TOEFL to IELTS Concordance Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What TOEFL score is equivalent to IELTS 7.0?

According to the ETS official concordance table, IELTS 7.0 corresponds to the TOEFL iBT range of 94–101, with a midpoint of approximately 98. A TOEFL score of 94 or above generally meets the minimum requirement at programs that list IELTS 7.0 as their threshold.

What CEFR level do I need for most universities?

Most English-taught university programs require at least CEFR B2 (IELTS 5.5–6.5 / TOEFL 46–93). Graduate programs and top universities typically require C1 (IELTS 7.0–8.0 / TOEFL 94–114). Some postgraduate research programs require C2 (IELTS 8.5–9.0 / TOEFL 115+).

Can I use a TOEFL score instead of IELTS for UK universities?

Yes, most UK universities accept both TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic. However, some UK visa applications historically required IELTS from a Secure English Language Testing (SELT) provider; check the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements for your specific visa category.

How long are TOEFL and IELTS scores valid?

Both TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic scores are valid for two years from the test date for the vast majority of university admissions, immigration, and scholarship applications. After two years you typically need to retest.

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How This Calculator Works

TOEFL iBT (scored 0–120, four sections of 0–30) and IELTS Academic (scored 1.0–9.0 in half-band increments, four skills averaged) are the two dominant English-proficiency tests for university admission and visa purposes. ETS - the maker of TOEFL - publishes an official concordance table mapping iBT total ranges to IELTS overall bands; the British Council and Cambridge Assessment recognize the same alignment. This tool looks up your score in those bands and reports both the concordant equivalent and the CEFR level (A2 through C2), the Common European Framework descriptor that most non-UK European universities and many employers use directly.

Formula and Method

The concordance is a step function, not a linear conversion. Key bands: iBT 118–120 → IELTS 9.0 (C2 mastery); iBT 102–109 → IELTS 7.5 (C1); iBT 94–101 → IELTS 7.0 (C1); iBT 79–93 → IELTS 6.5 (B2); iBT 60–78 → IELTS 6.0 (B2); iBT 46–59 → IELTS 5.5 (B2); iBT 35–45 → IELTS 5.0 (B1). Going IELTS → TOEFL yields a range; this tool reports the midpoint. CEFR C1 is the level most US graduate programs and UK universities accept as demonstrating fluency for academic work.

Worked Example

You score TOEFL iBT 95. That sits in the 94–101 band and concords to IELTS 7.0, CEFR C1. Reversing direction: an IELTS 6.5 falls in the 79–93 iBT range and is reported as roughly TOEFL 86. Note that converting back and forth is not always reversible - iBT 95 maps to IELTS 7.0, but IELTS 7.0 maps to iBT 94–101 with midpoint 98, three points off the original. That asymmetry is inherent to step-function bands and is one reason admissions offices ask for the actual test you took, not a converted equivalent.

Common Mistakes

Confusing TOEFL iBT with paper-based TOEFL. The legacy PBT (310–677) uses a different concordance and is mostly retired from admissions use.

Ignoring section minimums. Many programs require a minimum in every IELTS skill section, not just an overall band - a 9 in Listening cannot rescue a 5 in Writing if the minimum per-section score is 6.

Reporting a converted score. Universities and visa offices accept only official score reports; concordance is for self-comparison and planning only.

Forgetting score expiration. Both tests expire two years from the test date for most admissions purposes.

Tips and FAQ

Which test should you take? TOEFL iBT is multiple-choice-heavy and entirely computer-based - better for test-takers comfortable with US academic English and standardized formats. IELTS Academic has a face-to-face Speaking interview and a handwritten or typed Writing section, often more comfortable for British-curriculum students. Many universities accept both; some scholarships prefer one. The Duolingo English Test (160-point scale) is now accepted at 4,000+ institutions at lower cost ($59 versus $215+), and a DET 120 roughly aligns with IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 95. For US graduate admissions the standard minimum is TOEFL 80 / IELTS 6.5; competitive programs ask 100+/7.0+ with 7+ in every section. Pair this with the SAT-to-ACT Concordance and the College Net Price Calculator for a complete international-applicant profile.

TOEFL to IELTS Concordance Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

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