How TOEFL scores work after January 2026
For TOEFL iBT tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, you receive five band scores: one each for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, plus an overall score. Every score uses the same 1–6 scale in 0.5 increments, making section profiles easier to compare directly.
The scale was designed with CEFR alignment built in. A 4.5 has the same B2 CEFR interpretation whether it appears in Reading or Speaking. That does not mean the section tasks are interchangeable; it means the reported proficiency band uses a common frame.
During the transition through January 2028, official reports also display a comparable overall estimate on the previous 0–120 scale. This lets applicants respond when an institution has not yet updated its published threshold. The official report already supplies that comparison, so you do not need to submit a self-converted result.
TOEFL 1–6 score chart
The table combines ETS's direct CEFR mapping with its published comparison ranges for the former total scale. The midpoint is a planning estimate derived from each range; an official score report, not this table, is the authoritative result.
| TOEFL band | CEFR | Comparable 0–120 range | Range midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | C2 | 114–120 | 117 |
| 5.5 | C1 | 107–113 | 110 |
| 5.0 | C1 | 95–106 | 101 |
| 4.5 | B2 | 86–94 | 90 |
| 4.0 | B2 | 72–85 | 79 |
| 3.5 | B1 | 58–71 | 65 |
| 3.0 | B1 | 44–57 | 51 |
| 2.5 | A2 | 34–43 | 39 |
| 2.0 | A2 | 24–33 | 29 |
| 1.5 | A1 | 12–23 | 18 |
| 1.0 | A1 | 0–11 | 6 |
TOEFL 1–6 and CEFR comparison
Bands 1.0 and 1.5 align with A1; 2.0 and 2.5 with A2; 3.0 and 3.5 with B1; 4.0 and 4.5 with B2; 5.0 and 5.5 with C1; and 6.0 with C2. CEFR levels describe broad proficiency, so the half bands add useful detail inside a level.
Use CEFR as an interpretation aid, not as permission to substitute any exam score automatically. Universities decide which tests they accept and how they set thresholds. A program can also require a particular overall band plus minimum bands in one or more sections.
TOEFL 1–6 and 0–120 comparison
The comparison ranges help institutions interpret valid scores from before January 21, 2026 and help applicants understand older admissions pages. They are not a claim that two people at opposite ends of a range performed identically on every language skill.
Several old totals can map to the same new half band because the reporting systems have different granularity. ETS gives 5.0 as the band associated with an old total range of 95–106 and 4.5 with 86–94. When a school still lists 100, ETS recommends a 5.0 institutional requirement rather than mechanically increasing it to 5.5; individual institutions remain responsible for their own policy.
How the overall score is calculated
Add the four section bands, divide by four, and round the result to the nearest half band. With Reading 5.0, Listening 4.5, Speaking 4.0, and Writing 4.5, the mean is 4.5, so the overall band is 4.5. With a mean exactly halfway between bands, ETS examples show rounding upward: 5.25 becomes 5.5.
Averages can hide an important weakness. Two learners can have the same overall band with different section profiles, and a program may reject an otherwise sufficient overall result when a required section minimum is missing. Always keep the four inputs beside the average.
What each TOEFL band means
A1 bands indicate basic ability in familiar, highly supported communication. A2 bands indicate elementary ability across common tasks. B1 bands indicate independent communication in many familiar academic and campus situations. B2 bands indicate the stronger independent proficiency commonly considered for higher education. C1 bands indicate advanced, flexible academic communication, while C2 represents the top reported level.
Those summaries are intentionally broad. A complete interpretation should use the official section performance descriptors, the demands of your chosen program, and evidence from actual writing and speaking responses. A band is a standardized result, not a diagnosis of every vocabulary, grammar, or study skill problem.
How universities use the new scores
ETS does not set a universal pass or fail mark. Each institution decides its requirement, and different departments or degree levels can set different overall and section minimums. Requirements are still being updated, so record the exact program page, intake, date checked, and whether the policy refers to tests before or after January 21, 2026.
If a university page still lists 0–120, compare that requirement with the comparable overall estimate already shown on your official report and contact admissions if the policy is ambiguous. Do not send a screenshot from a third-party conversion tool as evidence of an official score.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good TOEFL score on the 1–6 scale?
A good score is one that meets the overall and section requirements of every target program. As a general language interpretation, 4–4.5 aligns with B2 and 5–5.5 with C1, but admissions policies are institution-specific.
What does a TOEFL 5.0 mean?
A 5.0 aligns with CEFR C1 and corresponds to a former total-score range of about 95–106. It is a band, so it should not be treated as one exact old score.
What does a TOEFL 4.5 mean?
A 4.5 aligns with CEFR B2 and corresponds to a former total-score range of about 86–94. ETS uses 90 as the midpoint comparison value.
Are section scores also reported from 1 to 6?
Yes. Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing each receive a 1–6 band in 0.5 increments, as does the overall result.
Will universities accept the new score scale?
Institutions set and update their own policies. Official reports show both the 1–6 scores and a comparable overall 0–120 estimate through January 2028 to support the transition.
Sources and editorial method
Facts that can change were checked against the following official ETS pages on July 24, 2026. Explanations and study advice are original Academic English Hub editorial content.