How long is the TOEFL?
The TOEFL iBT takes about 90 minutes of testing time since the January 21, 2026 update: Reading about 30, Listening 29, Writing 23 and Speaking 8. ETS says test time does not include directions and tells you to allow about two hours. There are no scheduled breaks, and because Reading and Listening adapt, your time and items can vary.
In more detail
The 90 minutes is the sum of the four base times ETS lists: 30 + 29 + 23 + 8. Directions are not counted, and check-in comes on top, which is why ETS says to plan for about two hours. Some guides and a few ETS pages still say two hours for the test itself. The old format ran close to that, so the current one is roughly 25 minutes shorter.
There is no scheduled break, so eat, drink and use the restroom before you start. If you stop before you have completed at least one Reading question, one Listening question, one Speaking task and one Writing task, the test is not scored at all.
Reading and Listening are adaptive: the second stage depends on how you did in the first. That is why ETS gives item counts and times as approximate. You can take the TOEFL iBT at a test center, or at home with a live human proctor.
TOEFL iBT sections and timing (ETS, October 2026)
| Section | Items | Approx. base time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 50 | 30 min |
| Listening | 47 | 29 min |
| Writing | 12 | 23 min |
| Speaking | 11 | 8 min |
| Total | about 120 | about 90 min (about 2 h with directions) |
Step by step
- 1
Block about two hours in your calendar: 90 minutes of testing plus directions and check-in.
- 2
Eat, drink and use the restroom before you start, since there is no scheduled break.
- 3
Take a full practice test in one sitting, with no pause between sections.
- 4
Pace each section against its base time: about 30 minutes for Reading, 29 for Listening, 23 for Writing and 8 for Speaking.
- 5
Practice Speaking in short timed bursts, since the whole section is only 8 minutes.
- 6
Do not leave a section empty. If one is skipped, none of the sections are scored.
How StudyPDF helps
Upload your English course notes, reading texts and word lists, and StudyPDF builds a timed practice exam in sections from them, with no feedback until you submit and a graded report per section. Use it to rehearse sitting for 90 minutes without a pause, and let the concepts you miss feed your next quiz. Set your test date in the Plan tab for dated sessions. The free plan covers about 4 materials a week, no card needed.
See also
More questions
Is there a break during the TOEFL?
No. ETS schedules no breaks in the TOEFL iBT, so plan food, water and the restroom before you start.
How long is the TOEFL Speaking section?
About 8 minutes, split between two task types: Listen and Repeat, and Take an Interview.
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