Since 21 January 2026, TOEFL iBT scores use a 1–6 band scale. If your university still lists a requirement like 90 or 100, here is exactly how to read your new score against it.
How the band scale works
Every section, Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, gets a band from 1 to 6 in half-band steps, so 4, 4.5 and 5 are all possible section scores.
Your overall band is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest half band. Sections of 5, 5, 5.5 and 5.5 average 5.25, which rounds up to an overall 5.5.
How bands compare with 0–120
For a two-year transition period, ETS reports a comparable 0–120 total next to your band. These are the official comparisons for the overall score:
| Band | Comparable 0–120 | Approx. CEFR |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 114–120 | C2 |
| 5.5 | 107–113 | C1 |
| 5 | 95–106 | C1 |
| 4.5 | 86–94 | B2 |
| 4 | 72–85 | B2 |
| 3.5 | 58–71 | B1 |
| 3 | 44–57 | B1 |
So a university that asked for 90 is, in practice, looking for about a 4.5 overall, and a requirement of 100 sits inside band 5.
Section bands and the old 0–30 scores
ETS also maps each section band to the old 0–30 section scale. The ranges differ by section, because each section was scaled differently. A band 5, for example, matches roughly 24–26 in Reading but 22–25 in Listening.
If your target lists section minimums on the old scale, use a full conversion table rather than guessing. Our free score converter shows every section range from the official table.
Section minimums still matter
Many universities and scholarship programmes set a minimum for each section, often Speaking or Writing. A strong overall band will not help if one section is below the line.
- Read the full requirement, not just the overall number.
- Check whether the requirement allows MyBest or combined scores.
- If in doubt, email the admissions office and ask how they read the new scale.
What happens to old scores
Tests taken before 21 January 2026 keep their 0–120 scores and stay valid for two years from the test date. You do not need to convert them yourself. Institutions compare old and new scores using the official table.
Turn a requirement into a target band
- 01Find the overall requirement and any section minimums.
- 02Convert each one to a band using the official table.
- 03Add half a band of safety margin to your weakest section.
- 04Take a full practice test and compare your bands with the targets.
See your estimated band in all four sections with one free test.
Start freeQuvo is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with ETS. Check ets.org/toefl for official test information.
