TOEFL to IELTS Score Converter

About the TOEFL to IELTS Score Converter

Many students have one English proficiency score but need to know the equivalent on the other test. Whether you took the TOEFL and a university requires IELTS, or you want to compare your scores to decide which test to focus on, a reliable conversion is essential.

This converter uses ETS's official concordance data to map TOEFL iBT total scores (0–120) to IELTS band scores (0–9.0). The conversion is based on statistical analysis of thousands of test takers who took both exams, ensuring high reliability.

Note that while the concordance is well-established at the total score level, individual section conversions are less precise because the tests assess skills differently. Always verify with your target institution whether they accept converted scores or require an actual test result.

When This Page Helps

When you have a TOEFL score but need to know its IELTS equivalent, manual lookups are awkward and easy to misread. This converter maps your TOEFL total to the corresponding IELTS band using official concordance data from ETS research. It gives you a cleaner basis for cross-test comparison.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Enter your TOEFL iBT total score (0–120).
2. The converter maps it to the equivalent IELTS band score.
3. Review the IELTS band descriptor for context.
4. Compare the result against your target program's requirements.
5. Remember that institutions may require actual test scores, not conversions.

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• A TOEFL 79–93 generally converts to IELTS 6.5.
• A TOEFL 94–101 generally converts to IELTS 7.0.
• A TOEFL 102–109 generally converts to IELTS 7.5.
• Some universities do not accept converted scores — always verify.
• Section-level conversions are less reliable than total score conversions.
• If you score close to a boundary, consider taking the required test directly.

ETS Concordance Research

ETS developed the TOEFL-to-IELTS concordance tables through extensive research involving test takers who completed both assessments. The concordance is updated periodically as new data becomes available.

Conversion at Key Score Points

TOEFL 60 ≈ IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 79 ≈ IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 94 ≈ IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 102 ≈ IELTS 7.5, TOEFL 110 ≈ IELTS 8.0. These are approximate midpoints within each concordance range.

Limitations of Score Conversion

The tests measure English proficiency through different task types. TOEFL Speaking is recorded into a microphone, while IELTS Speaking is a face-to-face interview. IELTS Writing includes a describe-a-graph task, while TOEFL Writing has an integrated reading-listening-writing task. These differences mean individual performance may not convert as cleanly as the tables suggest.

Making the Right Test Choice

If your target institution accepts both tests equally, choose the format that suits your strengths. Students comfortable with typing often prefer TOEFL, while those who perform better in face-to-face communication may prefer IELTS.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the TOEFL-to-IELTS conversion official?

  ETS publishes concordance tables based on research, but individual universities may or may not accept converted scores. Always check the admitting institution's policy.

• What TOEFL score equals IELTS 6.5?

  A TOEFL iBT score of approximately 79–93 corresponds to an IELTS 6.5, depending on the concordance table used.

• What TOEFL score equals IELTS 7.0?

  A TOEFL iBT score of approximately 94–101 corresponds to an IELTS 7.0.

• Can I use a converted score for my application?

  Most institutions require an actual test result rather than a converted score. The conversion is useful for personal comparison and test selection, but you should take the test that your target institution specifies.

• Why are the conversions approximate?

  The TOEFL and IELTS test different skills in different ways. The concordance is based on statistical averages across many test takers, so individual results may vary slightly.

• Should I take TOEFL or IELTS?

  Choose based on your target country (TOEFL is stronger in the U.S., IELTS in the UK/Australia), preferred format (computer vs. paper), and speaking style (recorded vs. face-to-face).

• Are section conversions reliable?

  Section-level conversions are less precise than total score conversions because the tests structure and score sections differently. Total score concordance has the strongest statistical basis.

• Does this conversion apply to TOEFL Paper-Based?

  This converter is designed for TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) scores. Paper-based TOEFL (PBT) uses a different score scale and requires a separate conversion.