Interpreting TOEFL scores can be confusing-especially when you’re trying to figure out what they actually say about your English skills or how they stack up against other tests like the IELTS.
This guide is here to clear things up. I’ll break down the TOEFL scoring system, explain what different proficiency levels mean, and provide easy-to-read comparison charts that show how TOEFL scores align with IELTS band scores. Whether you’ve taken the TOEFL iBT (scored 0–120) or the newer TOEFL Essentials (scored 1–12), you’ll find straightforward explanations to help you make sense of your results.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what your TOEFL scores mean, how they compare to IELTS, and what scores you should aim for to achieve your academic or professional goals.
Understanding how the TOEFL iBT is scored is the first step toward making sense of your results and planning your next move.
The TOEFL iBT evaluates your English proficiency across four key skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each of these sections is scored on a scale from 0 to 30, and your total score is the sum of these four sections, resulting in a range from 0 to 120. This structure gives a detailed snapshot of your abilities in each area, rather than just a single overall score.
Each section score is further categorized into proficiency levels. For example, an Advanced level is considered 24–30 for Reading, 22–30 for Listening, 25–30 for Speaking, and 24–30 for Writing. These levels help you, and institutions, understand your specific strengths and areas that may need improvement.
After finishing your TOEFL iBT, you’ll see unofficial scores for the Reading and Listening sections right away. Official scores, including Speaking and Writing, are published in your ETS account within six days after your test date. The official score report provides a modern, easy-to-read summary of your performance, and you can download a PDF copy for your records.
TOEFL scores are valid for two years from your test date, reflecting your proficiency at the time you took the test. For younger test-takers, ETS recommends using scores within one year, since language skills can develop quickly during this period. If you can show evidence that you’ve maintained your English proficiency, some institutions may consider scores beyond the typical validity window.
TOEFL iBT scores are closely tied to specific proficiency capabilities in each language skill. Higher total scores-especially those above 100-indicate strong English proficiency, which is often required for competitive academic programs and professional opportunities. Understanding your proficiency level for each skill can help you focus your preparation and target areas for improvement.
Universities and employers rely on these proficiency levels to assess whether you’re ready for academic coursework or professional environments where English is the primary language. Knowing where your scores fall on the proficiency scale can give you a clear sense of your readiness and help you set realistic goals for future improvement.
The TOEFL Essentials test takes a different approach to scoring and is designed to be accessible, flexible, and relevant for a wide range of English learners.
For example, if your section scores are 10 (Listening), 9 (Reading), 10 (Writing), and 11 (Speaking), your total score would be (10+9+10+11)/4 = 10. The average is then rounded to the nearest half band, so your official overall score would be 10.
TOEFL Essentials offers a shorter, more flexible test experience (about 1.5 hours) and is generally less expensive than TOEFL iBT. It’s designed for a broader range of test-takers, including those who need to demonstrate English proficiency for both academic and everyday contexts.
TOEFL iBT, on the other hand, is more academically focused and widely accepted by universities and employers worldwide. Before choosing, check the specific requirements and acceptance policies of your target institutions-not all universities accept TOEFL Essentials, especially for academic admissions.
Consider your English strengths, your goals, and which format aligns best with your needs. Both tests are developed by ETS and provide valid measures of English proficiency, but they serve different purposes and audiences.
Understanding how your TOEFL scores translate to IELTS band scores is crucial for setting realistic goals and meeting university or employer requirements. Below, you’ll find detailed charts and explanations to help you compare these two leading English proficiency tests.
The following table shows how TOEFL iBT total scores (0–120) align with IELTS Academic overall band scores (0–9). This comparison helps you quickly see where your score sits on both scales:
| TOEFL iBT Score | IELTS Band |
| 118–120 | 9 |
| 115–117 | 8.5 |
| 110–114 | 8 |
| 102–109 | 7.5 |
| 94–101 | 7 |
| 79–93 | 6.5 |
| 60–78 | 6 |
| 46–59 | 5.5 |
| 35–45 | 5 |
| 32–34 | 4.5 |
| 0–31 | 0–4 |
Comparing section scores provides a more nuanced understanding of your language abilities. Here’s how TOEFL iBT section scores map to IELTS band scores for Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing:
| IELTS Band | TOEFL Listening | TOEFL Reading | TOEFL Speaking | TOEFL Writing |
| 9.0 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| 8.5 | 28–29 | 29 | 28–29 | 30 |
| 8.0 | 26–27 | 27–28 | 26–27 | 30 |
| 7.5 | 24–25 | 25–26 | 24–25 | 28–29 |
| 7.0 | 22–23 | 22–24 | 23 | 26–27 |
| 6.5 | 19–21 | 19–21 | 20–22 | 23–25 |
| 6.0 | 16–18 | 16–18 | 18–19 | 19–22 |
| 5.5 | 12–15 | 12–15 | 16–17 | 14–18 |
| 5.0 | 8–11 | 8–11 | 14–15 | 9–13 |
| 4.5 | 3–7 | 4–7 | 12–13 | 4–8 |
| 4.0 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 7–10 | 1–3 |
These section comparisons are especially useful if your target institution has minimum requirements for individual skills, not just the overall score.
Understanding the score requirements for your target institutions is crucial for effective preparation and a successful application. Universities and programs differ widely in their expectations, so it’s important to know both the general benchmarks and the specifics for your field.
Most universities set their minimum TOEFL iBT requirements between 80 and 100, which translates to an IELTS band of about 6.5 to 7.5. These standards are common for undergraduate admissions in countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. If you’re aiming for a top-ranked school, expect the bar to be even higher.
It’s not enough to check just the university’s general requirements. Many departments and programs have their own expectations, especially for certain skills.
By researching both general and program-specific requirements, you can focus your preparation where it counts most. This approach helps you target your efforts, maximize your chances of success, and avoid surprises during the application process.
TOEFL band scores offer a clear, standardized way to measure your English proficiency, and established conversion tables make it easy to compare your results with IELTS scores. This comparison is invaluable when you’re applying to universities or professional programs that accept either test.
By understanding how the TOEFL scoring system works, you can set realistic goals and focus your study time on the areas that will make the biggest difference. Whether you’re aiming for a specific university, a graduate program, or a professional opportunity, knowing what your scores mean-and how they stack up against IELTS-puts you in control of your journey.
With the right preparation and a solid grasp of score requirements, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve the TOEFL results you need to open doors to your academic and professional future.
