What is a good TOEFL score?
There is no passing TOEFL score, because each university sets its own minimum. On the 1 to 6 scale used since January 21, 2026, 4.0 is a common minimum for admission, 5.0 is competitive, and 5.5 or higher suits the most selective programs. On the older 0 to 120 scale that is about 72, 95 and 107.
In more detail
ETS does not set a passing score. Each institution decides what it needs, and many ask for a minimum in each section as well as the total, so read the admissions page of your program before you pick a target. Graduate programs and top-ranked universities usually ask for more than undergraduate ones.
Since January 21, 2026 you get four section scores and an overall score on a 1 to 6 scale, in half-point steps. The overall score is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest half band. For two years after the change your report also shows a comparable overall score on the old 0 to 120 scale, so you can meet either format without converting anything.
Use the table to move between the two scales. The 0 to 120 figures are the lowest total in each band, taken from the ETS comparison table. A 100 on the old scale sits in the 5.0 band, which covers 95 to 106. The last column is a rule of thumb from published university requirements, not an ETS rule. Scores stay valid for 2 years, and ETS posts them in your account 3 days after the test.
TOEFL score bands and what they usually open (ETS, October 2026)
| Band (1 to 6) | Old total (0 to 120) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 114 and up | Top of the scale, meets any requirement |
| 5.5 | 107 and up | Most selective universities and programs |
| 5 | 95 and up | Competitive at selective universities and many graduate programs |
| 4.5 | 86 and up | Many universities and graduate programs |
| 4 | 72 and up | Common minimum for undergraduate admission |
| 3.5 | 58 and up | Some colleges and pathway programs |
Step by step
- 1
Find your program's requirement on its admissions page and note whether it lists the 1 to 6 scale, the 0 to 120 scale, or both.
- 2
Check for section minimums as well as the total, since a high total with a low Speaking or Writing score can still miss the cut.
- 3
If the school still lists the old scale, read the comparable 0 to 120 total on your report instead of converting by hand.
- 4
Set your target at least half a band above the requirement, because a single test day can land a little low.
- 5
Take timed practice sections, see which skill drags your average down, and train that one first.
- 6
Ask each school whether it accepts MyBest scores before you plan on combining results from different test dates.
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See also
More questions
Is a TOEFL score of 100 good?
Yes. On the old 0 to 120 scale a 100 falls in the 5.0 band, which is enough for most universities and competitive at selective ones. Some of the most selective programs ask for more, so check the number your school lists.
Do I have to convert my TOEFL score myself?
No. For two years after the January 2026 change, your official score report shows both the 1 to 6 scores and a comparable 0 to 120 total, so you can send the same report to schools that list either scale.
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