Score guide · 6 min read
TOEFL iBT score guide: 1.0-6.0 plus comparable 0-120 scores
TOEFL iBT now uses a 1.0-6.0 score scale, with old 0-120 scores shown as comparable transition scores. Here is how to set a realistic target.
Primary score scale
TOEFL iBT now uses a 1.0-6.0 scale; 6.0 is the top score. Old 0-120 scores are comparison points. FluentMock shows comparable old scores only as planning shorthand because many university pages still mention 80, 90, or 100.
What scores universities ask for
| Current TOEFL target | Comparable old score | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 70-79 | Bridge programs or early baseline planning. |
| 4.0 | 80-89 | Common undergraduate admissions baseline. |
| 4.5 | 90-99 | Many graduate programs and selective undergraduate programs. |
| 5.0 | 100-104 | Competitive graduate programs. |
| 5.5-6.0 | 105-120 | Top programs, scholarships, or high English requirements. |
Task types to practice
- Reading: Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, Read an Academic Passage.
- Listening: Listen and respond, Campus conversation, Announcement, Academic talk.
- Writing: Build a Sentence, Write an Email, Academic Discussion.
- Speaking: Listen and Repeat, Take an Interview.
Section minimums to plan for
Some programs still publish old per-section minimums during the transition. If your target school lists old 0-30 section requirements, treat them as comparable guidance and confirm with admissions before test day.
Rough lift expectations
A focused 30-day plan can often move a candidate from one comparable target band to the next if they practice daily and fix their weakest task types. Larger lifts usually need 8-12 weeks of consistent work. There are no guarantees; your starting point, time available, and study discipline matter more than any platform.
Primary sources
- TOEFL iBT score breakdown — ETS
- TOEFL iBT test content — ETS