If you’re preparing for the TOEFL test (Test of English as a Foreign Language), you’ve probably already asked yourself the same question every test-taker asks: what is a good score on the TOEFL? As of January 2026, ETS moved the TOEFL iBT to a new 1–6 scoring scale, but the short answer hasn’t really changed: most competitive U.S. universities look for a score of about 4 to 5 (roughly 80–100 on the older 0–120 scale you may still see referenced), though “good” really means “good enough for your specific program.”
Here’s how the scoring works now, what counts as a competitive score, and how long it stays valid after you earn it.
The TOEFL iBT is now scored on a 1–6 scale, in half-point increments, replacing the previous 0–120 scale. Each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) gets its own score on that same 1–6 scale, and your overall score is the average of all four, rounded to the nearest half-point.
So the TOEFL max score, the maximum score for TOEFL, is a 6, which corresponds to CEFR level C2, the highest level of English proficiency. Because ETS is in a two-year transition period through January 2028, your score report will still show the old-scale equivalent for reference: a 6 corresponds to 114+ on the 0–120 scale. A strong score in one section can also help balance a weaker one, which is useful to know when deciding where to focus your preparation time.
There’s no single exact number that works for everyone, but here’s a general guide by goal, using the range of TOEFL scores you’ll see across most admissions pages:
The number on a school’s admissions page is usually a minimum, not a target. Programs with a strong writing component often expect a score higher than that minimum. You may also see these referred to as TOEFL grades or TOEFL test grades, just different wording for the same scoring system.
Your TOEFL score is valid for two years from your test date, and that hasn’t changed with the new scale. After that, it expires and won’t be accepted for new applications, so if you’re not applying right away, keep the timeline in mind before you schedule your test.
Here’s how TOEFL compares to IELTS and Duolingo:
For more detail on all three tests, see our TOEFL vs IELTS vs Duolingo comparison.
Once you know your current score, it’s easier to see how much improvement you need. If you’ve already taken the IELTS and didn’t reach your target score, our preparation program focuses on the sections that are usually most difficult for students. If you’re already living in the Boston area and planning toward a degree, our college advising team can help you understand exactly which band score your target program requires. And if you’re still getting familiar with the test itself, our full guide covers everything the IELTS involves.
Whichever stage you’re at, here’s where to go next:
ETS. "Minimum TOEFL Score Requirements for the USA, UK and Canada." ETS, www.ets.org/toefl/blog/minimum-toefl-score-requirements-for-the-usa-uk-and-canada.html. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.
ETS. "TOEFL iBT Score Breakdown: What Your Scores Mean." ETS, www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/scores/understand-scores.html. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.
ETS. "TOEFL iBT Score Scale 1 to 6: CEFR & IELTS Comparison." ETS, www.ets.org/toefl/institutions/ibt/score-scale-update.html. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.
ETS. "TOEFL iBT Score Scale Update: What You Need to Know." TOEFL Access Help Center, toeflaccess.ets.org/help/en/articles/11758616-toefl-ibt-score-scale-update-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.
Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. "English Proficiency." Harvard University, gsas.harvard.edu/apply/applying-degree-programs/english-proficiency. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.
