TOEFL to IELTS Converter
Enter your TOEFL iBT score on either the new 1 to 6 scale or the legacy 0 to 120 scale, see the equivalent IELTS Academic band, and instantly know what your result unlocks for university admission worldwide.
Your TOEFL iBT Score
Pick your TOEFL scale and enter your overall score.
TOEFL iBT and IELTS use different scales for the same skills
Both tests measure academic English (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). They report results differently: TOEFL legacy 0 to 120 (or new 1 to 6), IELTS 0 to 9 by 0.5. The ETS-published comparison maps between them.
Find your TOEFL score in the comparison table
On the legacy scale, TOEFL 100 sits in the 95 to 109 band. On the new scale, that is roughly 5.0. The bands are wide because IELTS has fewer levels (19) than TOEFL legacy (121).
The IELTS band at that range is the equivalent
TOEFL 100 (legacy) or 5.0 (new) maps to IELTS 7.0 to 7.5. Where in the range you land depends on per-skill performance, not the overall alone.
Check the per-program threshold
Most US graduate programs accept both tests 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.
TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic: same job, different format
Two things to understand before reading either result.
TOEFL iBT: ETS-built, fully computer-delivered
The TOEFL iBT is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service). Fully computer-delivered, with typed Writing responses, recorded Speaking responses (no human interviewer), and a 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: live Speaking interview, choice of format
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. Four skills, each scored 0 to 9 by 0.5; overall band is the rounded average.
Use the IELTS Band Score Calculator to compute your IELTS overall band from per-skill scores.
TOEFL iBT to IELTS Academic band
Per the ETS-published comparison. The conversion is approximate; use it as a sanity check, not as proof of equivalence.
| TOEFL legacy | TOEFL new | IELTS Academic | What this unlocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 117 to 120 | 6.0 | 9.0 | Top programs (any university worldwide) |
| 110 to 116 | 5.5 | 8.0 to 8.5 | Top US, UK, Australian graduate programs |
| 95 to 109 | 5.0 | 7.0 to 7.5 | Most US, UK, Australian graduate programs |
| 79 to 94 | 4.5 | 6.5 | Most US, UK, Australian undergraduate programs |
| 60 to 78 | 4.0 | 6.0 | Some undergraduate programs; foundation pathways |
| 46 to 59 | 3.5 | 5.5 | Foundation, pathway, and language programs |
| 35 to 45 | 3.0 | 5.0 | Pre-sessional language programs only |
During the 2026 transition, both scales appear on score reports. Universities accept either format.
When to use which test
Both tests are widely accepted. Choose based on the program list and your test format preferences.
Most US graduate programs accept both. TOEFL has historical preference at some US institutions, but over 3,400 US universities now accept IELTS. Top programs require TOEFL 100+ (5.0+ new) or IELTS 7.0+.
Most US undergraduate programs accept both. TOEFL 79+ (4.5 new) or IELTS 6.5 is the typical minimum. Selective universities often require TOEFL 100+ (5.0+ new) or IELTS 7.0+.
For UK student visa applications, 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 may still need a UKVI-approved test for the visa itself. Verify with the specific program.
Most Canadian universities prefer IELTS Academic, often with band 6.5+ for undergraduate and 7.0+ for graduate. TOEFL is widely accepted but with sometimes stricter minimums. Canadian Permanent Residence (Express Entry) requires IELTS General Training or CELPIP-General; TOEFL is NOT accepted for IRCC immigration.
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.
European universities offering English-taught degrees accept both, typically IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 79+ (4.5+ new) for undergraduate, and IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 95+ (5.0+ new) for graduate.
TOEFL to IELTS questions, answered
How do I convert my TOEFL iBT score to an IELTS band?
TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic both measure academic English, so they share the same upper and lower bounds even though their scoring scales differ. Per the ETS-published comparison: TOEFL 117 to 120 (new 6.0) = IELTS 9.0; TOEFL 110 to 116 (new 5.5) = IELTS 8.0 to 8.5; TOEFL 95 to 109 (new 5.0) = IELTS 7.0 to 7.5; TOEFL 79 to 94 (new 4.5) = IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 60 to 78 (new 4.0) = IELTS 6.0; TOEFL 46 to 59 (new 3.5) = IELTS 5.5; TOEFL 35 to 45 (new 3.0) = IELTS 5.0. The conversion is approximate, since the two tests use different question formats and scoring weights.
What is the new TOEFL 1 to 6 scale?
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. This brings TOEFL closer in format to IELTS (which uses 0 to 9 by 0.5). The legacy 0 to 30 per skill / 0 to 120 overall scale is still reported alongside the new scale during the transition. Universities will accept both scales for the next several years. This converter handles both.
Is TOEFL or IELTS better for university admission?
Most universities accept both. Choose based on three factors: (1) Test format preference: TOEFL is fully computer-delivered with typed Writing and recorded Speaking; IELTS Academic has a face-to-face Speaking interview and choice of paper or computer. (2) Geographic preference: US universities historically prefer TOEFL; UK, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand universities historically prefer IELTS. (3) Personal strengths: TOEFL favours candidates strong in fast-paced multiple choice and integrated tasks; IELTS favours candidates comfortable with handwritten essays and human Speaking interviews.
Why does the same TOEFL score map to a range of IELTS bands?
Because the two tests use different scoring distributions. TOEFL iBT (legacy) is 0 to 120 with each section 0 to 30, summing to a granular score. IELTS uses 0 to 9 by 0.5 in just 19 levels. So a single TOEFL band like 95 to 109 covers more granularity than IELTS can express, mapping to either 7.0 or 7.5 depending on where in the range you score. The ETS-published table gives a range to reflect this resolution mismatch.
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.
Are TOEFL and IELTS scores valid for the same period?
Both are valid for 2 years from the test date, and both are reported by the testing organisation directly to recipient universities. ETS reports TOEFL scores via the official score reporting system (universities must be added at registration or after, with a per-recipient fee). IDP and the British Council report IELTS scores through the IELTS portal. Plan to test 6 to 12 months before your application deadline to allow for retakes if needed.
What TOEFL score do I need for top US graduate programs?
Top US graduate programs typically require TOEFL 100+ overall (legacy), or 5.0+ on the new scale, equivalent to IELTS 7.0 to 7.5. Engineering and STEM programs at top schools often require 100 minimum with 25+ per skill on the legacy scale. MBA programs typically require 105+ (legacy) or 5.5 (new). Law and medical programs at the top schools often require 110+ (legacy) or 5.5 to 6.0 (new). Always verify with the specific program.
Should I take TOEFL Essentials or IELTS Indicator instead?
Probably not. TOEFL Essentials and IELTS Indicator are both shorter, lower-stakes tests that gained adoption during the pandemic. As of 2026, most universities have returned to requiring TOEFL iBT or IELTS (Academic or General Training). Use TOEFL Essentials only if your target program specifically lists it as accepted (uncommon). For all standard university and immigration applications, take TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic.
Keep going
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, with CEFR equivalents.
IELTS Band Score Calculator →
Calculate your IELTS overall band from per-skill scores. Includes Academic vs General Training distinctions.
IELTS to TOEFL Converter →
Reverse direction: convert IELTS Academic bands to TOEFL iBT scores on both scales.
Ready to take TOEFL or IELTS?
Practice with realistic TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic tasks at every level, AI-rated Writing and Speaking feedback, and a study plan tuned to your university target, built by LingUp.
Start PracticingTOEFL is a registered trademark of ETS (Educational Testing Service). IELTS is a registered trademark of the British Council, IDP IELTS Australia, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. This converter is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations. Conversion based on the ETS-published comparison table.
