What is a Good TOEFL iBT® Reading Score? How Is It Calculated?

A good score in the TOEFL iBT®  reading section ranges between 24-30. This score is easily attainable if you follow a good strategy, and read English literature, newspapers, and TOEFL-style English papers. 

In this guide, we will provide an overview of the reading section, how the score in the TOEFL reading section is calculated, question types, and strategies to tackle the questions. 

TOEFL Reading Score Calculation 

A good TOEFL score is based on the number of correct answers. Here is a brief overview of TOEFL reading score calculation: 

1- Raw Score Calculation

• The raw score is calculated based on the number of correct answers in the reading section. 

• The reading section consists of 30-40 questions, depending on the version of your test. Each correct answer weighs one point. However, some “Reading to learn” questions weigh two or three points each. 

2- Conversion to the scaled score 

• The raw score is then converted into a scaled score. This conversion is done through an ETS-predefined table. 

• Here is the formula for conversion in the scaled score: 

Scaled Score= (Raw Score/33)x30 

3- Score Ranges

Here is the categorization of score ranges: 

• Advanced: 24-30 

• High-intermediate: 18-23 

• Low-intermediate: 4-17 

• Below Low-intermediate: 0-3 

4- No Negative Marking 

Fortunately, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers, So you can guess if you are unsure about an answer. 

Percentile to determine a Good TOEFL Reading Score

To determine, if you have a good TOEFL reading score or not, check the percentile. 

Here are the percentile for common TOEFL score ranges that are accepted by top universities: 

What is examined as a Good Reading Score on TOEFL 

A good TOEFL score varies depending on the university you wish to attend. A strong reading score meets the requirements for admission to your desired college or university. 

Many institutions typically require an overall reading score that ranges from intermediate to advanced levels. However, different universities may specify their required TOEFL reading scores during the admissions process. 

All in all, there is no universally accepted "good" reading score for the TOEFL, as it is largely dependent on individual university requirements. When preparing for the TOEFL, aim to achieve a reading score between 24 and 30 points as a goal for success in this section.

Understanding Common Mistakes to Avoid in the TOEFL Reading Section: Common Mistakes to Avoid in TOEFL Reading Section 

Approaching TOEFL Reading Sentence Simplification Questions:  How to Answer TOEFL iBT® Reading Sentence Simplification Questions

This was our guide on the TOEFL reading section. In conclusion, Understand the format practice the sample questions, and excel in your chance of scoring a good TOEFL score. 

Also Read: 

• Minimum TOEFL iBT® Scores Required for Ivy League Universities 
• Types of Questions in TOEFL iBT® Speaking Task 1 
• Minimum TOEFL iBT® Score Required for Boston University