TOEFL Score Conversion: New 1–6 Band to Old 0–120 Chart
TOEFL score conversion is simple once you see the chart. Since 21 January 2026, TOEFL iBT reports scores on a 1–6 band scale, and ETS publishes a concordance that links each band to a CEFR level and to the old 0–120 scale. For example, band 5 matches CEFR C1 and starts at 95 on the old scale.
Quick answer: New TOEFL bands map to the old 0–120 scale like this: 6 = 114+, 5.5 = 107+, 5 = 95+, 4.5 = 86+, 4 = 72+, 3.5 = 58+, 3 = 44+. ETS advises schools that used to require 100 to now use band 5. A comparable 0–120 score is shown on your report until about January 2028.
Here's the full chart, what it means for your target, and how your overall band is calculated.
Why TOEFL scores changed in 2026
TOEFL iBT moved to a new format on 21 January 2026. The test is now adaptive, takes about 90 minutes of questions, and scored on a new scale (ETS test content).
Each section, and your overall score, is now reported from 1 to 6 in half bands. That makes TOEFL easier to compare with CEFR levels, but it confuses anyone used to the old 0–120 numbers.
To help during the switch, ETS also shows a comparable 0–120 score on score reports until about January 2028.
The TOEFL score conversion chart (1–6 to 0–120)
This table comes from ETS's score comparison page. The "old score from" column shows where each band starts on the 0–120 scale.
New TOEFL band (1–6) | CEFR level | Old 0–120 score from |
|---|---|---|
6 | C2 | 114 |
5.5 | C1 | 107 |
5 | C1 | 95 |
4.5 | B2 | 86 |
4 | B2 | 72 |
3.5 | B1 | 58 |
3 | B1 | 44 |
2.5 | A2 | 34 |
2 | A2 | 24 |
1.5 | A1 | 12 |
1 | A1 | 0 |
How to read the chart
Each band covers a range on the old scale, from its own starting point up to just below the next band's starting point. So band 5 roughly covers old scores from 95 up to 106, and band 4.5 roughly covers 86 up to 94.
Going the other way works too. If your old-format score was 90, find the highest "from" value that is not above 90. That's 86, so 90 sits at band 4.5 (B2).
What "band 5" means if a school asks for 100
This is the question most students ask. Many universities used to list "TOEFL 100" as their requirement. Under the new scale, ETS advises schools that previously required 100 to now use band 5 (ETS score comparison).
What this means for you:
If your school's page still says 100, a band 5 is the ETS-recommended equivalent.
Some schools may update their pages to say "band 5" or "C1." Others may take time to change.
If the page is unclear, email admissions and ask: "Do you accept a new-format TOEFL overall band 5 in place of 100?"
Always follow the school's own written answer. ETS advises schools, but each school sets its own rules.
CEFR levels at a glance
CEFR levels are a common way universities and visa systems describe English ability. Here's how the TOEFL bands group:
CEFR level | TOEFL bands |
|---|---|
C2 | 6 |
C1 | 5, 5.5 |
B2 | 4, 4.5 |
B1 | 3, 3.5 |
A2 | 2, 2.5 |
A1 | 1, 1.5 |
If a program asks for "B2," you need at least band 4. If it asks for "C1," you need at least band 5.
How your overall TOEFL band is calculated
Your overall band is the average of your four section bands, rounded to the nearest half band. The four sections are Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking.
Here are three worked examples:
Reading | Listening | Writing | Speaking | Average | Overall band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.0 | 5 |
5.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.875 | 5 |
4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.375 | 4.5 |
Notice the second row. One strong section (Reading 5.5) helped pull the average up to round to band 5, even with Writing and Speaking at 4.5. That's why it pays to push your best section as well as fix your weakest.
MyBest scores: what they are
TOEFL iBT offers MyBest scores. In short, MyBest is designed to bring together your best section results from your valid tests, so one weaker day doesn't define your whole report.
For example, if your Reading was stronger on your first test and your Speaking was stronger on your second, MyBest aims to show both. Check the current MyBest details on the ETS site, and confirm that your school accepts MyBest before you count on it.
TOEFL also lets you retake as many times as you need, but you can only take one test in any 3-day period. Scores are valid for 2 years and usually arrive in about 3 days.
Common conversion mistakes to avoid
Treating band 5 as "5 out of 120." The new scale runs from 1 to 6. Band 5 is a C1 result.
Assuming every school updated. Some pages may still show old numbers. Ask if you're unsure.
Forgetting section minimums. Some schools set minimums for each section, not just overall.
Mixing up TOEFL iBT for Australia. If you're applying for an Australian visa, you need that specific version.
Key takeaways
TOEFL iBT now scores 1–6 in half bands, overall and per section.
Band 5 = C1 and starts at 95 on the old scale.
ETS advises schools that required 100 to now use band 5.
Overall = average of four sections, rounded to the nearest half band.
A comparable 0–120 score appears on reports until about January 2028.
MyBest is offered, but check that your school accepts it.
FAQ
What is a TOEFL band 5 on the old scale?
Band 5 starts at 95 on the old 0–120 scale, and band 5.5 starts at 107. So band 5 roughly covers 95 to 106. It matches CEFR C1.
Is TOEFL 100 equal to band 5?
ETS advises schools that previously required 100 to now use band 5. Check your school's page or ask admissions to confirm.
What is a good TOEFL score in 2026?
It depends on your goal. If your program asks for C1, you need band 5 or above; for B2, band 4 or above. Check each program's own requirement before you set a target.
Will my TOEFL report still show a 0–120 score?
Yes, for now. ETS shows a comparable 0–120 score until about January 2028.
How is the overall TOEFL score rounded?
The four section bands are averaged, then rounded to the nearest half band.
Do old TOEFL scores still count?
TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years. If your old-format test is still within 2 years, use the chart above to see its equivalent band.
Find your band before test day
Want to know your band now? Take a free TOEFL practice test with AI scoring to estimate your result on the new scale. Then check your target on our score requirements page and build your plan in the Student Hub.
Checked against official sources on 26 October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm on the official site before you book.
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