What does each IELTS Band mean about your English ability?

When you do the IELTS test you will be given a Band score 1-9. Below is the outline of what level of English represents each band score.

Band Score	Skill Level	Description
Band 9	Expert user	Has full command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding. Virtually a native speaker.ELIT LANGUAGE CENTRE LEVEL: Advanced
Band 8	Very good user	Has full command of the language with only occasional inaccuracies and/or inappropriate errors. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentative English well.ELIT LANGUAGE CENTRE LEVEL: Advanced
Band 7	Good user	Has operational command of the English language, though with some occasional inaccuracies and/or misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.ELIT LANGUAGE CENTRE LEVEL: Upper Intermediate
Band 6	Competent user	Has generally effective command of the English language despite some inaccuracies, errors and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.ELIT LANGUAGE CENTRE LEVEL: Upper Intermediate
Band 5	Modest user	Has only some command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in their own field of interest.ELIT LANGUAGE CENTRE LEVEL: Intermediate
Band 4	Limited user	Basic ability is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.ELIT LANGUAGE CENTRE LEVEL: Pre Intermediate
Band 3	Extremely limited user	Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.ELIT LANGUAGE CENTRE LEVEL: Elementary 4
Band 2	Intermittent user	No real communication in English is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.ELIT LANGUAGE CENTRE LEVEL: Elementary 2
Band 1	Non-user	essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.ELIT LANGUAGE CENTRE LEVEL: Elementary 1
Band 0	Did not attempt the test	No assessable information provided.ELIT LANGUAGE CENTRE LEVEL: Standard English