TL;DR — IELTS vs TOEFL at a Glance
As of January 2026, TOEFL iBT uses a new 1–6 band scale (replacing the 0–120 scale). IELTS retains its 1–9 band scale. TOEFL now takes approximately 90 minutes; IELTS takes 2 hours 45 minutes. TOEFL 5.0 ≈ IELTS 7.0. IELTS Speaking is a live interview; TOEFL Speaking uses recorded responses. Both tests are valid for two years.
Originally published July 2026. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
IELTS and TOEFL iBT are the two most widely recognised English language proficiency tests for university admissions and professional registration. In January 2026, ETS restructured the TOEFL iBT with a new scoring scale, shorter duration, and adaptive testing. This guide provides an updated comparison using official ETS and IELTS data.
Major TOEFL Changes in January 2026
On 21 January 2026, ETS introduced several significant changes to the TOEFL iBT:
New score scale. The total score now uses a 1–6 band scale in 0.5 increments, replacing the 0–120 scale. The total score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band. During the transition period (until January 2028), score reports display both the new 1–6 score and a comparable 0–120 score.
Shorter test. The total test duration is approximately 90 minutes, reduced from the previous 2 hours.
Adaptive testing. Reading and Listening sections now use computer-adaptive design, adjusting question difficulty based on performance.
Source: ETS — TOEFL iBT Score Scale Update.
Test Format Comparison
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL iBT (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Test Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes | ~90 minutes |
| Score Scale | 1–9 bands (0.5 increments) | 1–6 bands (0.5 increments) |
| Total Score Calculation | Average of four sections | Average of four sections |
| Test Format | Paper or Computer | Computer only (adaptive) |
| Speaking Format | Face-to-face with examiner | Recorded responses |
| Writing Tasks | 2 tasks (60 minutes) | Integrated + independent tasks |
| Results | 3–13 days | 4–8 days |
| Score Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Content Focus | Academic or General Training | Academic only |
| Retake Policy | Full test or One Skill Retake | Full test only |
Source: IELTS official website · ETS TOEFL iBT Score Scale Update.
Score Conversion: TOEFL iBT to IELTS
The following table is based on ETS’s official concordance, showing the new 1–6 TOEFL scale alongside the legacy 0–120 scale and corresponding IELTS bands.
| IELTS Band | TOEFL (1–6) | TOEFL (0–120) | CEFR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 6 | 114+ | C2 |
| 8.0 | 6 | 114+ | C2 |
| 7.5 | 5.5 | 107+ | C1 |
| 7.0 | 5 | 95+ | C1 |
| 6.5 | 4.5 | 86+ | B2 |
| 6.0 | 4 | 72+ | B2 |
| 5.5 | 3.5 | 58+ | B1 |
| 5.0 | 2.5 | 34+ | B1 |
| 4.0 | 1.5 | 12+ | A1 |
Source: ETS — TOEFL Score Scale (1–6) vs IELTS comparison table.
Section-Level Score Conversion
ETS also provides section-level concordance between TOEFL (1–6) and IELTS for tests taken on or after 21 January 2026.
| IELTS Band | TOEFL Reading | TOEFL Listening | TOEFL Writing | TOEFL Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 8.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6 |
| 7.0 | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
| 6.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 |
| 6.0 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 |
| 5.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Source: ETS — Official section-level concordance table.
Choosing Between IELTS and TOEFL
Consider IELTS if you perform well in live conversation with an examiner, need a General Training variant for immigration, prefer a test accepted across more immigration pathways (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK), or want the One Skill Retake option.
Consider TOEFL iBT if you prefer a shorter, fully computer-based test (~90 minutes), are comfortable with integrated tasks that combine reading, listening, and writing, prefer recorded speaking over a live interview, or are applying to North American universities where TOEFL may be preferred.
Both tests are widely accepted by universities globally. For immigration, IELTS has broader acceptance — TOEFL is not accepted for Australia’s skilled migration programme or Canada’s Express Entry.
Understanding the Transition Period
Between January 2026 and January 2028, TOEFL score reports display three scores: the CEFR level, the new 1–6 score, and a comparable 0–120 score. Institutions are being advised by ETS to set requirements based on the CEFR-aligned 1–6 scale. The legacy 0–120 scale will no longer appear on score reports after January 2028.
ETS recommends the following equivalences for institutional requirements: a previous requirement of 100 on the 0–120 scale corresponds to 5 on the 1–6 scale; 90 corresponds to 4.5; and 80 corresponds to 4.
Key Takeaways
- TOEFL iBT switched to a 1–6 band scale in January 2026, with 0–120 scores shown alongside through January 2028.
- TOEFL 5.0 (new scale) / 95+ (old scale) corresponds to IELTS 7.0 according to ETS official concordance.
- TOEFL now takes approximately 90 minutes — nearly half the time of IELTS (2 hours 45 minutes).
- IELTS has broader immigration acceptance (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK). TOEFL is not accepted for Australian skilled migration or Canadian Express Entry.
- IELTS offers One Skill Retake; TOEFL requires retaking the full test to improve any section score.
Frequently Asked Questions
What TOEFL score equals IELTS 7.0?
TOEFL 5.0 on the new 1–6 scale (equivalent to 95+ on the legacy 0–120 scale) corresponds to IELTS 7.0, per the official ETS concordance.
Is TOEFL accepted for Australian immigration?
No. The Australian Department of Home Affairs does not accept TOEFL for skilled visa applications. IELTS, PTE Academic, OET, and Cambridge are accepted.
Has TOEFL really changed to a 1–6 scale?
Yes. As of 21 January 2026, all TOEFL iBT score reports use the new 1–6 band scale. A comparable 0–120 score is also provided during the transition period through January 2028.
Is IELTS or TOEFL easier?
Neither is objectively easier. IELTS suits candidates who prefer live examiner interaction, while TOEFL suits those comfortable with computer-based integrated tasks. Both assess the same CEFR proficiency levels.
Can I use my old TOEFL score (0–120)?
TOEFL scores are valid for two years. Scores from before January 2026 remain valid during this period. Institutions will see both score scales on reports through January 2028.
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