Interpreting your TOEFL scores can sometimes feel confusing—especially when you’re trying to figure out what they say about your English proficiency or how they compare to IELTS results.

This guide will simplify things for you. It explains the TOEFL scoring system, breaks down the proficiency levels, and provides easy-to-read charts that map TOEFL scores to IELTS band scores. Whether you’ve taken the TOEFL iBT (0–120 scale) or the newer TOEFL Essentials (1–12 scale), you’ll find clear explanations to help you understand your results.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what your scores mean, how they compare to IELTS, and which scores you should aim for to achieve your academic or professional goals.

TOEFL iBT Scoring System

The TOEFL iBT evaluates four core skills—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored on a 0–30 scale, and your total score is the sum of all four, giving you a range of 0–120.

Each section score corresponds to proficiency levels. For example:

• Reading: Advanced = 24–30

• Listening: Advanced = 22–30

• Speaking: Advanced = 25–30

• Writing: Advanced = 24–30

This breakdown provides a detailed view of your strengths and areas needing improvement, instead of just one overall score.

Score Reports and Validity

• You’ll see unofficial Reading and Listening scores immediately after the test.

• Official results (including Speaking and Writing) are available in your ETS account within 6 days.

• TOEFL scores remain valid for 2 years, though ETS suggests younger learners use scores within 1 year.

High scores (especially above 100) reflect strong English ability—often required for competitive programs and professional opportunities.

TOEFL Essentials Scoring System

The TOEFL Essentials test is shorter (about 1.5 hours), more flexible, and scored on a 1–12 scale per section (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

Your overall score is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest half-band.
For example: (10 + 9 + 10 + 11) ÷ 4 = 10 → overall score = 10.

It’s designed for both academic and everyday contexts, though not all universities accept it. TOEFL iBT remains the more widely recognized choice for academic admissions.

TOEFL vs IELTS Score Comparison

Total Score Equivalency (TOEFL iBT → IELTS):

• 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

Section-by-Section Comparison
TOEFL section scores also map to IELTS bands for Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing—for example, a TOEFL Writing score of 28–29 corresponds to IELTS 7.5, while 30 equals IELTS 8–9. This is especially important when institutions set minimum requirements for each skill.

Choosing Between TOEFL and IELTS

• Format: TOEFL is mainly computer-based; IELTS offers both paper and computer formats with a face-to-face Speaking test.

• Acceptance: Most universities accept both, but always confirm the requirements of your target program.

• Personal Strengths: TOEFL favors multiple-choice and computer-based speaking, while IELTS may suit you better if you prefer written answers and in-person interaction.

University and Program Score Requirements

• Most universities require TOEFL iBT 80–100 (IELTS 6.5–7.5) for undergraduate admission.

• Top universities often expect 100+ (IELTS 7.5+).

• Graduate and professional programs (like law, business, medicine) usually demand higher overall and section-specific scores.

• Some programs emphasize certain sections: e.g., higher Writing scores for humanities or higher Speaking scores for communication-related majors.

Always check both general university requirements and program-specific expectations before registering.

Final Thoughts

TOEFL scores provide a standardized way to measure your English proficiency, and conversion charts make it easy to compare them with IELTS.

By fully understanding how TOEFL scoring works, you’ll be able to set clear goals, target your preparation effectively, and choose the test that best fits your needs. With the right strategy, your scores can unlock opportunities at universities, graduate schools, and professional programs worldwide.