How to Convert the New TOEFL 1–6 Score to the 0–120 Scale (With Official Conversion Table)
Starting January 21, 2026, TOEFL will switch to a 1–6 scoring scale in 0.5 increments, aligned with CEFR levels. This article summarizes the official ETS conversion table, explains how the 1–6 scores correspond to the 0–120 scale, what to do when university requirements still list the old scores, and the transition arrangements through January 2028.
Many parents have recently asked: My child scored a 4.5 on the TOEFL. Is that high or low? The school requires a 90. Is that enough? The reason for this confusion is that the TOEFL changed its scoring system starting January 21, 2026. Everyone is familiar with the old 0–120 scale, but the new 1–6 scale takes some getting used to. Below, we explain the conversion method based on official data published by ETS.
What Has Changed
- New scoring scale: Starting January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT will use a 1–6 scale, with increments of 0.5.
- Aligned with the CEFR: Each score directly corresponds to a Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level. For example, a score of 5 in any single section means that section is at the C1 level.
- New total score calculation: Under the old scale, the total score was the sum of the four sections; under the new scale, it is the average of the Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking sections, rounded to the nearest 0.5. For example, ETS notes that an average of 5.125 results in a total score of 5, while an average of 5.25 results in a total score of 5.5.
- Three scores on the score report: During the transition period, each score report will display the CEFR level, the 1–6 total and section scores, and a comparable 0–120 total score.
- Digital score reports only: Starting in January 2026, the TOEFL will only issue digital score reports and will no longer mail paper copies.
Official Conversion Table
The table below is reproduced directly from the official ETS website. The 0–120 column shows the minimum scores provided by ETS; "114 and above" means the old total score for this tier starts from 114.
| 1–6 Score | Corresponding 0–120 Score | CEFR |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 114 and above | C2 |
| 5.5 | 107 and above | C1 |
| 5 | 95 and above | C1 |
| 4.5 | 86 and above | B2 |
| 4 | 72 and above | B2 |
| 3.5 | 58 and above | B1 |
| 3 | 44 and above | B1 |
| 2.5 | 34 and above | A2 |
| 2 | 24 and above | A2 |
| 1.5 | 12 and above | A1 |
| 1 | 0 and above | A1 |
There are two things to note:
- The new scale uses 0.5 increments, while the old scale used 1-point increments, so several old scores will fall into the same new score tier.
- The "comparable 0–120 score" printed on the score report is, according to ETS, the midpoint of the corresponding range for that tier. For example, ETS notes that a score report with a 4.5 will include a 90 as a reference.
What If Schools Still List Old Scores?
Many university admissions pages still list requirements like "TOEFL 90" or "100." ETS's recommended conversions for universities are:
| Original University Requirement (0–120) | ETS Recommended New Requirement (1–6) |
|---|---|
| 100 | 5 |
| 90 | 4.5 |
| 80 | 4 |
| 70 | 3.5 |
These are only ETS's recommendations. The final requirements are determined by each university, so always check the official university website. Some universities have already published both the old and new requirements. For example:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, undergraduate): For TOEFL taken before January 21, 2026, the minimum is 90 and the recommended score is 100; for tests taken on or after this date, the minimum is 5 and the recommended score is 5.5.
- McGill University (graduate admissions): Under the new scale, the minimum total score is 4.5, with minimum section scores of 4.5 in Reading, 4.5 in Listening, 4.5 in Writing, and 4.0 in Speaking. Under the old scale, the minimum total score is 86, with a minimum section score of 20.
As you can see, a university's new requirements may not exactly match ETS's recommended conversions, and section requirements should be checked individually. Please verify the requirements for each university before applying.
Transition Timeline
- January 21, 2026: The 1–6 scoring scale takes effect.
- January 2026 to January 2028: A two-year transition period. Each score report will display the CEFR level, the 1–6 scores, and the comparable 0–120 scores.
- Before the end of 2027: TOEFL scores are valid for two years, so universities may still receive old-scale scores from tests taken before January 21, 2026, during this time.
- After January 2028: ETS states that score reports showing only the 1–6 scale will not be issued before this time.
Preparation Tips
- First, check the target university's official website to confirm whether it lists the new scores, the old scores, or both, and whether there are minimum section score requirements.
- Focus on weak sections. Although the new total score is an average of the four sections, many universities still enforce minimum section scores.
- Practice with official preparation materials for the new scoring scale to familiarize yourself with the current question types and scoring methods.
- If you already have an old-scale score, keep the two-year validity period in mind and plan your application timeline accordingly.
Need Help?
If you are unsure whether your child's score meets the requirements of their target universities, or if you want to create a TOEFL score improvement plan, check out our TOEFL preparation courses. You can also book a one-on-one consultation, and we will help you analyze your options based on the latest requirements of your target universities.