TOEFL iBT Score Calculator
Calculate your overall TOEFL iBT score using the new 1–6 scale (since January 21, 2026) or the legacy 0–120 scale. Enter your section scores to see your overall band and where you stand.
Scoring scale updated January 21, 2026
TOEFL iBT moved to a 1–6 scale aligned with the Common European Framework. During a two-year transition period, score reports show both the new scale and a comparable 0–120 score.
What changed on January 21, 2026
TOEFL iBT transitioned from a 0–120 scale to a 1–6 scale in half-point increments (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, etc.). The new scale aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), making TOEFL scores directly comparable to other English proficiency tests like IELTS and Cambridge.
Test takers now receive four section scores (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) plus an overall score, all on the 1–6 scale. For two years (January 2026 to January 2028), official score reports include both the new scale and a comparable 0–120 score to help institutions and applicants bridge the transition.
How the overall score is formed and rounded
The overall band is the average of all four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band. If the average ends in .25, it rounds down; if it ends in .75, it rounds up.
| Section Scores | Average | Rounds to | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading 5.5 + Listening 5.0 + Speaking 5.0 + Writing 5.5 | 5.25 | 5.0 | .25 → rounds down |
| Reading 5.5 + Listening 5.5 + Speaking 5.0 + Writing 5.5 | 5.375 | 5.5 | .375 → rounds to nearest .5 |
| Reading 5.5 + Listening 5.5 + Speaking 5.5 + Writing 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | Exact half band, no rounding |
| Reading 5.5 + Listening 5.5 + Speaking 5.5 + Writing 6.0 | 5.625 | 5.5 | .625 → rounds down |
| Reading 5.5 + Listening 5.5 + Speaking 6.0 + Writing 6.0 | 5.75 | 6.0 | .75 → rounds up |
Rounding rule: .25 down, .75 up
When the average falls between two half bands (e.g., 5.25 or 5.75), ETS rounds to the nearest half band. Values ending in .25 round to the lower half band, and values ending in .75 round to the upper half band. This is the official ETS rounding method.
Overall score vs. per-section requirements
Many universities set a minimum overall TOEFL score (e.g., 5.5 on the 1–6 scale, or 95 on the 0–120 scale). Some also require minimum scores on specific sections: for example, a minimum Speaking score of 4.0. When evaluating your eligibility, always check both the overall requirement and any section-specific minima.
The overall score is calculated first from the section averages, then compared to the overall minimum. If a section falls below a stated minimum (even if your overall score meets the requirement), you may not meet the institution's criteria.
Reading a score report during the transition period
Official TOEFL iBT score reports issued between January 21, 2026 and January 21, 2028 show three pieces of information:
- 1–6 scale scores: your four section scores and overall band (the primary format going forward).
- CEFR level: your proficiency level (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, or C2) aligned to the Common European Framework.
- Comparable 0–120 score: a single overall score representing the midpoint of the corresponding range on the old scale, for reference.
After January 21, 2028, only the 1–6 scale and CEFR level will appear on reports. If you took the test before January 21, 2026, your official score remains on the 0–120 scale; TOEFL does not retroactively rescale older scores.
Frequently asked questions
How is the overall TOEFL score calculated?
The overall score is the average of your four section scores (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing), rounded to the nearest half band. For example, if your sections are 5.5, 5.0, 5.0, and 5.5, the average is 5.25, which rounds down to 5.0. If the average is 5.75, it rounds up to 6.0.
What is the CEFR level in the new TOEFL scoring system?
CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is an international standard for language proficiency. The new TOEFL 1–6 scale maps directly to CEFR levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2), making your TOEFL score comparable to IELTS, Cambridge, and other major English proficiency tests. Your official score report now shows your CEFR level alongside your 1–6 score.
Do universities still accept the old 0–120 scale?
Yes. During the two-year transition period (through January 2028), official score reports include a comparable 0–120 score. Many universities still accept and understand the old scale. However, starting in 2028, all new TOEFL scores will be reported only on the 1–6 scale, so institutions are gradually updating their admission criteria to use the new scale.
Can I convert my section scores from 0–30 to the new 1–6 scale?
Yes. Each section score on the 0–30 scale corresponds to a range of scores on the 1–6 scale. For example, a Reading score of 25–26 corresponds to approximately 5.5. However, the mapping is not one-to-one (multiple old scores map to the same new band). Use the legacy calculator above to see your 0–120 total, then refer to an ETS conversion table to estimate where your old scores would fall on the new scale.
What counts as a "good" TOEFL score?
On the new 1–6 scale, a "good" score depends on your target university. Most universities set a minimum overall score between 5.0 and 6.0. Highly selective institutions may require 5.5 or above, while others accept 4.5 or higher. Some also set section minimums (e.g., minimum 4.0 in Speaking). Always check your target institution's specific TOEFL requirements, as they vary widely.
Sources
Also try: IELTS Band Score Calculator for comparing English proficiency across tests.