What is a good TOEFL score on the new 1–6 scale?

It depends on what your program requires. Bands are aligned to CEFR levels: 6 is C2, 5 to 5.5 is C1, 4 to 4.5 is B2, and 3 to 3.5 is B1. Check your target program's published requirement rather than aiming for a generic number.

How is the overall TOEFL score calculated?

According to ETS, the overall score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band.

What is the old 0–120 equivalent of the new 1–6 score?

ETS provides a comparable 0–120 overall score on score reports for two years after the January 2026 launch. Its published examples are 6 = 114 or higher, 5 = 95 or higher, 4.5 = 86 or higher, and 4 = 72 or higher.

Scoring · October 5, 2026 · 5 min read

What Is a Good TOEFL Score in 2026? The 1–6 Scale, CEFR Levels, and Old 0–120 Equivalents

Since the TOEFL iBT changed on January 21, 2026, scores are reported on a 1–6 scale instead of 0–120. That leaves a common question: is a 4.5 good? Is a 5 enough? The honest answer is that a “good” score is the one your program asks for. This guide explains what each band means, how the overall score is calculated, and how it relates to the old scale, using the numbers ETS has published.

What each band means: CEFR levels

The 1–6 scale is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Scores come in half-point steps, and ETS maps them like this:

Band	CEFR level
6	C2
5 – 5.5	C1
4 – 4.5	B2
3 – 3.5	B1
2 – 2.5	A2
1 – 1.5	A1

Because the scale is CEFR-aligned, it is easier to compare with other CEFR-referenced English tests. Many programs describe the English level they expect in CEFR terms, such as B2 or C1, and that maps directly onto a band here.

How the overall score is calculated

ETS states that the overall score is the average of your four section scores (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking), rounded to the nearest half band. Here is an example with made-up section scores:

Illustrative example

Reading 5.0 · Listening 4.5 · Writing 5.5 · Speaking 4.5

Average = 19.5 ÷ 4 = 4.875, which rounds to an overall score of 5.0.

ETS's own rounding examples: an average of 5.125 rounds to 5, and 5.25 rounds up to 5.5. This is also why a single weak section does not always pull the overall score down by a full band, but some programs set minimum scores per section, so check for those too.

The old 0–120 scale during the transition

For two years after launch, ETS says every score report includes three things: your CEFR level, your 1–6 overall and section scores, and a comparable 0–120 overall score. That dual reporting continues through January 2028, so programs that still list a 0–120 requirement can compare. ETS's published sample conversions are:

1–6 overall	Comparable 0–120 overall
6	114 or higher
5	95 or higher
4.5	86 or higher
4	72 or higher

These are the examples ETS publishes. Your actual score report shows the comparable 0–120 number for your result, so use that rather than estimating from a table. Other websites publish fuller conversion charts, but those are unofficial.

So what is a good score for you?

Find the requirement. Look at your program's admissions page. If it lists a 1–6 band or a CEFR level, use that. If it still lists a 0–120 number, compare it with the table above and, if in doubt, ask the admissions office which they will accept.
Check section minimums. Some programs require a minimum in each section, not only an overall score.
Add some margin. Aim slightly above the requirement, since a single test day can vary.
Practice on the same scale. Training with 1–6 feedback makes it clear how far you are from the band you need.

For a step-by-step plan once you know your target, see how to raise your TOEFL 2026 score, and for the full list of changes in the new format, our 2026 format guide.

See where you stand on the same 1–6 scale as the real exam. mrreadyprep scores your Writing and Speaking with AI feedback.

Try the 2026-format practice tests free →