Language Test Score Converter: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE & Duolingo
💡 How To Use This Well
- Convert before you book. If your target programme quotes a band you are far from, it is cheaper to find out now than after paying a test fee.
- Check the section minimums too. Many programmes set a floor for each skill as well as an overall score, and a weak speaking mark can fail an otherwise strong result.
- Use the conversion to choose a test, not to replace one. If your reading is strong and live speaking is not, the tests will not treat you identically.
- Where a university publishes its own equivalence table, use its numbers rather than these.
⚠️ Important Limits
- A converted score is never a substitute for a real one. No university will accept an IELTS band calculated from a TOEFL result; you must sit the test they accept.
- Concordance describes groups, not individuals. Someone strong in academic writing and weaker in speaking can land in different bands on two tests.
- Pearson revised its PTE to IELTS concordance, and many converters online still use the older table. A PTE 65 no longer maps where it once did.
- Visa rules are stricter than admissions rules. Several immigration authorities accept only specific tests regardless of any equivalence.
- ETS has not run a concordance study with the Duolingo English Test, so any TOEFL to Duolingo comparison passes through a third scale and is the weakest link here.
📋 Disclaimer
This converter is provided for guidance and planning only and produces a non-binding estimate. It is not an official score report and carries no admissions or immigration weight. Test providers publish their comparison tables as general guidance and state that scores are not interchangeable. Only the institution or authority you are applying to can decide which test it accepts and what score it requires. Always confirm requirements on their official website before booking a test or submitting an application.
📐 How This Converter Works
1. Every conversion passes through the IELTS band
2. Between two published points, the converter interpolates
3. The TOEFL scale changed, and both versions are supported
4. Where the CEFR level comes from
5. Sources
TOEFL Score Scale Update and Comparing TOEFL iBT Scores.
PTE Academic comparison from Pearson: PTE Academic scoring, reflecting its revised concordance study.
Duolingo English Test comparison from Duolingo’s published concordance with IELTS Academic; see Understand Scoring.
You hold one English test result, but every programme quotes its requirement in whatever test it prefers. This guide explains how score conversion between IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, the Duolingo English Test and the CEFR actually works, covers two recent changes that have left most conversion charts online out of date, gives the full concordance across all five scales, and shows how to use the UpperCareers Language Test Score Converter. It is written for students and early-career researchers — factual information only.
Why one English score has to be read in four different scales
Almost every applicant meets the same problem. You sit one English test, get one number, and then find that the programmes you want quote their requirement in a different test entirely. A university in Germany asks for an IELTS band. A department in the United States asks for a TOEFL score. An Australian visa route asks for PTE. A European employer asks for a CEFR level. You have one result and four questions.
Score conversion answers those questions well enough to plan with. It cannot answer them well enough to apply with, and understanding that difference is the single most useful thing on this page.
The five scales side by side
The tests differ in more than their numbers. They differ in how finely they report, in who does the marking, and in how quickly you get a result — all of which matter when you are choosing which one to sit.
| Test | Score range | Reported in steps of | How it is scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Band 0 to 9 | Half bands | Human examiners, including a face-to-face speaking interview |
| TOEFL iBT | 1 to 6 | Half bands | Total is the average of four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band |
| TOEFL iBT (legacy) | 0 to 120 | Whole points | Total is the sum of four sections each scored 0 to 30 |
| PTE Academic | 10 to 90 | Whole points | Automated scoring, with some responses reviewed by a human expert |
| Duolingo English Test | 10 to 160 | Five points | Overall score is the average of four individual subscores |
What a concordance actually is
A concordance table is not a formula. It is the result of a study in which many people sat two tests, and researchers looked at how the two sets of results lined up across the whole group. That produces a reliable statement about a population and a much weaker one about any individual.
Consider two students who both score IELTS 6.5. One is a confident speaker who reads slowly; the other writes beautifully but freezes in a live interview. Put both in front of a TOEFL paper and their scores will separate, because the two tests weigh those skills differently. The concordance is still correct — it describes the average of thousands of people — but neither student is the average.
The test providers say this themselves. ETS advises institutions not to use its comparison tables as their only resource when setting entry scores, and Pearson notes that its table shows how two tests compare and nothing about which tests an institution accepts.
The rule people get wrong
A converted score is for planning. It is never for submitting. No university will accept an IELTS band you calculated from a TOEFL result, because you never sat IELTS. If a programme lists IELTS and you hold TOEFL, your options are to check whether it also accepts TOEFL, or to sit IELTS. A conversion tells you whether that is worth doing; it does not do it for you.
- Use a conversion to decide which test to book, to judge whether you are close to a target, and to compare programmes that quote different tests.
- Do not use a conversion as evidence in an application, to argue that a score should be accepted, or to skip a test a programme explicitly requires.
Two recent changes that make most conversion charts wrong
If you found a conversion chart through a search engine, there is a fair chance it is out of date. Two of the four tests covered here changed how their scores map to others, and a great deal of published material has not caught up. This is the one tab where dates matter, because they tell you whether the chart in front of you predates the change.
Change one: TOEFL now reports on a 1 to 6 scale
In January 2026, ETS replaced the familiar 0 to 120 TOEFL iBT scale with a scale running from 1 to 6 in half-band steps. The stated aim was to line TOEFL up more directly with the CEFR, so that a given band means the same CEFR level in every section of the test.
Two things changed underneath the number. First, the total is now the average of the four section scores rounded to the nearest half band, where before it was the sum of four sections scored out of 30. Second, ETS aligned each half band to a single CEFR level.
| TOEFL iBT (1 to 6) | CEFR level | Roughly, on the legacy 0 to 120 scale |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | C2 | 114 and above |
| 5.5 | C1 | 107 and above |
| 5 | C1 | 95 and above |
| 4.5 | B2 | 86 and above |
| 4 | B2 | 72 and above |
| 3.5 | B1 | 58 and above |
| 3 | B1 | 44 and above |
| 2.5 | A2 | 34 and above |
| 2 | A2 | 24 and above |
| 1.5 | A1 | 12 and above |
Notice that each new band covers a range of old scores rather than a single point. A band of 5 corresponds to roughly 95 through 106 on the old scale. That is why the two scales cannot be converted point for point, and why ETS recommends institutions that previously asked for 100 should now ask for a band of 5 rather than 5.5 — setting the bar at 5.5 would exclude candidates who would comfortably have cleared the old requirement.
If you sat TOEFL before the change, your score is still valid. ETS reports the CEFR level, the 1 to 6 scores and a comparable 0 to 120 total on score reports through the transition, so you can quote whichever scale a programme asks for. The UpperCareers converter accepts both.
Change two: the PTE comparison was revised
Pearson updated its PTE Academic to IELTS comparison based on research published in July 2025, reflecting the updated PTE Academic test. The revision moved the numbers by a meaningful amount, and a great many charts online still show the older figures.
The gap runs to about ten points across the middle of the scale, which is roughly half an IELTS band. That is enough to change an application outcome.
A worked example. Priya sits PTE Academic and scores 65. She finds a conversion chart that tells her this equals IELTS 6.5, and applies only to programmes asking for 6.5, ruling out the ones she really wanted that ask for 7.0. Under the current published table, PTE 63 is the threshold for IELTS 7.0 — so her 65 already clears it. The stale chart cost her the applications she cared about most.
The direction of the error matters. Because the current table sets lower PTE thresholds than the older one, an out-of-date chart makes PTE takers underestimate themselves. If you have been working from an old table, recheck before you rule any programme out.
How to tell whether a chart is current
- Check the TOEFL scale. If a chart shows only 0 to 120 and never mentions the 1 to 6 scale, it predates the change.
- Check PTE at IELTS 6.5. A chart showing 65 is using the older figures; the current published minimum is 55.
- Check whether it names a source. A chart that does not say which provider published the table cannot be checked at all.
Your score in every major English test scale
The table below brings the published comparisons together. Every column is anchored to the IELTS Academic band, because that is the one test each of the other providers publishes a comparison against. Routing conversions through IELTS means every figure rests on a published table rather than on a chain of assumptions.
| IELTS | TOEFL 1 to 6 | TOEFL 0 to 120 | PTE Academic | Duolingo | CEFR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 6 | 120 | 90 | 155 to 160 | C2 |
| 8.5 | 6 | 115 | 86 | 145 to 150 | C2 |
| 8.0 | 6 | 108 | 79 | 135 to 140 | C2 |
| 7.5 | 5.5 | 100 | 71 | 125 to 130 | C1 |
| 7.0 | 5 | 91 | 63 | 115 to 120 | C1 |
| 6.5 | 4.5 | 81 | 55 | 105 to 110 | B2 |
| 6.0 | 4 | 67 | 47 | 95 to 100 | B2 |
| 5.5 | 3.5 | 51 | 39 | 85 to 90 | B1 |
| 5.0 | 2.5 | 40 | 31 | 75 to 80 | A2 |
| 4.5 | 2 | 26 | 24 | 65 to 70 | A2 |
| 4.0 | 1.5 | 14 | Not published | 55 to 60 | A1 |
How to read the table
- The TOEFL and PTE figures are minimums. Each is the lowest score published against that IELTS band, so a PTE of 68 sits comfortably inside the IELTS 7.0 row rather than falling short of the next one.
- Duolingo publishes a range rather than a single threshold, which is why that column shows two numbers.
- A TOEFL band of 6 covers three IELTS bands. Because the 1 to 6 scale is coarser at the top, a 6 corresponds to IELTS 8.0, 8.5 and 9.0 alike. The converter shows the conservative reading, 8.0, and says so.
- PTE below IELTS 4.5 is not published, so no figure is shown rather than an invented one.
A worked example. Ahmed holds an IELTS 7.0 and is applying to five countries. Reading across his row, he can tell a German programme he sits at C1, tell a United States department his TOEFL equivalent is a band of 5 on the current scale or 91 on the legacy one, and tell an Australian programme his PTE equivalent is 63. One result, five conversations, no guessing.
Why the overall score is only half the story
Many programmes set a minimum for each skill as well as an overall requirement. A student with a strong overall score and one weak section can be rejected by a programme they appear, on paper, to clear comfortably.
This matters more than most applicants expect, because the tests do not weight the skills alike. ETS publishes separate comparison tables for reading, listening, speaking and writing precisely because the sections do not line up as neatly as the totals do. Writing is the clearest example: on the legacy scale, the top three IELTS writing bands all correspond to the maximum TOEFL writing score, so the TOEFL section simply cannot separate the strongest candidates the way IELTS can.
Before booking a test, read the requirement twice. If it says “6.5 overall with no band below 6.0”, the second half is the one that will catch you out.
What the CEFR is, and why it keeps appearing
The Common European Framework of Reference describes language ability in six levels, from A1 for a beginner through to C2 for near-complete mastery. It is not a test. It is a shared vocabulary that any test can be mapped onto, which is why European universities and employers increasingly quote a CEFR level instead of naming a test brand.
For academic study, B2 is the usual floor and C1 the usual expectation for demanding programmes. The CEFR levels in the table above are derived from the ETS alignment of the 1 to 6 TOEFL scale to the CEFR, chained through the IELTS comparison, so they come from one provider’s own published research rather than from a blend of sources.
How to use the converter and pick the right test for you
The UpperCareers Language Test Score Converter applies the published tables above automatically. It is free, needs no account, and updates as you type.
1 · Select the test you took
Choose from IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT on the current 1 to 6 scale, TOEFL iBT on the legacy 0 to 120 scale, PTE Academic, the Duolingo English Test, or a CEFR level. Picking a test sets the correct range and reporting increment automatically, so you cannot enter a score the test does not award.
2 · Enter your overall score
Type it or drag the slider. Use your overall result, not a section score — converting a single section as though it were a total is one of the most common mistakes.
3 · Choose what to display
Pick which scale you want in the headline panel. The other equivalents stay visible below it, so you can read your result in every system at once.
4 · Enter the requirement you are checking against
Set your programme’s minimum as an IELTS band and the converter tells you plainly whether you clear it and by how much. Most taught master’s programmes ask for 6.5; many research degrees ask for 7.0. Use the number your specific programme publishes rather than a general figure.
Which test suits which situation
| Test | Suits you if | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | You are comfortable speaking to a person and want the most widely accepted option | Accepted for the broadest range of academic and immigration purposes |
| TOEFL iBT | Your strength is academic reading and writing rather than conversation | Now reported on the 1 to 6 scale; check which scale a programme quotes |
| PTE Academic | You want a fast, computer-marked result with no live interviewer | Results typically arrive within about two days; acceptance for immigration varies by country and route |
| Duolingo English Test | You need a low-cost test you can take at home | Widely accepted for admissions, but several immigration authorities do not accept it |
The acceptance trap
Admissions rules and visa rules are two different systems, and clearing one tells you nothing about the other. A university may happily accept a test that the immigration authority of the same country will not, which means you can be admitted to a programme and still be unable to obtain the visa to attend it.
Check both before booking. Look up the test on the university’s admissions page, then look it up again on the relevant government immigration page. Where the two disagree, sit the test that satisfies both.
Mistakes that produce a wrong answer
- Converting a section score. The tables here compare overall scores. Section comparisons are published separately and do not follow the same pattern.
- Using a stale chart. See the previous tab. If your source shows PTE 65 against IELTS 6.5, it is out of date.
- Assuming equivalence means acceptance. The two are unrelated. An institution decides which tests it takes, and no concordance overrides that.
- Ignoring the expiry date. English test results have a limited validity period. A converted score from an expired test is of no use to anyone.
- Reading the Duolingo column as firmly as the others. See the note below.
One honest caveat about Duolingo. ETS states that it has not carried out a concordance study with the Duolingo English Test and recommends choosing a TOEFL score by CEFR level rather than by direct comparison. Duolingo also states that its own CEFR alignment work is ongoing. Any TOEFL to Duolingo figure therefore passes through a third scale, and is the least firm number this converter produces. Treat it as a rough guide and check the specific threshold your programme publishes.
Where to check the official tables
Each source below is published by the organisation that owns the test. If a figure here ever disagrees with one of these pages, the official page is right.
TOEFL iBT
- ETS — TOEFL Score Scale Update
The official explanation of the 1 to 6 scale, including its alignment to the CEFR, a detailed comparison with the legacy 0 to 120 scale, and guidance for institutions resetting their requirements. This is the page to send a university that still lists only an old-scale requirement.
ets.org - ETS — Comparing TOEFL iBT Scores
The total and section comparison tables against IELTS, plus the TOEFL to CEFR mapping. The section tables are the ones to read if your target programme sets a minimum for each skill.
eu.ets.org
PTE Academic
- Pearson — PTE Academic scoring
Explains how the test is marked and carries the current comparison of PTE Academic against both the CEFR and IELTS Academic. Pearson states plainly that the table shows how the tests compare and says nothing about which tests an institution accepts.
pearsonpte.com
IELTS
- IELTS — comparing IELTS with other scales
The IELTS partners’ own comparison material, covering the CEFR and the Canadian Language Benchmarks used for immigration to Canada.
ielts.org
Duolingo English Test
- Duolingo — Understand Scoring
Explains the 10 to 160 scale, the subscores, and the published comparisons with IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT. The accompanying help centre notes describe the data behind those comparisons and confirm that CEFR alignment work is still under way.
englishtest.duolingo.com
Always check as well
- The admissions page of your specific programme, for the tests it accepts, the overall minimum, and any per-section minimums.
- The immigration authority of the country you are moving to, since visa rules are set separately from admissions rules and are frequently stricter.
Test scales, comparison tables, accepted tests and score requirements all change over time. Open the official page for your own test and your own programme rather than relying on any summary, including this one.
Frequently asked questions
What is my IELTS equivalent if I scored 100 on TOEFL?
A TOEFL iBT total of 100 on the legacy 0 to 120 scale is the published threshold for IELTS 7.5. On the current 1 to 6 scale, a total of 100 sits inside a band of 5, which ETS compares to IELTS 7.0. The two readings differ because the newer scale is coarser, with each band covering a range of old scores. If a programme quotes a scale, answer in that scale rather than converting twice.
Did TOEFL really change its scoring scale?
Yes. ETS replaced the 0 to 120 scale with a 1 to 6 scale in half-band steps, so that each band lines up with a single CEFR level. The total is now the average of the four section scores rounded to the nearest half band, rather than the sum of four sections out of 30. Scores from before the change remain valid, and score reports show the CEFR level, the 1 to 6 scores and a comparable 0 to 120 total during the transition.
What does PTE 65 equal in IELTS?
Under the current published comparison, PTE Academic 63 is the threshold for IELTS 7.0, so a 65 clears IELTS 7.0. Many charts still circulating online place PTE 65 at IELTS 6.5, using figures from before Pearson revised its comparison. The difference is about half a band across the middle of the scale, and it works against PTE takers, so it is worth rechecking if you have ruled out programmes on the basis of an older chart.
Can I submit a converted score to a university?
No. A converted score is a planning estimate, not a credential. Universities require an official score report from a test you actually sat, and they decide which tests they accept. If a programme lists a test you do not hold, either confirm that it also accepts yours or sit the one it asks for. Conversion helps you decide which of those to do; it cannot substitute for either.
What Duolingo score equals IELTS 7.0?
The published Duolingo comparison places the range 115 to 120 against IELTS 7.0. Treat this as the least firm figure in the set: ETS has not run a concordance study with the Duolingo English Test, and Duolingo states its own CEFR alignment work is ongoing. Many universities also publish their own Duolingo threshold, which can differ from any general comparison, so check the number your specific programme lists.
Which English test is easiest to score well on?
There is no test that is easier in general, only tests that suit particular people. If you speak confidently with a person in the room, the IELTS interview format may work in your favour. If your strength is academic reading and writing, TOEFL may suit you better. If you find live interviewers stressful, the computer-marked PTE removes that element. Take a practice test in two formats before booking rather than choosing on reputation.
What CEFR level is IELTS 6.5?
IELTS 6.5 corresponds to CEFR level B2, which is the usual minimum for academic study in English. IELTS 7.0 and 7.5 correspond to C1, the level most competitive and research-focused programmes expect. These levels come from chaining the ETS comparison of IELTS with the TOEFL 1 to 6 scale to the ETS alignment of that scale with the CEFR, so they rest on published research rather than a rule of thumb.
Do universities and visa offices use the same rules?
Often not, and assuming they do is a costly mistake. Admissions offices and immigration authorities set their requirements independently, and immigration rules are usually stricter about which tests they accept. It is entirely possible to be admitted to a programme with a test your destination country will not accept for a visa. Check the university page and the government immigration page separately before booking anything.
Educational and informational content only. UpperCareers does not administer English tests, does not issue score reports, and is not affiliated with any test provider or institution named here. Score comparison tables are published by test providers as general guidance, and the providers state that scores from different tests are not interchangeable. Scales, comparison tables and score requirements change over time and this page may contain errors; always verify with the official test provider and with the institution or immigration authority you are applying to before booking a test or submitting an application.