What is the TOEFL score scale?

The TOEFL iBT score scale is 0-120 total, with each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) scored 0-30; a new 1-6 band scale is also being introduced starting January 21, 2026, aligning with the CEFR, but the 0-120 scale will remain for a transition period. Scores reflect proficiency, with higher numbers indicating better English skills, and universities often set minimum total scores or section scores for admission.

What is the TOEFL scale score?

Your score report gives a clear picture of your performance across four key areas: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Currently, the TOEFL test uses four scaled section scores and a total score. Each section has a score range of 0-30, which are added together for a total score of 0-120.

What is a good score for TOEFL?

Here's the quick answer: A good TOEFL score on the new 1-6 scale is 5.0 or higher—competitive for most graduate programs and top universities. On the old 0-120 scale (for tests taken before January 21, 2026), 100+ was the benchmark for a good TOEFL score.

Is 500 a good TOEFL score?

A 500 TOEFL score typically refers to the older Paper-Based Test (PBT) or the current TOEFL ITP, representing a low-intermediate level, which is often not high enough for competitive university admissions; it's roughly equivalent to a score in the 60s on the modern 120-point iBT, whereas most universities require 80-100+ on the iBT for undergrad/grad programs, making 500 generally a low score for international academic goals. 

What is A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2?

A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 are the six levels of language proficiency defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), indicating a learner's ability from beginner (A1) to mastery (C2) in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with A=Basic, B=Independent, and C=Proficient users.
 

TOEFL iBT Scoring Explained in 3 minutes

Is TOEFL 600 good?

Many schools require applicant TOEFL scores of either 90 or 100 total points on the iBT or 580 or 600 on the PBT. So a score above 90 on the iBT or above 580 on the PBT is generally considered a pretty good score. But, again, whether you got a “good” or “bad” score depends on what you need your scores to do for you!

How rare is 120 in TOEFL?

A score of 120 on the TOEFL is the maximum possible score, meaning it's the rarest and best score, placing you in the 100th percentile (perfect) for all test-takers, indicating exceptional English proficiency, often required for top-tier universities or competitive programs. While not incredibly common, it's a realistic goal for highly proficient non-native speakers, with many scoring in the 100-115 range for excellent results, but 120 signifies absolute mastery.
 

Is it easy to get 79 in TOEFL?

According to official TOEFL percentiles for all test takers, a TOEFL 79 score falls in around the 38th percentile for all students, placing it just below the "good" threshold.

Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?

TOEFL: May be easier for those more comfortable with American English and multiple-choice questions. IELTS: May be easier for those who prefer a variety of question types and a face-to-face speaking test.

What is the lowest passing TOEFL score?

There is no a passing score for TOEFL test, because each university or other institution sets its own requirements (or passing score ) for TOEFL. The minimum result for TOEFL iBT normally varies from 61 points (for example, Bowling Green State University) to 109 (Harvard).

What is IELTS 7 equal to TOEFL?

For example, an IELTS score of 5.5 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 46 to 59; an IELTS score of 6.0 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 60 to 78; an IELTS score of 6.5 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 79 to 93; an IELTS score of 7.0 would correspond to TOEFL scores of 94 to 101; and so forth.

What is the full form of iBT?

Internet Based Trading (IBT)

What is a safe TOEFL score?

For the Internet-based Test (iBT), TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120 and are divided as follows: Top Universities: These institutions usually require higher scores, generally from 100 to 120. Average Universities: A good score would be in the range of 80 to 100 for students aiming for these universities.

What is a bad TOEFL score?

The minimum required total TOEFL scores range from 45-100 for different schools, with many schools requiring scores from 70-80. This is below the average TOEFL score from the 2022 data, which means that even a score that's not “good” based on average scores can be enough to get you into many schools.

Is TOEFL 110 a C1?

Understanding TOEFL Score C1 and TOEFL Score B2

If your university or employer asks for a C1 level, you need a TOEFL iBT score between 95 and 109. If they ask for B2, aim for a score between 72 and 94.

What happens if I fail the TOEFL?

Can You Retake the Exam if You Don't Get a Passing TOEFL Score? Of course! You are allowed to retake the TOEFL iBT as long as three days have passed since your previous test, and you may retake it as many times as you want.

What's the highest TOEFL score?

The TOEFL iBT test is scored on a scale of 0 to 120 points.

Is B2 level fluent?

Yes, B2 (Vantage/Upper Intermediate) is widely considered the first level of fluency, allowing for spontaneous, comfortable, and effective communication on a wide range of topics with native speakers without strain, though higher levels like C1/C2 offer even greater nuance and mastery. A B2 speaker can handle complex discussions, express opinions, and manage daily life and work situations, marking them as an independent user of the language, says The Linguist blog.
 

Is IELTS 7 equal to B2?

If your organisation requires an IELTS score of 5.5–6.5, this is equivalent to CEFR level B2. IELTS 7–8 correspond to CEFR level C1, which is the most widely accepted level for admission to universities in English-speaking countries.