What Is a Good TOEFL Score? The New 1-6 Scale and 0-120 Explained

October 2026  ·  6 min read

The TOEFL iBT changed in January 2026, and with it the score report. If you have seen requirements written as "100" on one website and "5.0" on another, this guide explains how the two scales fit together and what counts as a good result.

1. The New 1 to 6 Score Scale

For tests taken on or after 21 January 2026, ETS reports scores on a 1 to 6 scale in half-point steps (1, 1.5, 2 ... 5.5, 6). You receive a score for each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) and an overall score. The overall score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band, so an average of 5.25 becomes 5.5.

The scale is aligned to the CEFR, and the same mapping applies to each section and the total:

If CEFR levels are new to you, our guide to CEFR levels explained describes what each one means in practice.

2. What Happened to the 0 to 120 Score?

It has not disappeared yet. For a two-year transition period, each score report shows three things: your CEFR level, your 1 to 6 scores, and a comparable 0 to 120 total. ETS says reports will not show only the 1 to 6 scale until January 2028, and because scores are valid for two years, older 0 to 120 results may still be in circulation until then.

The comparable score is the midpoint of the matching range on the old scale, so a 4.5 is shown as 90. Here is how ETS lines up the two totals:

So if a university page still says "TOEFL 90", that falls in the 4.5 band; "100" falls in the 5 band.

3. Section Scores

Each section gets its own 1 to 6 score. On the old scale each section was 0 to 30, and ETS publishes a section-by-section comparison. A few examples from it:

Section scores matter because many programmes set a minimum per section as well as overall, and Speaking or Writing minimums are common. A balanced profile is safer than one high section carrying a weak one.

4. What Counts as a Good TOEFL Score?

There is no pass mark. As a general orientation:

• 3.5 to 4 (about 58 to 85): B1 to B2. Enough for some foundation, pathway or less selective programmes.
• 4.5 (about 86 to 94): upper B2. Solid; meets the minimum for many undergraduate and some postgraduate programmes.
• 5 (about 95 to 106): C1. Strong; meets most university requirements, including many competitive ones.
• 5.5 to 6 (about 107 to 120): high C1 to C2. Very strong; suitable for the most demanding programmes.

5. Typical University Requirements

Requirements vary by country, university and programme, and many institutions are still updating their pages from 0 to 120 to the 1 to 6 scale. Typical ranges look like this:

These are typical figures, not rules. Always check the official admissions page of each programme for the exact overall and section minimums, which scale they use, and whether they accept MyBest scores (your best section scores from different test dates). For visa purposes, see our guide to English requirements to study abroad.

6. TOEFL Compared with IELTS and the Duolingo English Test

ETS publishes an IELTS comparison for the 1 to 6 scale and recommends using it to confirm a choice made via CEFR level. The DET figures below are our own approximate alignment through CEFR. All of these are approximate, not exact conversions:

Each institution sets its own equivalences, so if a programme lists only an IELTS requirement, ask admissions what TOEFL score it accepts. For a broader comparison of the tests themselves, read IELTS vs TOEFL vs Duolingo English Test and our DET score guide.

7. Setting Your Target

• Find the overall and section minimums for every programme on your list; your target is the highest of them.
• Add half a band of margin in practice. If you need 4.5, aim for consistent 5s in mocks.
• Check your weakest section against its minimum before worrying about the total.

Derstina's TOEFL drills and full timed mocks follow the current test format, and your personalised study plan tracks section scores so you can see which one needs work. When you know your target, our TOEFL study plan and guide on how to improve your TOEFL score show how to get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good TOEFL score in 2026?

On the new 1 to 6 scale, 4.5 (about 86 to 94 on the old 0 to 120 scale) is a solid score that meets many university minimums, and 5 or above (about 95 or more, CEFR C1) is strong. A good score for you is one that clears your programme minimum, including any section minimums, with some margin.

Is TOEFL still scored out of 120?

Tests taken from 21 January 2026 are scored on a 1 to 6 scale. During a two-year transition, score reports also show a comparable 0 to 120 total, which is the midpoint of the matching old range. ETS says reports will show only the 1 to 6 scale from January 2028.

What is 100 on the TOEFL in the new scale?

An old total of 100 falls in the 95 to 106 range, which corresponds to a 5 on the new 1 to 6 scale and to CEFR C1. If a university still lists 100 as its requirement, check whether it now states a 1 to 6 equivalent or accepts the comparable 0 to 120 score.

What TOEFL score is equal to IELTS 6.5?

According to the ETS comparison table, IELTS 6.5 corresponds approximately to a TOEFL total of 4.5 on the 1 to 6 scale. A TOEFL 5 corresponds approximately to IELTS 7. These are approximate guides, and each institution sets its own equivalences.

How is the TOEFL overall score calculated?

Your overall score is the average of your four section scores for Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, each on the 1 to 6 scale, rounded to the nearest half band. For example, an average of 5.25 is reported as 5.5.