TOEFL iBT scores changed on January 21, 2026. Scores are now bands from 1 to 6, but many universities still write their requirements on the old 0–120 scale. This page explains the new scale, shows how each band compares with CEFR levels and with 0–120 scores, and has a converter that works in both directions.
By the Prepiva team · Last reviewed · How we make and review our content
For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, ETS reports each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking) on a scale from 1 to 6, in half steps: 1, 1.5, 2 and so on up to 6.
Your overall score is on the same scale. It is the average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band. On the old scale, the total was the sum of the section scores; now it is an average.
ETS gives two examples of the rounding: an average of 5.125 becomes 5, and an average of 5.25 becomes 5.5. Here is a full example:
| Reading | Listening | Writing | Speaking | Average | Overall band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.375 | 4.5 |
The new scale also lines up with the CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. A band means the same CEFR level in every section and in the overall score.
The test itself changed on the same day: read about the 2026 test format.
| 1–6 band | CEFR level | Comparable 0–120 range |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | C2 | 114–120 |
| 5.5 | C1 | 107–113 |
| 5 | C1 | 95–106 |
| 4.5 | B2 | 86–94 |
| 4 | B2 | 72–85 |
| 3.5 | B1 | 58–71 |
| 3 | B1 | 44–57 |
| 2.5 | A2 | 34–43 |
| 2 | A2 | 24–33 |
| 1.5 | A1 | 12–23 |
| 1 | A1 | 0–11 |
How to read it: ETS publishes the lowest comparable 0–120 score for each band (for example 95 for band 5). Each range in the table runs from that number to one point below the next band’s starting point. ETS confirms, for example, that band 5 corresponds to 95–106.
Several 0–120 scores share one band, and the bands are not all the same width: band 4 covers 14 points (72–85), band 5.5 covers 7 (107–113).
On score reports until January 2028, ETS also prints one comparable 0–120 number for your overall band: the middle of its range. For example, an overall band of 4.5 comes with a comparable score of 90.
A band of 4 is CEFR level B2. On the 0–120 scale, it compares with 72–85.
This converter uses ETS’s published comparison. It compares the two scales; it does not predict a test result.
There is no single good score. Each university, employer or agency sets its own requirement, and many still write it on the 0–120 scale. To read a requirement:
ETS notes that a 0–120 score near the middle of a band’s range is a more reliable guide than one near the edge. If a requirement sits at the edge of a range, for example 85 or 86, aim for the higher band.
Comparing with IELTS? ETS publishes its own comparison table, based on a study that compared TOEFL iBT and IELTS scores. For example, ETS lists an overall TOEFL iBT score of 4.5 next to an IELTS score of 6.5. See the full table on ETS’s score scale page. For the two tests side by side, with the CEFR level each score stands for, compare with IELTS.
TOEFL iBT scores stay valid for two years.
For tests taken between January 2026 and January 2028, each score report shows three things: your CEFR level, your 1–6 overall and section scores, and a comparable 0–120 overall score. From January 2028, reports show only the 1–6 scale.
Because scores stay valid for two years, universities may still see a few scores from tests taken before January 21, 2026, on the 0–120 scale, until late 2027.
Prepiva’s score report uses the same 1–6 scale, the same CEFR levels and the same comparable ranges. But a Prepiva band is a practice estimate. We convert the points you earn in each section into a band with a simpler method than ETS uses, and the Writing and Speaking ratings come from AI and are provisional. A Prepiva band shows your level on the same scale; it cannot predict the score ETS will report.
Read how Prepiva estimates bands, or get a band estimate with the free practice test. Prepiva is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with ETS. About Prepiva.
Practice Exam 01
Overall band
4.5/ 6
Illustrative values. Writing and Speaking bands are provisional AI ratings. Practice estimates, not official ETS scores.
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From 1 to 6, in half steps, for each of the four sections and for the overall score.
Find the score in the table or type it into the converter on this page. For example, 100 is in the 95–106 range, which compares with band 5 (C1).
It depends on where you apply. Check each institution’s requirement and compare it with the table on this page, including any section minimums.
Yes, for now. Until January 2028, ETS adds a comparable 0–120 overall score to each report. After that, reports show only the 1–6 scale.
Two years.
No. A Prepiva band is a practice estimate on the same scale. It cannot predict the score ETS will report.
