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Score Conversion

TOEFL Score Converter: New 1–6 Scale vs Old 0–120

On January 21, 2026 the TOEFL iBT moved from the 0–120 total to a 1–6 scale in half-point increments. Your overall score is now the average of your four section bands, not their sum. Convert either direction below.

5

on the 1–6 scale

CEFR C1

What actually changed

The scale

Each section is reported from 1 to 6 in half-point steps. There is no 0–30 section score and no 0–120 total on new score reports.

The maths

The overall band is an average, rounded to the nearest half band. An average of 5.125 rounds to 5; 5.25 rounds to 5.5.

The transition

For two years, reports also show a comparable 0–120 total, so older scores and new ones can be read side by side.

Total score conversion

The lowest legacy total that maps to each band.

Band (1–6)Legacy total (0–120)
6114+
5.5107+
595+
4.586+
472+
3.558+
344+
2.534+
224+
1.512+
10+

Section score conversion

Each section converts on its own table — the same 0–30 raw score does not produce the same band in every section.

Reading

BandOld 0–30
629–30
5.527–28
524–26
4.522–23
418–21
3.512–17
36–11
2.54–5
23
1.52
10–1

Listening

BandOld 0–30
628–30
5.526–27
522–25
4.520–21
417–19
3.513–16
39–12
2.56–8
24–5
1.52–3
10–1

Speaking

BandOld 0–30
628–30
5.527
525–26
4.523–24
420–22
3.518–19
316–17
2.513–15
210–12
1.55–9
10–4

Writing

BandOld 0–30
629–30
5.527–28
524–26
4.521–23
417–20
3.515–16
313–14
2.511–12
27–10
1.53–6
10–2

Conversion tables transcribed from the official ETS score scale update —check the source

Frequently asked questions

When did the TOEFL scoring scale change?

The new scale took effect on January 21, 2026. Tests taken on or after that date are reported on a 1–6 scale in half-point increments. Scores from before the change remain on the 0–120 scale and are still valid.

How is the overall TOEFL score calculated now?

Each of the four sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing — receives its own 1–6 band. The overall score is the average of those four bands, rounded to the nearest half band. This is a change from the old system, where the total was the sum of the four section scores.

Will universities still accept my old 0–120 score?

Yes. For a two-year transition period after January 2026, score reports include a comparable overall score on the 0–120 scale alongside the new band, so institutions can read either. Many programs currently publish both numbers in their admissions requirements.

What is a good score on the new 1–6 TOEFL scale?

It depends entirely on the program. As a rough orientation, a band of 4.5 corresponds to a legacy total of about 86 and a band of 5 to about 95 — the range most competitive university programs used to ask for. Always check the requirement published by the specific institution.

See your band on a real mock exam

Mock Test 01 is a full-length TOEFL iBT in the 2026 format and reports your result on the 1–6 scale. Free, no account needed.

Start the free mock exam