What is a Good Score in TOEFL iBT® Speaking? How Is It Calculated?
"Understand TOEFL Speaking score calculation, performance levels, and what makes a good score. Learn how raw scores convert to a scaled score out of 30."
Your TOEFL Speaking tasks are scored from 0 to 4, and the total is converted into a scaled score between 0 and 30. A score of 25 or higher is considered good, indicating strong spoken English skills.
But how is this conversion done, and what does each score level mean? Let’s break down the TOEFL Speaking scoring process and understand what makes a good score in this section.
What is a Good Score in TOEFL Speaking?
The TOEFL Speaking iBT section consists of four tasks that simulate real-life situations you might encounter in and out of the classroom. The section includes one Independent Speaking Task, which draws on your personal ideas and experiences, and three Integrated Speaking Tasks that combine various language skills such as listening, reading, and speaking.
For each task, you're given 15-30 seconds of preparation time, followed by 45-60 seconds to respond by speaking into a microphone. The entire Speaking section takes approximately 16 minutes to complete. Now, let’s understand what each score means and what’s a good score in TOEFL Speaking section.
|
Level |
CEFR Level |
Performance Descriptor |
|
Advanced (25–30) |
C1 |
Test takers should fluently and effectively communicate on a diverse array of topics, showcasing a high level of proficiency. |
|
High-Intermediate (20–24) |
B2 |
Test-takers should communicate effectively on general topics and convey their thoughts on more complex or academic subjects, albeit with occasional challenges. |
|
Low-Intermediate (16–19) |
B1 |
Test takers at the Low-Intermediate level can discuss general subjects with some clarity but face challenges with more complex or academic discussions. |
|
Basic (10–15) |
A2 |
Test takers at the Basic level can convey some information on familiar topics, albeit with significant limitations. |
|
Below Basic (0–9) |
- |
Test takers at this level show no proficiency. |
Ready to ace the TOEFL Speaking section?
Prepare with our TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests and boost your confidence!
TOEFL Speaking Score Calculation
Your TOEFL Speaking score is determined by converting raw scores from all four tasks into a scaled score out of 30. The chart below outlines this conversion process, helping you understand how each response contributes to your final score.
|
Raw TOEFL Speaking Score |
Scaled TOEFL Speaking Score |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1 |
2 |
|
2 |
4 |
|
3 |
6 |
|
4 |
8 |
|
5 |
9 |
|
6 |
11 |
|
7 |
13 |
|
8 |
15 |
|
9 |
17 |
|
10 |
19 |
|
11 |
21 |
|
12 |
23 |
|
13 |
24 |
|
14 |
26 |
|
15 |
28 |
|
16 |
30 |
I hope this blog on What is a Good Score in TOEFL Speaking? How Is It Calculated? was helpful in understanding the scoring process. Knowing how your responses are evaluated can help you set clear goals and improve your performance. Keep practicing, and you'll be one step closer to achieving your target TOEFL Speaking score!
Additional Resources:
- TOEFL iBT® Speaking Score Calculation: Marking Criteria, Score Interpretation
- TOEFL Speaking Templates for All Speaking Tasks
- TOEFL iBT® Sample Speaking Questions: Tips for Answers
- How to Use AI Tools for TOEFL Speaking Practice
- TOEFL Three-choice Question Guide in Speaking Task 1
- 10 Useful Topics to Practice TOEFL English Speaking Skills
Featured Articles
How Reading Fiction Helps with TOEFL Writing and Reading Comprehension
Reading fiction improves TOEFL vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. It helps you write fluently and read with better focus and clarity.
July 15, 2025
Best Spotify Playlists for TOEFL Listening Practice
Use Spotify podcasts to improve TOEFL Listening skills. Practise note-taking, speaker tone, and academic vocabulary in a fun, flexible way.
July 15, 2025
How to Improve TOEFL Reading Skills Using Wikipedia Articles
Build strong TOEFL Reading skills with the help of Wikipedia articles. Practise main ideas, scanning, and vocabulary for better comprehension and test scores.
July 15, 2025
Effective and Fun TOEFL Preparation Hacks You Can Do on Your Phone
Turn your phone into a smart TOEFL prep companion with these fun and effective hacks. From podcasts to flashcards, boost your score anytime, anywhere.
July 15, 2025