CLB Calculator
If you are applying for Canadian immigration, you will quickly realize that the government speaks a different language. They don’t ask for your “IELTS score”; they ask for your CLB Level.
CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) is not a test. It is the national standard used to measure, describe, and recognize the English and French proficiency of immigrants.
Whether you take IELTS, CELPIP, or a French test, you must use a CLB calculator to translate your raw scores into a number from 1 to 10. This number determines your eligibility for Express Entry and your points for the CRS score.
This guide provides the official conversion charts for 2026 to help you find your CLB level instantly.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a CLB Calculator?
Your raw test score (e.g., IELTS “Band 7.5”) means nothing on its own in the Express Entry system.
- Eligibility: You need a minimum of CLB 7 to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
- Points: A higher CLB level equals more CRS points.
- The “Magic” Number: Reaching CLB 9 triggers massive bonus points (up to 50 extra points) in the CRS system.
1. IELTS to CLB Calculator (General Training)
Important: You must take the IELTS General Training test for Express Entry. The “Academic” version is NOT accepted.
Many applicants are surprised by the Listening requirement. To get CLB 9, you need an 8.0 in Listening, not a 7.0.
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10+ | 8.0+ | 7.5+ | 8.5+ | 7.5+ |
| CLB 9 (The Goal) | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 7 (Min. for FSW) | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| CLB 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| CLB 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Source: IRCC Language Test Equivalency Charts
2. CELPIP to CLB Calculator
The CELPIP-General test is designed by Canada, so the scoring is much simpler. It maps 1-to-1 with CLB levels.
| CLB Level | CELPIP Score (All Abilities) |
|---|---|
| CLB 10+ | 10, 11, or 12 |
| CLB 9 | 9 |
| CLB 8 | 8 |
| CLB 7 | 7 |
| CLB 6 | 6 |
| CLB 5 | 5 |
| CLB 4 | 4 |
Note: You must take the CELPIP-General test. The “General-LS” is not accepted for Express Entry.
3. TEF Canada (French) to CLB Calculator
For French speakers, the TEF Canada is a popular option. The scoring system is more complex, using score ranges.
| CLB Level | Reading (Compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (Expression écrite) | Listening (Compréhension de l’oral) | Speaking (Expression orale) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10+ | 263+ | 393+ | 316+ | 393+ |
| CLB 9 | 248 – 262 | 371 – 392 | 298 – 315 | 371 – 392 |
| CLB 8 | 233 – 247 | 349 – 370 | 280 – 297 | 349 – 370 |
| CLB 7 | 207 – 232 | 310 – 348 | 249 – 279 | 310 – 348 |
4. TCF Canada (French) to CLB Calculator
The TCF Canada is the second accepted French test.
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10+ | 543+ | 16+ | 549+ | 16+ |
| CLB 9 | 524 – 542 | 14 – 15 | 523 – 548 | 14 – 15 |
| CLB 8 | 499 – 523 | 12 – 13 | 503 – 522 | 12 – 13 |
| CLB 7 | 453 – 498 | 10 – 11 | 458 – 502 | 10 – 11 |
The “Magic” CLB 9: Why It Matters
You will often hear immigration consultants talk about the “Magic CLB 9.” Here is why.
In the CRS scoring system, language skills are calculated twice.
- Core Points: You get points for your CLB level (Max 34 points per ability for CLB 10).
- Skill Transferability (The Bonus): If you have CLB 9 in all four abilities AND a degree (or work experience), you unlock a massive 50-point bonus.
Example:
- Applicant A (CLB 8): Total CRS Score = 438
- Applicant B (CLB 9): Total CRS Score = 480
Verdict: A small improvement in your test score (reaching CLB 9) can increase your CRS score by ~40-50 points, taking you from “no chance” to “invited.”
FAQ
Can I mix results from two different tests?
No. You must use results from a single test report form. You cannot take the Reading score from one IELTS attempt and the Writing score from another.
Which test is easier: IELTS or CELPIP?
It depends on the person.
- IELTS: Better for people comfortable with pen-and-paper exams and international English accents.
- CELPIP: Better for people who prefer computer-based testing and Canadian accents. The scoring is also easier to track (Score 9 = CLB 9).
What if I have CLB 9 in three abilities but CLB 8 in one?
You miss the “Magic” bonus. To get the full 50-point skill transferability boost, you need CLB 9 in ALL four abilities. If you miss even one, your score drops significantly.
Conclusion
Using a CLB calculator is the only accurate way to predict your immigration chances. Do not rely on your raw test scores. Use the charts above to find your true CLB level, and if you are close to CLB 9, it is almost always worth retaking the test to reach that golden number.
Next Steps: Once you know your CLB level, plug it into our CRS Score Calculator to see your official ranking for Canada PR.