TOEFL scores
TOEFL scores explained
The TOEFL iBT now reports on a 1 to 6 scale. Here is what the scores mean, how the overall is worked out, how the old 0 to 120 number still fits, and what universities ask for.
The 1 to 6 scale
Since January 2026, each of the four sections is scored from 1 to 6 in half-point steps. Your overall score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band, so a single weak section pulls the average down rather than being hidden in a total.
For example, Reading 5, Listening 5, Speaking 4 and Writing 4 average to 4.5. A section score of 5 lines up with CEFR C1, the level demanding university study expects.
TOEFL and CEFR levels
| CEFR level | TOEFL section score (1 to 6) | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| C2 | 6 | Proficient: handles virtually all English with ease. |
| C1 | 5 to 5.5 | Advanced: ready for demanding university study. |
| B2 | 4 to 4.5 | Upper-intermediate: meets most undergraduate entry levels. |
| B1 | 3 to 3.5 | Intermediate: copes with familiar academic topics. |
| A2 | 2 to 2.5 | Elementary: basic everyday communication. |
| A1 | 1 to 1.5 | Beginner: a few familiar words and phrases. |
Alignment from ETS. A section score of 5 corresponds to CEFR C1 across all four sections.
The 0 to 120 comparable score
A comparable 0 to 120 overall score appears on score reports until January 2028; most published university requirements are still written on this scale.
On the old scale, each section was scored 0 to 30 and the overall was the sum, out of 120. Treat the 1 to 6 number as your official result and the 0 to 120 number as the translation for requirement pages that have not updated yet.
What score do universities want?
There is no pass mark; each university sets its own. As a guide for common goals:
| Goal | Typical target | CEFR |
|---|---|---|
| Many undergraduate programmes | 4 to 4.5 (about 72 to 94 on 0 to 120) | B2 |
| More selective universities | 5 (about 95 to 110 on 0 to 120) | C1 |
| Top, language-heavy programmes | 5.5 to 6 (about 110+ on 0 to 120) | C1 to C2 |
A guide only. Always confirm the exact requirement on your programme page before you book.
How Speaking and Writing are scored
Reading and Listening are scored by the computer. Speaking and Writing are scored against ETS proficiency levels, then placed on the 1 to 6 scale. ETS names the section levels as follows:
Reading and Listening
- Advanced
- High-Intermediate
- Low-Intermediate
- Below Low-Intermediate
Speaking and Writing
- Advanced
- High-Intermediate
- Low-Intermediate
- Basic
- Below Basic
For the exact score ranges behind each level, see the official ETS Performance Descriptors. Writing and Speaking are where students most often score below target. The Atenu course gives AI feedback on each, with a score estimate and the changes to make next.
TOEFL scores FAQ
How is the overall TOEFL score calculated now?
Each of the four sections is scored from 1 to 6 in half-point steps. Your overall score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band. This changed in January 2026; before that the overall score was the sum of four 0 to 30 sections, out of 120.
Why does my score report still show a number out of 120?
A comparable 0 to 120 overall score appears on score reports until January 2028; most published university requirements are still written on this scale. Use the 1 to 6 score as the official result, and the 0 to 120 number when a university requirement page is written that way.
Is there a passing TOEFL score?
There are no passing or failing TOEFL scores. Each university sets its own minimum. A common pattern is CEFR B2 (about a 4) for many undergraduate programmes and C1 (a 5) for more selective ones, but always confirm the exact requirement on your programme page.
How long is a TOEFL score valid?
A TOEFL score is valid for 2 years from the test date. Many universities prefer scores from the last two years, so plan your test date to still be valid when you apply.