How many words are needed for B2 English?

B2 (upper-intermediate) requires approximately 4,000–5,000 word families (around 9,000–11,000 individual words) to handle most everyday and work topics without a dictionary. C1 requires 8,000–9,000 word families; academic reading typically requires the 10,000 word family level.

What counts as a 'word family'?

A word family includes the base word and its inflections and derivations (run, runs, running, ran, runner, runners). Nation's 20,000-word frequency bands use word families as the unit; each family represents approximately 2.2–2.5 individual dictionary forms.

CEFR Level Estimator from Vocabulary Size

Estimate CEFR language proficiency level from vocabulary size using Nation's word frequency bands. A1: 500 words; A2: 1,000; B1: 2,000; B2: 4,000; C1: 8,000; C2: 16,000+ word families. Based on Vocabulary Levels Test methodology.

Data set — comma or newline separated

Statistical Results — n = 8

Count (n)8

Sum (Σx)40

Min2

Max9

Range7

Q14

Q35.5

IQR1.5

Mean (μ)5

Median4.5

Mode4

Pop. Variance (σ²)4

Pop. Std Dev (σ)2

Sample Variance (s²)4.571428571

Sample Std Dev (s)2.138089935

Skewness0.65625

Excess Kurtosis-0.21875

How It Works

Each component has a specific meaning:

Vocabulary size — The vocabulary size recorded for the scenario being assessed.

Note: Interpret the cefr level estimator result against the thresholds and context described above.

How to Use

Enter the vocabulary size for the scenario you are assessing. Estimate CEFR language proficiency level from vocabulary size using Nation's word frequency bands. A1: 500 words; A2: 1,000; B1: 2,000; B2: 4,000; C1: 8,000; C2: 16,000+ word families. Based on Vocabulary Levels Test methodology. Use the cefr level estimator result to inform your calculation.

CEFR Level Estimator from Vocabulary Size

How It Works

How to Use

Frequently Asked Questions

How many words are needed for B2 English?

What counts as a 'word family'?