four skills – reading, writing, speaking, and listening – are equally weighted. If the average of your four section scores ends in .25, your overall result will be rounded down. If the average of your four section scores ends in .75, your overall result will be rounded up.
Your IELTS result report will have your scores for each of the four sections as well as your overall score. IELTS results are valid for 2 years from the test date. Your IELTS result will be sent to you 13 days after you finish taking the IELTS. This means that if you take the speaking section later than the rest of your IELTS, you can expect to get your result 13 days after you took your speaking section.
IELTS results are mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference. The average score on the IELTS is around 6 which corresponds to a B2 level on the CEFR, otherwise known as a Competent User. For university admission, the required IELTS result will vary between universities and degree programs. An IELTS result of 6.5 is sufficient for admission to many universities in the UK and a result of 7.0 is sufficient for many universities in the United States, although many universities will also have a minimum requirement for each of the four skills tested.
IELTS results of 4.0 or above overall and on each of the four skills are required for many types of visa to immigrate to the UK. Some UK visa types and almost all visas for Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have higher IELTS results requirements. It is best to check directly with immigration authorities to get the latest information about visa requirements as they change regularly.