TOEFL iBT® Scores 2026: The Complete Guide and New 1-6 Scale for Students
Are you preparing to take the TOEFL iBT exam and wondering how your performance will be evaluated? Do you want to ensure your scores reach your dream universities on time while understanding the new grading system? Your TOEFL iBT® scores do more than just measure your English—they help you stand out to colleges and universities worldwide. With the introduction of the new 1.0 to 6.0 scoring scale in January 2026, understanding how your test is scored is more important than ever.
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) provides a highly secure, centralized scoring system that ensures a fair and unbiased evaluation of your skills, free from face-to-face rater bias. Accepted by over 13,000 institutions in more than 160 countries, the TOEFL iBT is the trusted choice for advancing your academic career. From accessing your unofficial scores immediately after the test to utilizing your four free official score reports, you have full control over your application journey.
Read on to discover exactly how the new 1.0-6.0 scale works, how quickly you will receive your results, and what to do if you need to review or cancel your scores.
Quick Overview
| Provider | Educational Testing Service (ETS) – TOEFL® |
| Program Type | Assessment / Score Guide |
| Target Audience | International Students, Test Takers, University Applicants |
| Global Recognition | Accepted by 13,000+ institutions in 160+ countries |
| Score Validity | 2 Years |
Important Dates
| Unofficial Scores (Reading/Listening) | Immediately at the end of your test |
| Official Scores Available Online | 3 days after your test date |
| PDF Score Report Available | 1 day after electronic scores are released |
| Free Score Recipient Deadline | 10:00 p.m. (local time) on your test day |
| New 1-6 Score Scale Launch | January 21, 2026 |
What Your Test Fee Includes
When you register for the TOEFL iBT, your test fee covers more than just the exam. It includes:
- Up to four free official score reports sent directly to institutions, agencies, or other recipients.
- The ability to select or change these recipients in your ETS account until 10:00 p.m. on the day of your test.
- A downloadable PDF copy of your score report.
Note: If you need to send scores to more than four institutions, you can order additional score reports through your ETS account for US$25 per institution/agency.
How the New 1.0-6.0 Scale Works (Starting Jan 2026)
On January 21, 2026, ETS is launching an updated 1.0 to 6.0 score scale, replacing the traditional 0-120 system. This scale directly aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- Section Scores: You will receive a score from 1.0 to 6.0 (in half-point increments) for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
- Overall Score Calculation: Your total score is the average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band. (For example, an average of 5.25 rounds up to an overall score of 5.5).
- Dual Reporting: For a two-year transition period, your official score report will automatically display BOTH your new 1.0-6.0 scores and a comparable 0-120 total score estimate. You do not need to convert anything manually when applying to universities.
| CEFR | Total | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C2 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| C1 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| C1 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| B2 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| B2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| B1 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| B1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| A2 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| A2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| A1 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| A1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Current TOEFL ScoreRequirement (0-120) | Recommended TOEFLScore Requirement (1-6) |
|---|---|
| 100 | 5 |
| 90 | 4.5 |
| 80 | 4 |
| 70 | 3.5 |
TOEFL Scores Comparision of old and new scores
| Total and section scores (1-6) | Reading (0-30) | Listening (0-30) | Speaking (0-30) | Writing (0-30) | Total (0-120) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 29-30 | 28-30 | 28-30 | 29-30 | 114+ |
| 5.5 | 27-28 | 26-27 | 27 | 27-28 | 107+ |
| 5 | 24-26 | 22-25 | 25-26 | 24-26 | 95+ |
| 4.5 | 22-23 | 20-21 | 23-24 | 21-23 | 86+ |
| 4 | 18-21 | 17-19 | 20-22 | 17-20 | 72+ |
| 3.5 | 12-17 | 13-16 | 18-19 | 15-16 | 58+ |
| 3 | 6-11 | 9-12 | 16-17 | 13-14 | 44+ |
| 2.5 | 4-5 | 6-8 | 13-15 | 11-12 | 34+ |
| 2 | 3 | 4-5 | 10-12 | 7-10 | 24+ |
| 1.5 | 2 | 2-3 | 5-9 | 3-6 | 12+ |
| 1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-4 | 0-2 | 0+ |
Table and info sources: ETS , the official center for TOEFL
Delivery Times for Sending Scores
When you request ETS to send your official scores to a university, the delivery time depends on how the institution receives them:
- ETS® Data Manager: 4–8 business days
- Server feeds: 8–10 business days
- Postal mail: 10–12 business days (plus mailing time)
If you request a personal paper copy, it will be mailed 11-15 days after your test date.
MyBest® Scores
If your chosen university accepts MyBest® Scores (which combine your highest section scores from all valid tests in the last two years), ETS makes this easy. If your most recent test is on the new 1-6 scale, your score report will automatically convert any valid older 0-120 section scores into the 1-6 format to calculate your MyBest Scores seamlessly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Reading and Listening scores shown at the end of the test unofficial?
All scores must go through ETS quality checks and statistical analysis to ensure absolute accuracy and fairness before they are officially released. While rare, it is possible for these scores to change slightly after the analysis.
Can I appeal or review my TOEFL iBT scores?
Yes, you can request a score review for the Speaking and/or Writing sections within 30 days of your test for a fee. However, Reading and Listening scores cannot be reviewed. Note that you cannot request a review if you have already requested your scores be sent to an institution.
Can I cancel my TOEFL iBT scores?
Yes. At the end of the test, after viewing your unofficial Reading and Listening scores, you will have the option to report or cancel all your scores. If you cancel, you will not receive a refund. However, canceled scores can be reinstated within 60 days for a fee.
What is a “good” TOEFL iBT score?
There are no passing or failing scores set by ETS. A “good” score is simply the score required by the specific university or program you are applying to. Always check the English-language requirements directly on the institution’s website.
The university I am applying to still asks for a 0-120 score. What do I do?
You can apply as usual! Your official TOEFL iBT score report will automatically include a comparable 0 to 120 total score estimate alongside your new 1 to 6 scores. The institution will have all the information they need to evaluate your application without you having to calculate anything.
