TOEFL iBT scores on the new 1–6 scale: what they mean and how they compare to 0–120
Since 21 January 2026, TOEFL iBT reports a score from 1 to 6, in half-point steps, for each of Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, plus an overall score that is the average of the four rounded to the nearest half point (an average of 5.25 becomes 5.5). The scale lines up with CEFR. 6 is C2, 5–5.5 is C1, 4–4.5 is B2 and 3–3.5 is B1. For two years, reports also show a comparable 0–120 total.
The switch from 0–120 to 1–6 confused a lot of people, including some admissions offices. The idea is simple once you see it: the new scale is designed to match CEFR levels directly.
How the score is built
- Each of the four sections gets a score from 1 to 6, in half points: 1, 1.5, 2 … 5.5, 6.
- Your overall score is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half point.
- ETS gives this example: an average of 5.25 is reported as 5.5.
So Reading 5.0, Listening 5.5, Writing 4.5, Speaking 5.0 gives an average of 5.0, and an overall score of 5.0.
The link to CEFR
| TOEFL score | CEFR level | What it roughly means |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | C2 | Near-expert command of academic English |
| 5–5.5 | C1 | Comfortable in demanding university study |
| 4–4.5 | B2 | Can manage most university study, with some limits |
| 3–3.5 | B1 | Independent in everyday situations |
| 2–2.5 | A2 | Basic everyday communication |
| 1–1.5 | A1 | Beginner |
Many universities that used to ask for "TOEFL 90" or "TOEFL 100" are now writing their requirements as a TOEFL band, a CEFR level, or both.
Comparing with the old 0–120 scores
ETS publishes a comparison for tests taken before 21 January 2026. Here are the main rows:
| 1–6 score | Reading (0–30) | Listening (0–30) | Speaking (0–30) | Writing (0–30) | Total (0–120) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 29–30 | 28–30 | 28–30 | 29–30 | 114+ |
| 5.5 | 27–28 | 26–27 | 27 | 27–28 | 107+ |
| 5 | 24–26 | 22–25 | 25–26 | 24–26 | 95+ |
| 4.5 | 22–23 | 20–21 | 23–24 | 21–23 | 86+ |
| 4 | 18–21 | 17–19 | 20–22 | 17–20 | 72+ |
| 3.5 | 12–17 | 13–16 | 18–19 | 15–16 | 58+ |
| 3 | 6–11 | 9–12 | 16–17 | 13–14 | 44+ |
Source: ETS, "TOEFL Score Comparison for Tests Taken Before January 21, 2026". Check the ETS website for the full table.
Rough rule: an old 100 sits around a new 5, and an old 80 to 90 sits around 4 to 4.5.
Find out where you are todayTry a free TOEFL iBT style practice in any skill, then sit a full timed practice test with 1–6 scores in minutes.
Start free practiceThe 0–120 score during the transition
For a two-year transition period after January 2026, score reports also include a comparable 0–120 total, representing the midpoint of the matching range. This is meant to help institutions that haven't updated their requirements yet. Your official score is the 1–6 score.
What a half point means in practice
Half a point on the new scale is a bigger step than one or two points on the old 0–120 scale. Moving from 4.5 to 5.0 overall is roughly the gap between an old 86–94 and an old 95+. That's why it is worth knowing which section is pulling your average down: lifting one section by a full point can lift the overall by half a point.
How AIL practice tests score you
Our TOEFL iBT style practice tests report each section on the 1–6 scale, with the overall score rounded the same way and the matching CEFR level. Reading and Listening are scored instantly; Writing and Speaking are marked by AI. Scores are estimates: ETS does not publish its exact conversion from raw answers to section scores.
Check one discussion post freePaste your writing and get an estimated 0–5 score with corrections in about 30 seconds. No account needed.
Check my writingQuestions people also ask
What is a good TOEFL score in 2026?
For most undergraduate programs, 4.5 or above overall. Competitive postgraduate programs often want 5 or more. Check each institution's requirement.
How is the TOEFL overall score calculated?
It is the average of the four section scores on the 1–6 scale, rounded to the nearest half point. An average of 5.25 becomes 5.5.
What is TOEFL 100 on the new scale?
On the ETS comparison table, a total of 95 or more corresponds to about 5, and 107 or more to about 5.5.
Do score reports still show 0–120?
Yes, for a two-year transition period after January 2026, reports include a comparable 0–120 total.