IELTS to TOEFL Converter
Enter your IELTS Academic band, see the equivalent TOEFL iBT score on both the new 1 to 6 scale and the legacy 0 to 120 scale, and instantly know what your result unlocks for university admission worldwide.
Your IELTS Band
Enter your IELTS Academic overall band from your test report (0 to 9 in 0.5 steps).
IELTS and TOEFL iBT use different scales for the same skills
Both tests measure academic English (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). They report results differently: IELTS 0 to 9 by 0.5, TOEFL legacy 0 to 120, TOEFL new 1 to 6 (introduced in 2026). The ETS-published comparison maps between them.
Find your IELTS band in the comparison table
IELTS 7.5 corresponds to TOEFL 95 to 109 on the legacy scale, or roughly 5.0 on the new scale. The TOEFL range is wide because TOEFL legacy has more granularity.
Both TOEFL scales are reported during the transition
In 2026, ETS reports both the new 1 to 6 scale and the legacy 0 to 120 scale on every TOEFL score report. Universities accept either format. This converter shows both equivalents.
Check the per-program threshold
Most US graduate programs accept either test with TOEFL 100+ (5.0+ new) or IELTS 7.0+. Top programs require TOEFL 105 to 110+ (5.5+ new) or IELTS 7.5+. Always verify with the specific program.
IELTS and TOEFL iBT: same destination, different format
Two things to understand before reading either result.
IELTS Academic: human Speaking, paper or computer
The IELTS Academic is co-owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS Australia, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Available in paper-based and computer-delivered formats. The Speaking section is always a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner (recorded for quality control). Mix of British, Australian, North American, and other accents in audio. Scores reported as 0 to 9 by 0.5 per skill, with overall band as the rounded average.
Use the IELTS Band Score Calculator to compute your IELTS overall band from per-skill scores.
TOEFL iBT: ETS-built, fully computer-delivered
TOEFL iBT is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service). Fully computer-delivered, with typed Writing responses and recorded Speaking responses (no human interviewer). Strong American English bias in audio. As of 2026, scores report on both the new 1 to 6 scale (per skill and overall) and the legacy 0 to 30 per skill / 0 to 120 overall scale during the transition window.
Use the TOEFL iBT Score Calculator to convert per-section scores between the new and legacy scales.
IELTS Academic to TOEFL iBT score
Per the ETS-published comparison. The conversion is approximate; use it as a sanity check, not as proof of equivalence.
| IELTS Band | TOEFL legacy | TOEFL new | What this unlocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 117 to 120 | 6.0 | Top programs (any university worldwide) |
| 8.5 | 110 to 116 | 5.5 | Top US, UK, Australian graduate programs |
| 8.0 | 110 to 116 | 5.5 | Top US, UK, Australian graduate programs |
| 7.5 | 95 to 109 | 5.0 | Most US, UK, Australian graduate programs |
| 7.0 | 95 to 109 | 5.0 | Most US, UK, Australian graduate programs |
| 6.5 | 79 to 94 | 4.5 | Most US, UK, Australian undergraduate programs |
| 6.0 | 60 to 78 | 4.0 | Some undergraduate programs; foundation pathways |
| 5.5 | 46 to 59 | 3.5 | Foundation, pathway, and language programs |
| 5.0 | 35 to 45 | 3.0 | Pre-sessional language programs only |
Both TOEFL scales are reported on every TOEFL score report during the 2026 transition. Universities accept either format.
When IELTS is the right choice vs when TOEFL is
Both tests are widely accepted. The decision usually depends on the program list and visa requirements.
Most US graduate programs accept both. TOEFL has historical preference at some US institutions. Top US programs typically require TOEFL 100+ (5.0+ new) or IELTS 7.0+, with per-skill minimums.
Most US undergraduate programs accept both. Typical minimums: TOEFL 79+ (4.5 new) or IELTS 6.5. Selective universities often require TOEFL 100+ (5.0+ new) or IELTS 7.0+.
For UK student visas, you must take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). IELTS for UKVI Academic is the most common pick. TOEFL is accepted by many UK universities for academic admission, but you will likely need a UKVI-approved test for the visa itself. IELTS covers both purposes.
Most Canadian universities prefer IELTS Academic, often with band 6.5+ for undergraduate and 7.0+ for graduate. TOEFL is widely accepted but may carry stricter minimums. For Canadian Permanent Residence, take IELTS General Training (NOT TOEFL, NOT IELTS Academic).
Most Australian universities accept both with similar thresholds. IELTS is also accepted for Australian student visas (subclass 500). TOEFL is accepted for student visas if the university requires it.
IRCC does NOT accept TOEFL iBT for Express Entry or any Canadian PR program. The accepted English tests are IELTS General Training (NOT IELTS Academic), CELPIP-General, and PTE Core. Take TOEFL only if you also need it for US graduate admission.
IELTS to TOEFL questions, answered
How do I convert my IELTS band to a TOEFL iBT score?
IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT both measure academic English. Per the ETS-published comparison: IELTS 9.0 = TOEFL 117 to 120 (new 6.0); IELTS 8.5 / 8.0 = TOEFL 110 to 116 (new 5.5); IELTS 7.5 / 7.0 = TOEFL 95 to 109 (new 5.0); IELTS 6.5 = TOEFL 79 to 94 (new 4.5); IELTS 6.0 = TOEFL 60 to 78 (new 4.0); IELTS 5.5 = TOEFL 46 to 59 (new 3.5); IELTS 5.0 = TOEFL 35 to 45 (new 3.0). The conversion is approximate, since the two tests use different question formats and scoring weights.
What is the new TOEFL 1 to 6 scale and how does it map to IELTS?
In 2026, ETS introduced a new TOEFL iBT score reporting scale of 1 to 6 (in 0.5 increments) per skill, with the overall score also on the 1 to 6 scale. The new scale aligns more closely with IELTS (which uses 0 to 9 by 0.5). Mapping: IELTS 9.0 = TOEFL 6.0; IELTS 8.0 to 8.5 = TOEFL 5.5; IELTS 7.0 to 7.5 = TOEFL 5.0; IELTS 6.5 = TOEFL 4.5; IELTS 6.0 = TOEFL 4.0; IELTS 5.5 = TOEFL 3.5; IELTS 5.0 = TOEFL 3.0. The legacy 0 to 120 scale is still reported alongside the new scale during the transition.
Why does IELTS 7.0 and IELTS 7.5 both map to TOEFL 95 to 109?
Because the two tests have different scoring resolutions. IELTS uses 0 to 9 by 0.5 (19 levels). TOEFL legacy uses 0 to 120 (121 possible scores). A single IELTS half-band can correspond to a wide range of TOEFL scores. The ETS-published table groups IELTS 7.0 and 7.5 together because the boundary between them is fuzzy in the TOEFL scoring distribution. Where you land within the TOEFL 95 to 109 range depends on per-skill performance.
Do US universities accept IELTS the same as TOEFL?
In 2026, yes for nearly all US universities. Over 3,400 US institutions accept IELTS, including all Ivy League schools, most flagship state universities, and most graduate programs. A handful of smaller US universities still TOEFL-only, but they are the minority. Always verify with the specific program. For most US applications, either test works; pick the one you score better on.
Should I switch from IELTS to TOEFL?
Switch only if your target program requires TOEFL specifically (uncommon today) or if you score significantly better on TOEFL practice tests. Reasons to switch: you prefer typed Writing over handwritten essays, you prefer recorded Speaking over a face-to-face interview, you find IELTS Reading too time-pressured, or you find TOEFL multiple-choice formats easier than IELTS open-ended questions. Reasons to stay with IELTS: you have a good score already, you also need it for visas (UK Home Office, Canadian PR, Australian PR), or your program lists IELTS first.
What TOEFL score equals IELTS 7.5 for graduate admission?
IELTS 7.5 is roughly equivalent to TOEFL 102 to 109 on the legacy scale (or 5.0 on the new scale). Most US graduate programs that accept TOEFL list a minimum of 100 on the legacy scale, which corresponds to IELTS 7.0 to 7.5. Top programs (Harvard, Stanford, MIT, etc.) often list a minimum of 100 to 110 with per-skill minimums (typically 25+ per skill on legacy). IELTS 7.5 with 7.0+ per skill is comparable to TOEFL 102+ with 25+ per skill.
Are TOEFL scores accepted for Canadian Permanent Residence?
No. IRCC does NOT accept TOEFL iBT for Express Entry or any Canadian PR program. The accepted English tests are IELTS General Training (NOT IELTS Academic), CELPIP-General, and PTE Core. If your goal is Canadian PR, do not take TOEFL for the immigration component. Take TOEFL iBT only if you also need it for US graduate admission (most Canadian universities accept IELTS Academic for academic admission, so TOEFL is rarely needed for Canada-only goals).
Can I use my IELTS score and a TOEFL score from the same year?
Yes. Both are valid for 2 years from their respective test dates, and most universities accept whichever one you submit. There is no rule against having both. Some candidates take both tests when applying to mixed-region universities (e.g., US + UK + Australia) and submit whichever score is stronger to each program. The cost of taking both is high, so most candidates pick one based on the application list.
Keep going
IELTS Band Score Calculator →
Calculate your IELTS overall band from per-skill scores. Includes Academic vs General Training distinctions and CLB conversion.
TOEFL iBT Score Calculator →
Calculate your TOEFL iBT overall from per-section inputs. Convert between the new 1 to 6 scale and the legacy 0 to 120 scale.
TOEFL to IELTS Converter →
Reverse direction: convert TOEFL iBT scores (new or legacy scale) to IELTS Academic bands.
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Start PracticingIELTS is a registered trademark of the British Council, IDP IELTS Australia, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. TOEFL is a registered trademark of ETS (Educational Testing Service). This converter is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations. Conversion based on the ETS-published comparison table.
