TOEFL · Score Conversion

TOEFL Score Converter (2026)

Q: How do I convert my old TOEFL score to the new band scale?

Divide your old TOEFL iBT score (0–120) by 20 and round to the nearest 0.5. For example, a score of 100 converts to Band 5.0 (100 ÷ 20 = 5.0). A score of 87 converts to Band 4.5 (87 ÷ 20 = 4.35, rounded to 4.5).

Q: What TOEFL score is equivalent to IELTS 7.0?

A TOEFL score of approximately 94–101 (Band 5.0) is generally equivalent to IELTS 7.0–7.5, corresponding to CEFR C1 (Advanced) level.

Q: What is the new TOEFL scoring system in 2026?

The 2026 TOEFL iBT reports scores on a 1–6 band scale with 0.5 increments. Each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) receives a band score, and the overall score is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest 0.5.

Q: What TOEFL score do I need for university admission?

Most top 50 US universities require a TOEFL score of 90–100 (Band 4.5–5.0). Ivy League and top 20 universities typically require 100+ (Band 5.0+). Pathway and foundation programs usually accept scores of 60–79 (Band 3.0–4.0). Always check individual university requirements.

Q: Is the new TOEFL harder than the old format?

The new TOEFL is designed to measure the same language abilities more efficiently and accurately. The scoring scale changed from 0–120 to 1–6 bands, but the underlying difficulty level remains comparable. The new format aligns more closely with international frameworks like CEFR.

Q: What is the maximum TOEFL score in 2026?

The highest TOEFL band score is 6.0, which corresponds to an old TOEFL iBT score of approximately 110–120. A Band 6.0 is equivalent to IELTS 8.0+ and CEFR C2 (Proficient).

Convert old TOEFL iBT scores to the new 2026 band scale instantly. Also compare TOEFL scores with IELTS and CEFR levels.

Updated for the 2026 TOEFL scoring system · By the LingoLeap Research Team

Your Old TOEFL iBT Score

Enter or slide to select a score from 0 to 120

/ 120

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Conversion Result

New TOEFL Band

4.0

out of 6.0

IELTS Equivalent

6.0

CEFR Level

Upper Intermediate

How does TOEFL score conversion work?

The 2026 TOEFL iBT uses a 1–6 band score scale with 0.5 increments. To convert an old TOEFL score (0–120), divide by 20 and round to the nearest 0.5. For example, a score of 100 converts to Band 5.0, equivalent to IELTS 7.0–7.5 and CEFR C1.

TOEFL Score Conversion Table (2026)

The table below maps old TOEFL iBT score ranges to the new band scale, IELTS equivalents, and CEFR proficiency levels.

Old TOEFL iBT	New TOEFL Band	IELTS	CEFR
110–120	5.5–6.0	8.0–9.0	C2
100–109	5.0–5.5	7.0–7.5	C1
90–99	4.5–5.0	6.5	B2+
80–89	4.0–4.5	6.0	B2
70–79	3.5–4.0	5.5	B1+
60–69	3.0–3.5	5.0	B1
46–59	2.5–3.0	4.0–4.5	A2+
0–45	1.0–2.5	≤4.0	A2 or below

Note: Conversions are approximate and intended as a general guide. Always verify requirements with individual institutions.

How TOEFL Scores Work in 2026

The enhanced TOEFL introduced in 2026 uses a 1–6 band score scale instead of the traditional 0–120 scoring system. This new system aligns TOEFL more closely with international language frameworks such as CEFR.

Section Scores

Each section — Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking — receives a band score from 1.0 to 6.0 in 0.5 increments.

Overall Score

The overall TOEFL score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest 0.5 band.

Conversion Formula

New Band = Old Score ÷ 20 (rounded to nearest 0.5)

Example: An old score of 87 → 87 ÷ 20 = 4.35 → rounded to Band 4.5 (IELTS 6.5, CEFR B2+)

For a complete breakdown of the 2026 format, see the TOEFL iBT Format guide.

What Is a Good TOEFL Score in 2026?

What counts as a “good” score depends on your goals. Here is a general guide to TOEFL band score levels.

Band 5.5–6.0— Advanced

Top universities, competitive scholarships

Band 5.0— Upper Intermediate

Most graduate programs, research universities

Band 4.0–4.5— Intermediate

Many undergraduate programs, conditional admission

Band 3.0–3.5— Basic

Foundation and pathway programs

Band < 3.0— Below Basic

Further English preparation recommended

Typical TOEFL Requirements by University

The table below shows typical minimum English proficiency requirements for different university tiers. Requirements vary by program — always check with your target institution.

University Tier	Old TOEFL	New Band	IELTS
Top 20 (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT)	100+	5.0+	7.0+
Top 50 (UCLA, NYU, Michigan)	90–100	4.5–5.0	6.5–7.0
Top 100 (Arizona State, Indiana)	80–90	4.0–4.5	6.0–6.5
Graduate Programs (Average)	85–100	4.5–5.0	6.5–7.0
Pathway / Foundation Programs	60–79	3.0–4.0	5.0–5.5

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert my old TOEFL score to the new band scale?

Divide your old TOEFL iBT score (0–120) by 20 and round to the nearest 0.5. For example, a score of 100 converts to Band 5.0 (100 ÷ 20 = 5.0). A score of 87 converts to Band 4.5 (87 ÷ 20 = 4.35, rounded to 4.5).

What TOEFL score is equivalent to IELTS 7.0?

A TOEFL score of approximately 94–101 (Band 5.0) is generally equivalent to IELTS 7.0–7.5, corresponding to CEFR C1 (Advanced) level.

What is the new TOEFL scoring system in 2026?

The 2026 TOEFL iBT reports scores on a 1–6 band scale with 0.5 increments. Each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) receives a band score, and the overall score is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest 0.5.

What TOEFL score do I need for university admission?