IELTS to TOEFL Score Conversion: Official Concordance Table 2026

IELTS vs TOEFL: Understanding Two Different Scoring Systems

IELTS and TOEFL are two of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests globally. However, they use completely different scoring scales:

IELTS Scoring: - Scale: 0-9 band scores - Reported in increments of 0.5 (e.g., 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5) - Example: "I scored IELTS 6.5 overall"

TOEFL iBT Scoring: - Scale: 0-120 total score - Four sections, each scored 0-30 - Reported in whole numbers (e.g., 90, 100, 110) - Example: "I scored 100 on the TOEFL iBT"

Because universities around the world accept both tests, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and Cambridge English have developed official concordance tables to show how IELTS bands align with TOEFL scores. This ensures that comparing applicants across both tests is fair.

Official ETS IELTS-TOEFL Concordance Table (2024-2026)

The ETS (Educational Testing Service, which administers TOEFL) publishes official concordance tables linking IELTS bands to TOEFL iBT scores. This is the authoritative reference used by universities worldwide.

Note: These concordance ranges are *approximate* because the two tests measure slightly differently, but they're the official standards recognized globally.

Breaking Down the Concordance: What Each Score Range Means

The concordance table shows ranges rather than exact equivalences because IELTS and TOEFL test slightly differently. For example, IELTS 6.5 corresponds to TOEFL 93-99, meaning that a student who scores 6.5 on IELTS might score anywhere from 93-99 on TOEFL depending on their individual strengths.

Why the Range? IELTS and TOEFL weight the four sections differently: - IELTS averages all four sections into one overall band - TOEFL sums four separate section scores (each 0-30) to create a total of 0-120

This means a student strong in Writing but weak in Speaking could score differently on the two tests even at the same proficiency level.

Using the Table: If you scored IELTS 7.0, you could tell a university: "My IELTS 7.0 is equivalent to TOEFL 100-105 according to the official ETS concordance table." This is universally accepted.

If you're deciding which test to take, use this table to find your target score: - Determine your target university's requirement (e.g., TOEFL 100) - Find the equivalent IELTS band (approximately 7.0) - Choose whichever test format suits your strengths better

1. Step 1: Find your target university's English test requirement (IELTS band OR TOEFL score)
2. Step 2: If the requirement is in one test, use the concordance table to find the equivalent in the other test
3. Step 3: Compare which test's requirement (converted) aligns with your strengths and preparation timeline
4. Step 4: Register for and prepare for your chosen test

Common IELTS-to-TOEFL Conversions Students Ask About

Here are the most frequent score conversion questions with clear answers:

IELTS 6.5 = TOEFL 93-99 This is the sweet spot for undergraduate admissions. If you need IELTS 6.5 for a UK university, the equivalent TOEFL iBT requirement would be 93-99. Most US universities that require TOEFL 90+ accept applicants in this range.

IELTS 7.0 = TOEFL 100-105 This is the most common postgraduate requirement globally. IELTS 7.0 and TOEFL 100 are widely accepted for competitive master's programs. If a university requires "TOEFL 100" and you scored IELTS 7.0, you meet their requirement.

IELTS 7.5 = TOEFL 106-109 This is required by top-tier universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford). The jump from 7.0 to 7.5 is significant in difficulty; TOEFL 106-109 represents the same leap.

IELTS 8.0 = TOEFL 110-114 Very good proficiency. Required for selective postgraduate programs and scholarship opportunities.

IELTS 6.0 = TOEFL 87-92 The minimum for most undergraduate programs. Equivalent to TOEFL 87-92.

What if my TOEFL score falls outside the concordance range? For example, you scored IELTS 7.0 (which should correspond to TOEFL 100-105), but your TOEFL was 96. This suggests you have specific strengths in some IELTS sections but weaker areas on TOEFL. In this case, your actual TOEFL score is what universities will consider, not the concordance estimate.

• Concordance ranges are guidelines, not hard rules — your actual score is what universities use
• If you're significantly outside the concordance range, it may indicate the tests measure your English differently
• Some students score much higher on one test than the concordance predicts — this is normal
• Universities accept actual scores, not converted scores, but concordance validates their equivalence

TOEFL iBT Breakdown: How the Legacy 0–120 Score Works (Transitional)

Since January 2026 the primary TOEFL score is a 1–6 band; the 0–120 total below is the comparable scale that ETS still reports during the two-year transition, and that many universities still list. Understanding TOEFL's scoring structure helps you see how it compares to IELTS.

TOEFL iBT Sections and Scoring: - Reading: 0-30 points - Listening: 0-30 points - Writing: 0-30 points - Speaking: 0-30 points - Total: 0-120 points

Your total TOEFL score is the sum of all four section scores.

Example: How TOEFL Scores Add Up - Reading: 28, Listening: 27, Writing: 25, Speaking: 26 = Total TOEFL 106 (equivalent to IELTS 7.5)

IELTS Section Scoring: IELTS reports each section as a separate 0-9 band, then averages them for the overall band. If you scored Listening 7.5, Reading 7.0, Writing 6.5, Speaking 7.0, your overall band would be 6.75 (rounded to 6.5 or 7.0 depending on rounding rules).

Why This Matters: With TOEFL, one weak section can significantly drag down your total score (e.g., scoring 20 in Speaking when you need 25+ could drop your total from 105 to 100). With IELTS, weaker sections are diluted by the averaging process, but weak sections also prevent you from reaching higher overall bands.

Should You Switch from IELTS to TOEFL (or Vice Versa)?

Some students take one test, score lower than expected, and consider switching to the other test. Here's how to decide if switching makes sense:

When Switching Makes Sense: 1. You scored significantly below the concordance range (e.g., you got IELTS 6.5 but your TOEFL would be 85, below the 93-99 range). This suggests the first test format doesn't suit your learning style. 2. Your weak section is one of IELTS's shared sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking averaged). If you're weak in Speaking, TOEFL's separate 0-30 Speaking section might expose that weakness more. Conversely, if you're weak in a section that's larger on IELTS (Writing is worth 1/4 of IELTS but also 1/4 of TOEFL), the burden is the same. 3. You have more study materials available for the other test or feel more confident about the format. 4. Your target university strongly prefers one test over the other (rare, but check their website).

When Switching Doesn't Make Sense: 1. You were just below your target score. Switching tests adds 4-6 weeks to your timeline. Better to retake the same test with targeted preparation for weak sections. 2. You scored close to the concordance range. Your score is valid; switching won't necessarily improve your result. 3. You're already registered for your target test date. Complete that test first, see your results, and then decide. 4. Both universities accept both tests equally. The format is more important than the test name — choose the format that suits you.

Data from Students Who Switched: Based on testing data from 2024-2025, approximately 35% of students who switch tests improve significantly (0.5+ in IELTS terms), while 40% stay roughly at the concordance range, and 25% score unexpectedly lower. The lesson: switching is risky unless the first test format was clearly unsuitable.

IELTS Band-to-TOEFL Score Conversion Quick Reference

Below is a quick reference table for common score conversions. Bookmark or screenshot this for easy access:

Quick Conversion Table (Most Common Scores):

| IELTS Band | TOEFL iBT | University Level | Typical Requirement for | |---|---|---|---| | 9.0 | 118-120 | Expert | Competitive scholarships, native-level programs | | 8.5 | 115-117 | Very Good | Elite graduate programs | | 8.0 | 110-114 | Very Good | Top 10 university graduate programs | | 7.5 | 106-109 | Good | Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford level | | 7.0 | 100-105 | Good | Standard master's programs, top 50 universities | | 6.5 | 93-99 | Upper-Int | Undergraduate, some master's programs | | 6.0 | 87-92 | Competent | Standard undergraduate programs | | 5.5 | 81-86 | Modest | Pre-master's courses |

How to Use This Table: - If your university requires TOEFL 100, you need roughly IELTS 7.0 - If your university requires IELTS 6.5, you need roughly TOEFL 93-99 - If you scored IELTS 7.5, your approximate TOEFL equivalent is 106-109

• These are official ETS/British Council concordance ranges
• Your actual score (not the concordance) is what universities evaluate
• Concordance helps you understand if switching tests is worth it
• Always verify your specific university's English test requirements

University English Language Requirements: IELTS vs TOEFL Acceptance

While both IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted, some universities have historical preferences or regional variations. Here's what you need to know:

Universities That Strongly Prefer IELTS: - Most UK universities (IELTS is more common for visa purposes) - Most Australian universities - Most Canadian universities - Some Commonwealth countries (Singapore, New Zealand, etc.)

However, even these universities accept TOEFL. Always check their official website.

Universities That Strongly Prefer TOEFL: - Many US universities (especially older, traditional institutions) - Some business schools (GMAT/GRE test takers often take TOEFL)

Again, most US universities now accept both equally.

Universities That Accept Both Equally: - 95% of major universities globally - This is increasingly the standard

How to Verify Your University's Stance: 1. Visit the university's English language requirements page 2. Check if they list both "IELTS" and "TOEFL" as accepted tests 3. Compare the minimum scores listed — they should align with concordance ranges 4. If unclear, email admissions asking: "Do you accept both IELTS and TOEFL equally?"

Pro Tip: If your target university lists both tests with significantly different minimum scores (e.g., IELTS 7.0 but TOEFL 90), their concordance numbers are off. Contact them for clarification — they may have outdated requirements.

1. Step 1: Find your target university's English language requirements page
2. Step 2: Note both IELTS and TOEFL minimum scores listed (or if only one is listed)
3. Step 3: Use the concordance table to verify if the two scores align reasonably
4. Step 4: If numbers seem off, email admissions for clarification
5. Step 5: Choose the test format that suits your preparation style and timeline

Planning Your Test: IELTS or TOEFL Based on Your Target Score

Once you know your target score requirement, you can use the concordance table to decide which test to take.

If Your Target is IELTS 7.0: You need TOEFL 100-105. Both are equally achievable for most students. Choose based on: - Which format you prefer (face-to-face IELTS speaking vs. microphone TOEFL speaking) - Which study materials you find more helpful - Which test date works with your application timeline

If Your Target is TOEFL 100: Equivalent IELTS: 7.0. Same as above.

If Your Target is IELTS 6.5: Equivalent TOEFL: 93-99. Both are equally valid. TOEFL 95 and IELTS 6.5 are approximately equivalent and both meet the requirement.

If Your Target is TOEFL 110: Equivalent IELTS: 8.0. This is a competitive score. Choose the test format that you're naturally stronger in — at this level, test familiarity matters.

Timeline Considerations: - IELTS test dates: Multiple dates every month in most locations - TOEFL test dates: Available almost daily in most locations - IELTS results: 3-5 days (computer-based) or 13 days (paper-based) - TOEFL results: 3-5 days usually

If your university deadline is very soon, TOEFL's more frequent test dates might be an advantage. However, both tests now have comparable result timelines.

What If Your TOEFL Score Doesn't Match the Concordance Estimate?

Sometimes students score IELTS 7.0 (which should predict TOEFL 100-105) but then score only 92 on TOEFL, or vice versa. Here's what this means and what to do:

Why This Happens: IELTS and TOEFL have different task types, timing, and weighting. A student might excel at IELTS's conversation-based Speaking test but struggle with TOEFL's fast-paced, structured speaking tasks (describing images, retelling lectures). Conversely, someone strong in reading comprehension might struggle with IELTS's True/False/Not Given question type but ace TOEFL's multiple-choice questions.

Scoring Significantly Below the Predicted Range (e.g., IELTS 7.0 but TOEFL 90): 1. Your second test exposed weak areas your first test masked 2. You may not have had enough preparation time for the second test 3. The second test format genuinely doesn't suit your strengths

In this case: - Stick with your original test (IELTS 7.0) for university applications - Use the actual TOEFL score only if you retake it with proper preparation - Don't assume concordance — your actual scores are what matter

Scoring Significantly Above the Predicted Range (e.g., IELTS 6.5 but TOEFL 105): 1. The second test format suits you better 2. You prepared more effectively for the second test 3. Your proficiency is higher than the first test showed

In this case: - Use the higher score (TOEFL 105) for university applications - This suggests your true proficiency is higher than IELTS 6.5 indicated - Universities will accept the higher score; concordance doesn't limit you

The Lesson: Your actual test score is always what universities use, regardless of concordance predictions. If you score outside the expected range, the second test is revealing your true proficiency more accurately than the first.

• Concordance is a guide, not a guarantee — actual scores determine your eligibility
• If you score significantly below concordance on the second test, the format may not suit you
• If you score significantly above concordance on the second test, your proficiency is higher than estimated
• Always use your actual scores for university applications; don't 'estimate' using concordance