The TOEFL 1 to 6 scale explained: read any requirement, old or new, and set a target for each section
Since 21 January 2026, TOEFL iBT reports each section and an overall score from 1 to 6, in half bands. The overall score is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest half band. For two years after January 2026, your report also shows a comparable 0 to 120 score. Convert old requirements with the ETS comparison table, then add half a band to your hardest section.
A university page asks for "100 overall, with at least 22 in Speaking". Your practice tests show 4.5 on the new scale, and it looks close enough. It is not. On the ETS comparison table, 100 sits in band 5, and you have aimed half a band too low.
How does the 1 to 6 scale work?
Since 21 January 2026, ETS reports TOEFL iBT scores from 1 to 6, in half bands. You receive a score for each section (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking) and an overall score.
Each section score is built from task scores. Reading, Listening and Build a Sentence are scored by machine, one point per correct item. Write an Email, Write for an Academic Discussion, Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview are each scored from 0 to 5. The 2026 test specifications say automated scoring produces those task scores. Each section is then reported on the 1 to 6 scale.
TOEFL has no pass mark. ETS sets no passing or failing scores, so a 4.0 is neither good nor bad until you compare it with a requirement. The number you need comes from each institution's own page, and this article will not guess it for you. Check that page for both the overall score and any minimum per section.
How is the overall score calculated?
Your overall score is the average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band. ETS gives its own example: an average of 5.25 becomes an overall score of 5.5.
| Reading | Listening | Writing | Speaking | Average | Overall (1 to 6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 | 5.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 4.5 | 5.25 | 5.5 |
| 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.875 | 5.0 |
Look at the second row. Rounding lifts the overall score to 5.5, yet Speaking sits at 4.5. If a requirement says 5.5 overall with no section below 5.0, this profile meets one part and fails the other.
The third row shows the same trap from the other side. The overall score rounds up to 5.0 while Speaking is a full band lower. A strong average never repairs a weak section when the requirement sets a minimum per section.
What is the comparable 0 to 120 score?
For two years after January 2026, your score report also shows a comparable overall score on the old 0 to 120 scale. It exists because institutions are updating their requirements at different times. ETS states that both formats appear on your official report.
On the old scale, each section ran from 0 to 30 and the total from 0 to 120. You will still meet requirements written that way, such as "90 overall" or "at least 22 in Speaking". Your report gives the comparable overall figure. For section minimums written in the old scale, you need the comparison table.
How do you convert an old requirement?
ETS publishes a comparison table that links each band to ranges on the old scale. This is the part from band 3.5 to band 6. The full table, down to band 1, is on ets.org.
| Band | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 29–30 | 28–30 | 28–30 | 29–30 | 114+ |
| 5.5 | 27–28 | 26–27 | 27 | 27–28 | 107+ |
| 5 | 24–26 | 22–25 | 25–26 | 24–26 | 95+ |
| 4.5 | 22–23 | 20–21 | 23–24 | 21–23 | 86+ |
| 4 | 18–21 | 17–19 | 20–22 | 17–20 | 72+ |
| 3.5 | 12–17 | 13–16 | 18–19 | 15–16 | 58+ |
For each section and for the total, find the band whose range includes the institution's old minimum. The ranges differ by section, so never convert with a single rule.
Three worked readings show how it goes:
- A total of 100 falls between 95 and 106, which is band 5.
- A total of 90 falls between 86 and 94, which is band 4.5.
- A Speaking minimum of 22 falls in the 20 to 22 range, which is band 4.
Notice that 22 means band 4 in Speaking but band 5 in Listening. That is why every section needs its own line.
A converted figure tells you the floor, not the target. The next step adds the margin.
How do you turn a requirement into a target?
Start from the converted band for each section and overall. Then add half a band for the section you find hardest, because that section has the least room to slip on the day.
Take the requirement in the opening line: 100 overall, with at least 22 in Speaking. The overall converts to band 5, so 5.0 is the floor and 5.5 gives a margin. Speaking converts to band 4. If Speaking is your weakest section, a target of 4.5 gives you a margin there.
Then check the targets against each other. Suppose your plan sets Speaking at 4.5 and Reading, Listening and Writing at 5.5. The average is 5.25, which rounds to an overall 5.5. That profile meets both parts of the requirement with room to spare.
A target only means something against evidence. You are ready when two full practice tests in a row meet your target in every section. How long to prepare for TOEFL turns the gap into weeks.
What if your institutions ask for different scores?
Prepare for the highest figure in each section. One test that satisfies every requirement is cheaper than two tests aimed at different targets.
Keep a target score table with one row per institution. Record the overall score, the minimum per section, the scale used, whether MyBest scores are accepted, the score age limit and the institution code. Add a column headed "my target on the 1 to 6 scale".
When a requirement is unclear after the change of scale, ask the institution to confirm it in writing.
Set your targets before you book
Build the table, convert every old figure and add your margin. Then take one official practice test and compare it with the table, section by section. The facts on this page were checked against ETS's official pages and the 2026–27 Information Bulletin in October 2026.
If you are still choosing between tests, read TOEFL or IELTS first. For the new tasks and timings that arrived with the scale, read What changed on 21 January 2026.
Chapters 11 and 12 of CredenTrek For TOEFL hold the target score table on both scales and the five questions to ask every institution. Appendix G adds practice questions on the overall score and on converting an old requirement.
- Open each institution's requirement page and note which scale it uses and the date you read it.
- Convert every 0 to 120 figure with the ETS comparison table, section by section and overall.
- Set a target for each section on the 1 to 6 scale, adding half a band to your hardest section.
- Email any institution whose requirement is unclear and ask it to confirm the figure in writing.
Questions readers ask
When will I see my TOEFL iBT scores?
Can MyBest combine scores from before and after January 2026?
How should I write my TOEFL score on a CV?
Can I ask ETS to rescore my Speaking or Writing?
- Official TOEFL website (ETS)
- Understanding your scores (ets.org)
- TOEFL iBT test specifications (2026)
- TOEFL iBT Information Bulletin (2026–27)
- Each institution's requirement page
This guide is independent and is not endorsed by ETS. Facts change: confirm them on the official page before you act.