If you’re asking “what is a good TOEFL score?” the answer just got more complicated—and more straightforward at the same time. In January 2026, ETS completely revamped TOEFL scoring, switching from the familiar 0-120 scale to a new 1-6 band system. The good news? The new scale is simpler to understand and aligns with international standards. The not-so-good news? You might need to learn a whole new scoring framework.
Here’s the quick answer: A good TOEFL score on the new 1-6 scale is 5.0 or higher—competitive for most graduate programs and top universities. On the old 0-120 scale (for tests taken before January 21, 2026), 100+ was the benchmark for a good TOEFL score.
But here’s what really matters: a “good” TOEFL score depends entirely on your specific goals. What’s excellent for one program might be just acceptable for another. This guide covers both the new 1-6 scoring system AND the legacy 0-120 system, so whether you’re taking the TOEFL now or interpreting an older score, you’ll know exactly where you stand.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the New TOEFL Scoring (January 2026+)
- What’s a Good Score on the New 1-6 Scale?
- Old-to-New TOEFL Score Conversion
- What Score Do Universities Require?
- Professional Program TOEFL Requirements
- TOEFL Proficiency Levels by Section
- TOEFL Section Scores: Does Balance Matter?
- Understanding Your TOEFL Score Report
- Old TOEFL Scoring (Pre-January 21, 2026)
- TOEFL MyBest Scores
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the New TOEFL Scoring (January 2026+)
Starting January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT uses a completely new scoring system. Here’s what you need to know.
The 1-6 Band Scale
The new TOEFL score ranges from 1.0 to 6.0, measured in half-point increments (so you might receive a 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, etc.). Each of the four sections—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—receives its own 1-6 score.
Your overall score is the average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band. So if you score Reading 5.0, Listening 4.5, Speaking 4.0, and Writing 4.5, your total would be 4.5 (the average of 18 / 4 = 4.5).
CEFR Alignment
One of the biggest advantages of the new scale is its alignment with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This is the same framework used globally for language proficiency, which makes TOEFL scores easier to interpret internationally.
| CEFR Level | Description | TOEFL Score (1-6) |
|---|---|---|
| C2 | Mastery | 6 |
| C1 | Advanced | 5 – 5.5 |
| B2 | Upper Intermediate | 4 – 4.5 |
| B1 | Intermediate | 3 – 3.5 |
| A2 | Elementary | 2 – 2.5 |
| A1 | Beginner | 1 – 1.5 |
If you’ve ever taken language courses in Europe, studied a language abroad, or looked at job requirements for international positions, you’ve probably seen CEFR levels. Now your TOEFL score directly corresponds to these widely recognized proficiency descriptions.
What Your Score Report Shows
During the transition period (2026-2028), your TOEFL score report will include:
- Your new 1-6 band score
- Your CEFR level
- A comparable score on the old 0-120 scale
This dual reporting helps universities and employers who are still updating their requirements to understand scores in both formats.
Pro tip: When applying to programs, check whether they list requirements in the new 1-6 format or the old 0-120 format. Many institutions are providing both during the transition.
What’s a Good TOEFL Score on the New 1-6 Scale?
Very generally speaking, here’s how new TOEFL scores stack up for different goals:
| Your Goal | Target Score | CEFR Level | What This Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 20 universities | 5.5 – 6.0 | C1-C2 | Highly competitive; near-native proficiency |
| Most graduate programs | 4.5 – 5.0 | B2+-C1 | Competitive; comfortable in academic settings |
| Most undergraduate programs | 4.0 – 4.5 | B2 | Meets most requirements; can handle coursework |
| Community colleges | 3.5 – 4.0 | B1+-B2 | Entry-level; may need additional support |
| Immigration/work visas | Varies | Varies | Check specific country/visa requirements |
Here’s what those scores actually mean in practical terms:
5.5-6.0 (C1-C2): You can read complex academic texts without difficulty, follow lectures on abstract topics, speak fluently on professional subjects, and write well-organized essays. This is near-native proficiency.
4.5-5.0 (B2+-C1): You can understand most academic content, participate in discussions, express opinions clearly, and write coherent academic papers. This is what most graduate programs consider a good TOEFL score.
4.0-4.5 (B2): You can handle straightforward academic materials, contribute to classroom discussions with some limitations, and write clear paragraphs on familiar topics. This meets requirements for many undergraduate programs.
3.5-4.0 (B1+-B2): You can understand main points of clear standard speech, handle routine academic tasks, and write simple connected text. Some programs may require additional English support courses.
The most important takeaway? What counts as a good TOEFL score depends on your target program. A 4.5 might be excellent for one university and below threshold for another.
Old-to-New TOEFL Score Conversion
If you took the TOEFL before January 21, 2026, your score is on the old 0-120 scale. Here’s how to convert it:
| New Scale (1-6) | Old Total (0-120) | Per Section (Old) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 114+ | 28-30 |
| 5.5 | 107-113 | 26-28 |
| 5 | 95-106 | 23-26 |
| 4.5 | 86-94 | 21-24 |
| 4 | 72-85 | 18-21 |
| 3.5 | 58-71 | 14-18 |
| 3 | 44-57 | 11-14 |
| 2.5 | 34-43 | 9-11 |
| 2 | 24-33 | 6-9 |
| 1.5 | 12-23 | 4-6 |
| 1 | 0-11 | 0-4 |
Quick Conversion for Common Requirements
| Old Requirement | New Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 100 | 5.0 |
| 90 | 4.5 |
| 80 | 4.0 |
| 70 | 3.5 |
Pro tip: During the 2026-2028 transition period, most universities accept scores in either format. Your score report includes both, so you won’t need to do any conversion yourself when sending official scores.
What Score Do Universities Require?
What’s considered a good TOEFL score varies significantly by institution type and program. Here’s what to expect.
Graduate Program Requirements
| Program Type | Old (0-120) | New (1-6) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 20 programs (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT) | 100-110+ | 5.0-5.5+ | Often have section minimums |
| Top 50 research universities | 90-100 | 4.5-5.0 | Competitive but achievable |
| Most master’s programs | 80-90 | 4.0-4.5 | Common threshold |
| Many PhD programs | 80-100 | 4.0-5.0 | Varies by field |
| Minimum threshold | 70-80 | 3.5-4.0 | Some programs accept lower |
Keep in mind that many graduate programs also set minimum section scores. For example, a program might require an overall 5.0 with no section below 4.0. This prevents students from having a significant weakness in one area—particularly speaking or writing, which are critical for academic success.
Undergraduate Program Requirements
| University Type | Old (0-120) | New (1-6) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy League / Top 20 | 100+ | 5.0+ | Highly selective |
| Top 50 universities | 90-100 | 4.5-5.0 | Competitive |
| Most 4-year universities | 80-90 | 4.0-4.5 | Standard requirement |
| State universities | 70-80 | 3.5-4.0 | More accessible |
| Community colleges | 60-70 | 3.0-3.5 | Entry-level |
How to Research Your Target Schools
Don’t rely solely on general guidelines. Here’s how to find exact requirements:
- Visit the official admissions page for your specific program (not just the university)
- Look for both minimum AND average accepted scores—meeting the minimum doesn’t guarantee admission
- Check for section minimums in addition to total score requirements
- Contact admissions if you can’t find updated requirements for the new scale
- Look at peer institutions to gauge what’s typical for your target program type
Professional Program TOEFL Requirements
If you’re pursuing licensure or admission to professional programs, TOEFL requirements can be quite specific.
Medical & Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare licensing bodies often set firm TOEFL requirements. These aren’t negotiable—you either meet them or you don’t.
| Profession | Organization | Old Score | New Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy (FPGEE) | NABP | 93+ | ~4.5+ | Plus section minimums |
| Physical Therapy | FCCPT | 89+ | ~4.5 | Section minimums vary |
| Nursing (varies by state) | State boards | 83+ | ~4.0+ | Check specific state |
| Medicine (ECFMG) | ECFMG | N/A | N/A | Requires OET Medicine, not TOEFL |
Pro tip: Healthcare licensing often requires minimum section scores. For pharmacy (NABP), requirements are approximately Reading 21-22, Listening 21-22, Speaking 25-26, and Writing 22-24 (old scale), though these change periodically. Always check the current official requirements. Plan your TOEFL preparation accordingly.
Law School Requirements
Law schools generally set high TOEFL requirements because legal study demands excellent language skills.
| Law School | Old Requirement | New Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yale Law | 100+ | 5.0+ | Holistic review |
| Harvard Law | 100+ | 5.0+ | No official minimum |
| Stanford Law | 100+ | 5.0+ | Speaking emphasized |
| Columbia Law | 105+ | ~5.0-5.5 | Competitive threshold |
| NYU Law | 100+ | 5.0+ | Section minimums may apply |
| Top 14 average | 100-105 | 5.0-5.5 | Aim high |
| Most law schools | 90-100 | 4.5-5.0 | Standard range |
Business School (MBA) Requirements
Top MBA programs set high English proficiency standards because of the collaborative, discussion-based curriculum.
| Business School | Old Requirement | New Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wharton | 115+ average | ~5.5-6.0 | Highest average |
| Harvard Business School | 109+ | ~5.5 | Strong preference |
| Stanford GSB | 100+ | 5.0+ | No official minimum |
| MIT Sloan | 100+ | 5.0+ | Section balance matters |
| Kellogg | 100+ | 5.0+ | Speaking important |
| Top 10 average | 105-115 | 5.0-5.5 | Competitive range |
| Most MBA programs | 90-100 | 4.5-5.0 | Standard threshold |
Pro tip: MBA programs pay close attention to your Speaking and Writing scores because these reflect your ability to participate in case discussions and team projects.
TOEFL Proficiency Levels by Section
ETS defines proficiency levels for each section to help you understand what your score really means. Here’s the framework for the new scale:
Reading
| Level | Score | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced | 5-6 | Full comprehension of complex academic texts; can make inferences and synthesize information |
| High-Intermediate | 4-4.5 | Good understanding of academic texts; occasional difficulty with complex vocabulary |
| Low-Intermediate | 3-3.5 | Basic understanding; struggles with complex texts and academic vocabulary |
| Below Low-Intermediate | 1-2.5 | Limited comprehension; needs significant support |
Listening
| Level | Score | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced | 5-6 | Understands academic lectures fully; can follow complex arguments |
| High-Intermediate | 4-4.5 | Good comprehension; may miss some nuances or rapid speech |
| Low-Intermediate | 3-3.5 | Understands main ideas; struggles with details |
| Below Low-Intermediate | 1-2.5 | Limited understanding; needs simplified speech |
Speaking
| Level | Score | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced | 5-6 | Speaks fluently and accurately; clear pronunciation; can express complex ideas |
| High-Intermediate | 4-4.5 | Good communication; minor errors don’t impede understanding |
| Low-Intermediate | 3-3.5 | Can communicate basic ideas; frequent errors may cause confusion |
| Basic | 2-2.5 | Very limited expression; significant communication barriers |
| Below Basic | 1-1.5 | Cannot effectively communicate in English |
Writing
| Level | Score | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced | 5-6 | Well-organized, coherent essays; effective use of grammar and vocabulary |
| High-Intermediate | 4-4.5 | Clear writing with good organization; some errors but meaning is clear |
| Low-Intermediate | 3-3.5 | Basic organization; limited vocabulary; frequent errors |
| Basic | 2-2.5 | Difficulty organizing ideas; significant grammar issues |
| Below Basic | 1-1.5 | Cannot produce meaningful written communication |
TOEFL Section Scores: Does Balance Matter?
Your overall TOEFL score is the average of your four sections, but does balance matter? The short answer: yes, often.
How Section Scores Work
On the old 0-120 scale: Each section was scored 0-30, and your total was the sum. A 100 could be 25+25+25+25 (balanced) or 29+29+25+17 (unbalanced).
On the new 1-6 scale: Each section is scored 1-6, and your total is the average. A 5.0 could be 5+5+5+5 (balanced) or 6+5.5+4.5+4 (unbalanced).
Why Balance Matters
Many programs set minimum section scores in addition to a total requirement. For example:
- Graduate programs may require “Overall 4.5 with no section below 4.0”
- MBA programs often emphasize Speaking (for discussions) and Writing (for essays)
- Healthcare licensing may have specific section thresholds
Strategic Implications
If your scores are unbalanced, focus your TOEFL preparation on your weakest section. Improving from 3.5 to 4.5 in your weak area will often help you more than improving from 5.0 to 5.5 in your strong area—especially if programs have section minimums.
Understanding Your TOEFL Score Report
When you receive your TOEFL scores, here’s what you’ll see during the 2026-2028 transition period:
What Your Report Includes
- New 1-6 band score (overall and per section)
- CEFR level corresponding to your score
- Comparable 0-120 score (overall and per section)
- Performance feedback for each section
- MyBest scores (if you’ve taken multiple tests)
Score Availability
- Scores are available online within 72 hours of testing (faster than the old 4-8 days)
- Official score reports are sent to your chosen institutions
- PDF reports available 1 day after online scores
Score Validity
TOEFL scores remain valid for 2 years from your test date. If you tested on March 15, 2025, your scores are valid until March 15, 2027.
Old TOEFL Scoring (Pre-January 21, 2026)
If you took the TOEFL before January 21, 2026, your scores are on the old 0-120 scale. Here’s what you need to know.
The 0-120 System
The old TOEFL iBT had four sections, each scored 0-30:
- Reading: 0-30
- Listening: 0-30
- Speaking: 0-30
- Writing: 0-30
- Total: 0-120 (sum of all sections)
Score Ranges Under the Old System
| Score Range | Competitiveness |
|---|---|
| 110-120 | Excellent—competitive for any program |
| 100-109 | Very competitive—meets most top program requirements |
| 90-99 | Competitive—meets most graduate program requirements |
| 80-89 | Average—meets many undergraduate requirements |
| 70-79 | Below average—may limit options |
| Below 70 | May significantly limit university options |
If Your Old Score Is Still Valid
Good news: universities will accept valid old-format scores during the transition period. Your score report will automatically include both the old 0-120 score and the new 1-6 equivalent, so institutions can interpret your score in either system.
How Universities Handle Legacy Scores
Most universities are handling the transition gracefully:
- They accept scores in either format
- Admissions offices are trained on conversion
- Requirements are often listed in both scales
If you’re applying with an older score and the university only lists new-scale requirements, use the conversion table above to see where you stand.
TOEFL MyBest Scores
MyBest scores combine your highest section scores from all valid TOEFL tests taken within a two-year period. This can work in your favor if you’ve taken the test multiple times.
How MyBest Works
| Test Date | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test 1 (March 2026) | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Test 2 (June 2026) | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| MyBest | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
In this example, neither individual test reached 5.0, but the MyBest score does.
Which Institutions Accept MyBest?
Many institutions accept MyBest scores, but not all. A growing number of universities accept these combined scores, though policies vary. However:
- Always verify with your specific program
- Some graduate programs may prefer single-test scores
- Professional licensing boards may not accept MyBest
Strategic Implications
If you’re close to your target score but not quite there, retaking the test makes sense—even if you do slightly worse overall, you might improve individual sections that boost your MyBest score.
Frequently Asked Questions
What TOEFL score do I need for Harvard or other top universities?
For top universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and the Ivy League, aim for 5.0+ on the new scale (equivalent to 100+ on the old scale). Many competitive applicants have scores of 5.5+ (105+). However, TOEFL is just one factor—admissions are holistic.
Are old TOEFL scores (0-120) still valid?
Yes. TOEFL scores remain valid for 2 years from your test date. If you took the test before January 21, 2026, your 0-120 score remains valid during that window, and universities will accept it with conversion guidance provided on your score report.
Which scoring system should I care about?
If you’re taking the TOEFL now (January 2026 or later), focus on the new 1-6 scale—that’s what you’ll receive. Universities are providing requirements in both formats during the transition period (through 2028), so you’ll be able to understand where you stand either way.
How do I convert my old score to the new scale?
Use ETS’s official conversion: 100 old = 5.0 new, 90 = 4.5, 80 = 4.0, 70 = 3.5. Your official score report includes both formats automatically, so you won’t need to convert manually when sending scores.
Is a 4.5 a good TOEFL score?
Yes, 4.5 is a good TOEFL score for most purposes. Equivalent to approximately 90 on the old scale, it meets requirements for most graduate programs and many competitive universities. It corresponds to CEFR B2+/C1, indicating solid academic English proficiency. Always check your specific program’s requirements.
Will universities update their requirements for the new scale?
Yes. During the 2026-2028 transition period, most universities are providing requirements in both formats. By 2028, expect most institutions to list requirements primarily in the 1-6 scale, with 0-120 conversion guidance for historical reference.
Can I still take the old-format TOEFL?
No. As of January 21, 2026, all TOEFL iBT tests use the new format and scoring system. The TOEFL Paper Edition has been discontinued. If you need a score for an upcoming application, you’ll receive scores on the new 1-6 scale.
What’s Next?
Ultimately, a good TOEFL score depends on your specific goals. Whether you’re aiming for a top MBA program (5.0+), applying to undergraduate programs (4.0-4.5), or meeting professional licensing requirements, the key is knowing your target and preparing strategically.
Here’s the encouraging news: the TOEFL is a test you can prepare for effectively. With focused study on your weak areas and consistent practice, you can reach your target score.
Ready to start preparing? Magoosh TOEFL prep features 100% official ETS questions, expert video lessons, and instant feedback on speaking and writing to help you reach your goal—whether that’s a 4.5 or a 6.0.
Pro tip: Take Magoosh’s free TOEFL practice test—built entirely from official ETS questions—to understand your starting point, then create a study plan based on how much improvement you need and how much time you have.
