TOEFL iBT · Learn · 2 November 2026 · 5 min read
TOEFL 1-6 score scale explained: bands, rounding and 0-120
How the TOEFL iBT 1 to 6 scale works since January 2026: half-point section scores, overall rounding, the 0-120 comparison table and what schools see.
Since 21 January 2026, the TOEFL iBT reports scores on a 1 to 6 scale in half-point steps. You get four section scores, for Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, and an overall score that is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half band. For a two-year transition period, ETS also shows a comparable score on the old 0 to 120 scale, so institutions that still use the old numbers can read your report. ETS sets no pass or fail score: each institution decides what it needs.
This guide explains how the scale works, how rounding is done, how the old and new numbers compare and what to do with your score.
The new scale in brief
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Section scores | Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking, each 1 to 6 |
| Steps | Half points: 1, 1.5, 2 ... 5.5, 6 |
| Overall score | Average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest half band |
| Old scale | A comparable 0 to 120 estimate is also shown during the transition |
| Pass mark | None; each institution sets its own requirement |
| Validity | 2 years from the test date |
ETS says the scale was developed with the CEFR levels (A1 to C2) built in, so it is easier to relate to other courses and tests. We did not find a band-by-band CEFR table on the ETS pages we read, so we do not give one here.
How the overall score is calculated
Take your four section scores, add them and divide by four. Then round to the nearest half band.
ETS gives two examples:
- An average of 5.25 becomes an overall score of 5.5.
- An average of 5.125 becomes an overall score of 5.
Because each section moves in half points, the average of four sections always lands on a step of 0.125. Here are some worked examples of our own:
| Reading | Listening | Writing | Speaking | Average | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.25 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 | 5.125 | 5 |
| 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 4.625 | 4.5 |
| 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.875 | 5 |
The practical lesson: half a point in one section can move your overall score when you sit close to a boundary. If your scores are uneven, raising your weakest section is often the quickest way up.
How the old and new scales compare
For tests taken before 21 January 2026, ETS publishes a comparison table. It shows the lowest 0 to 120 total for each overall band:
| Overall band (1-6) | Lowest 0-120 total |
|---|---|
| 6 | 114 |
| 5.5 | 107 |
| 5 | 95 |
| 4.5 | 86 |
| 4 | 72 |
| 3.5 | 58 |
| 3 | 44 |
| 2.5 | 34 |
| 2 | 24 |
| 1.5 | 12 |
| 1 | 0 |
The comparable 0 to 120 score printed on new reports is an estimate: ETS says it represents the midpoint of the matching total range. ETS's blog, dated 12 June 2026, says every report through January 2028 shows both the 1 to 6 scores and the 0 to 120 estimate.
Do you need to convert your score?
No. ETS says institutions update their requirements at different times, and some still list 0 to 120 figures. Because both formats are on the report, you do not need to convert anything yourself. If a university lists a 0 to 120 requirement, compare it with the comparable score on your report.
What happens after the test
- Unofficial Reading and Listening scores appear at the end of the test. ETS says it is rare, but possible, for them to change after quality checks.
- Official scores appear in your ETS account 3 days after the test date.
- Score reports: your test fee includes up to four free official score reports, if you add recipients by 10 p.m. on test day. Additional reports cost a fee per institution; check the ETS fees page for the current amount.
- MyBest scores: your report also shows MyBest scores. Each institution decides whether it accepts them.
- Score review: you can ask for a review of Speaking and Writing within 30 days, for a fee. Reading and Listening cannot be reviewed, and no review is possible once scores have been sent to an institution.
How to use this
- Find your target in the right format. Look up each institution's requirement and note whether it is on the 1 to 6 scale, the 0 to 120 scale or both.
- Check for section scores. Read whether the institution lists a score for each section as well as an overall score, and plan for every figure it names.
- Work out your margin. If you need an overall 5, remember that an average of 4.875 rounds up to 5, but 4.625 rounds down to 4.5.
- Focus on your weakest section. Use our TOEFL scores guide for detail, then practice that section with our reading practice sets or listening practice sets.
- Plan for retakes if needed. ETS lets you retake as often as you like, but not more than once in a 3-day period.
Our practice sets give you a number correct, not an official band. Use them to measure progress, not to predict your exact score.
Key points
- 1 to 6 scale in half points since 21 January 2026.
- Overall score = average of four sections, rounded to the nearest half band.
- A comparable 0 to 120 estimate is shown during the transition, through January 2028.
- No pass mark: institutions set their own requirements.
- Scores are valid for 2 years.
For the Listening section in detail, see our 2026 TOEFL Listening guide. All practice sets and task guides are on the TOEFL hub.
Official sources: ETS "Understand your scores" page and TOEFL iBT content page (ets.org), and the ETS blog "Understanding TOEFL iBT score displays" (12 June 2026), read on 31 October 2026.