TOEFL iBT® to IELTS Conversion: All You Need to Know
"The TOEFL iBT to IELTS conversion delves into the scoring systems of both tests. Learn about the equivalencies, interpret your scores accurately, and understand how they align with international standards."
Key Highlights
Taking a variety of English proficiency tests is a common step on the path to foreign education or professional opportunities. For many non-native English speakers, two prominent tests stand out: TOEFL iBT® and IELTS.
While you are preparing for IELTS and have a sample score, you might consider estimating your TOEFL score as well, which provides a comprehensive understanding of your English skills in a different exam format. This is where the conversion charts can assist you as well as guide you in making an estimation of your TOEFL iBT® scores.
But before moving on to the specifics of score conversions, it's crucial to first examine both the IELTS and TOEFL exams from a broader perspective.
Difference between IELTS vs TOEFL iBT®
In order to choose the best test option, you need to analyse the differences between TOEFL iBT and IELTS and find which one suits you the most. The table below lists the contrasts and offers a quick recapitulation.
|
IELTS |
TOEFL iBT |
|
|
Duration |
2 hours 45 minutes |
2 hours |
|
Total Score Range |
0-9 (band score) |
0-120 |
In the TOEFL iBT exam, you are scored individually on four skills – Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing – each on a scale from 0 to 30 with 1-point increments. These scores collectively contribute to a total TOEFL score, which ranges from 0 to 120. Suppose you score 28 in Reading, 25 in Writing, 29 in Listening, and 27 in Speaking, your overall TOEFL score would be the sum of these individual scores, resulting in a total of 109 out of 120.
On the other hand, in the IELTS, you are assessed with separate band scores for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing each ranging from 0 to 9 with half-point increments. Moreover, the total IELTS band score is not the sum but the average of these four scores, also on a 0-9 scale. Therefore, if you score 8 in Reading, 6 in Writing, 8 in Listening, and 7 in Speaking, the average score will be 7.25. As the total IELTS scores are always rounded to the nearest half-point, your final score will be 7.5.
Now that you have got clarity on the difference between IELTS and TOEFL iBT scoring, let’s explore the five conversion tables - one for total score and four for section-wise insights - that will guide you to convert TOEFL iBT to IELTS scores and choose the best option for you!
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TOEFL iBT to IELTS Conversion of Total Scores
The most common approach for TOEFL iBT to IELTS conversion is to use a conversion chart followed by most institutions and agencies. Take a look at the table below to get a clear picture of how TOEFL iBT total scores align with IELTS Academic overall band scores.
Note: Keep in mind that these conversions are approximations, and the actual score requirements may vary among institutions.
|
TOEFL Score (1-120) |
IELTS Academic Score (0-9) |
|
118 |
9 |
|
115 |
8.5 |
|
110 |
8 |
|
102 |
7.5 |
|
94 |
7 |
|
79 |
6.5 |
|
60 |
6 |
|
46 |
5.5 |
|
35 |
5 |
|
32 |
4.5 |
|
0–31 |
0–4 |
TOEFL iBT to IELTS Conversion: Section-Wise Comparison
In IELTS, each section is graded from 0 to 9, but TOEFL iBT has a 0 to 30 scale. Since there's a pretty big scoring difference, you might want to rely on those conversion tables to make sense of it all, especially for each section. This is especially significant for institutions and organisations that may have specific minimum requirements for individual section scores.
So, learn more about how the scores are compared in each section for the TOEFL iBT and IELTS exam in the tables given below.
TOEFL iBT to IELTS Conversion: Reading Section
TOEFL Reading iBT section assesses the ability to comprehend and analyse academic texts. On the IELTS test, the reading module evaluates similar skills but includes a broader range of general and academic reading materials.
Check out the table below highlighting IELTS to TOEFL iBT conversion, with a particular focus on reading scores.
|
TOEFL iBT Reading Scores (1-30) |
IELTS Reading (0-9) |
|
30 |
9 |
|
29 |
8.5 |
|
29 |
8 |
|
27 |
7.5 |
|
24 |
7 |
|
19 |
6.5 |
|
13 |
6 |
|
8 |
5.5 |
|
4 |
5 |
|
3 |
4.5 |
|
0-2 |
0-4 |
TOEFL iBT to IELTS Conversion: Listening
It is important to note that both tests assess listening skills, but there are subtle differences. While TOEFL iBT often incorporates academic lectures and discussions, IELTS includes a mix of general and academic audio materials.
Check out the IELTS to TOEFL iBT conversion chart tailored to present the Listening scores.
|
TOEFL iBT Listening Scores (1-30) |
IELTS Listening (0-9) |
|
30 |
9 |
|
29 |
8.5 |
|
28 |
8 |
|
27 |
7.5 |
|
24 |
7 |
|
20 |
6.5 |
|
12 |
6 |
|
7 |
5.5 |
|
4 |
5 |
|
3 |
4.5 |
|
0-2 |
0-4 |
TOEFL iBT to IELTS Conversion: Speaking
TOEFL Speaking iBT section involves responding to academic tasks, while IELTS speaking tasks cover a broader range of everyday situations.
Take a look at the dedicated table for IELTS to TOEFL iBT conversion, outlining the scores specific to the Speaking section.
|
TOEFL iBT Speaking Scores (1-30) |
IELTS Speaking (0-9) |
|
30 |
9 |
|
28 |
8.5 |
|
26 |
8 |
|
24 |
7.5 |
|
23 |
7 |
|
20 |
6.5 |
|
18 |
6 |
|
16 |
5.5 |
|
14 |
5 |
|
12 |
4.5 |
|
0-11 |
0-4 |
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TOEFL iBT to IELTS Conversion: Writing
TOEFL Writing iBT tasks center around combining information from reading and listening materials and presenting your opinion, while IELTS requires you to express opinions and ideas coherently based on a question.
Check out the IELTS to TOEFL iBT conversion table specifically presenting the Writing scores.
|
TOEFL iBT Writing Scores (1-30) |
IELTS Writing (0-9) |
|
30 |
9 |
|
30 |
8.5 |
|
30 |
8 |
|
29 |
7.5 |
|
27 |
7 |
|
24 |
6.5 |
|
21 |
6 |
|
18 |
5.5 |
|
14 |
5 |
|
12 |
4.5 |
|
0-11 |
0-4 |
Benefits of TOEFL iBT to IELTS Conversion Charts
The TOEFL iBT to IELTS conversion charts act as a guide to translate your scores accurately between the two tests. Many academic programs and institutions accept both TOEFL iBT and IELTS scores. The conversion charts provide clarity for those aiming for such programs, ensuring one can confidently present their language proficiency using the appropriate scale.
Beyond total scores, the conversion charts offer insights into section-wise performance. Armed with the knowledge from these charts, one can make informed decisions about which test to take based on their strengths and the requirements of their desired programs. Therefore, one can confidently submit scores knowing that their performance is accurately reflected.
By using these charts, you can align your test choice with your strengths and the requirements of your targeted institutions, ensuring a clear and confident presentation of your English proficiency.
Also Read:
Frequently Asked Questions
The TOEFL iBT to IELTS conversion charts provide approximate equivalencies. They are useful for general guidance, but specific score requirements may vary among institutions.
Some institutions may express a preference for either TOEFL iBT or IELTS. So, you should check the policies of your desired programs.
Conversion charts may be updated periodically to reflect any changes in test formats or scoring systems. You should refer to the most recent versions found on the TOEFL official website for accurate information.
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