Understanding How TOEFL Scores Are Calculated

[Sheriff Ogunremi]

The TOEFL iBT exam is scored in a very organized way. Many students think the scoring system is complicated, but it is actually simple once you understand how each section is graded.

In this article, we will explain:
-How TOEFL scores are calculated
-The score range for each section
-How the total score is obtained
-What a good TOEFL score means
-The new TOEFL scoring update

The Four Sections of the TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL iBT test has four sections:
1.Reading
2.Listening
3.Speaking
4.Writing

Each section tests a different English skill.

TOEFL Section Scores

Each section is scored separately.
Section……… Score Range
Reading ………. 0 – 30
Listening ………. 0 – 30
Speaking ………. 0 – 30
Writing ………. 0 – 30

This means the highest possible total score is:120

According to ETS.org, the total score is the sum of all four section scores.

How TOEFL Calculates Scores

1. Reading Section

The Reading section contains passages and questions.
Each correct answer gives you points. Your raw score is later converted into a scaled score from 0–30.

For example:
-20 correct answers may become 25/30
-18 correct answers may become 22/30

ETS uses a conversion system because some tests may be slightly harder than others.

Reading Proficiency Levels

Score ………….. Level
24–30 ………….. Advanced
18–23 ………… High-Intermediate
4–17 ………….. Low-Intermediate
0–3 …………. Below Low-Intermediate

2. Listening Section

The Listening section is also scored from 0–30.

You listen to conversations and lectures, then answer questions.

Like Reading, correct answers are converted from a raw score into a scaled score.
Listening Proficiency Levels

Score ……….. Level
22–30 ……….. Advanced
17–21 ………… High-Intermediate
9–16 …………. Low-Intermediate
0–8 ………… Below Low-Intermediate

3. Speaking Section

The Speaking section is different.
Your answers are recorded and scored by both:
-Human raters
-AI scoring systems

The graders check:
-Pronunciation
-Fluency
-Grammar
-Vocabulary
-Organization of ideas

The final Speaking score is then converted to a scale of 0–30.

Speaking Proficiency Levels

Score ……….. Level
25–30 ……….. Advanced
20–24 ……….. High-Intermediate
16–19 ……….. Low-Intermediate
10–15 ……….. Basic
0–9 ………. Below Basic

4. Writing Section

The Writing section is also graded by human examiners and AI systems.

They look at:
-Grammar
-Vocabulary
-Sentence structure
-Development of ideas
-Organization

Your writing tasks are scored and converted to a scale of 0–30.

Writing Proficiency Levels

Score ………….. Level
24–30 ………… Advanced
17–23 ………. High-Intermediate
13–16 ……….. Low-Intermediate
7–12 ………… Basic
0–6 ………….. Below Basic

How the Overall TOEFL Score is Calculated

The total score is simply the addition of all four sections.
Example:

Section ………… Score
Reading …………. 24
Listening …………. 26
Speaking …………. 22
Writing …………. 25

Total Score: 24+26+22+25=97

So the student’s TOEFL score is: 97/120

What Is Considered a Good TOEFL Score?

Different universities have different requirements, but generally:

Total Score…………… Meaning
100 – 120 …………… Excellent
90 – 99 ………….. Very Good
80 – 89 …………. Good
70 – 79 …………. Fair
Below 70 ………… Needs Improvement

Note: There is no official “pass” or “fail” in TOEFL. Universities decide the score they accept.

New TOEFL Scoring Update (2026)

ETS introduced a new scoring scale in 2026.

Now, students may also receive scores on a:

1 – 6 Band Scale

The overall score becomes the average of the four sections.
Example:

Section ………… Band Score
Reading ……….. 5
Listening ……….. 5.5
Speaking ……….. 4.5
Writing ……….. 5

Average: 5+5.5+4.5+5/4= 5

Overall Band Score = 5

ETS still provides the traditional 0–120 score during the transition period.

Important Things to Remember About TOEFL Scoring

-Each section is scored independently.
-The total score is the sum of all sections.
-There is no negative marking.
-Speaking and Writing are scored by both humans and AI systems.
-Universities may focus more on some sections than others.

Focus on Improving

Understanding TOEFL scoring helps you prepare more effectively. Instead of only aiming for a high total score, focus on improving all four sections equally.

A balanced TOEFL score increases your chances of admission into top universities and can also help with scholarships and visa applications.

If you want to improve your TOEFL score faster, joining the TOEFL preparation classes on Odurinde.com can help you learn proven strategies for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

Do you want to know how hard TOEFL is for Nigerians? then check out this post
Or have you passed the TOEFL? Share your experience and win ₦20,000.
Learn the common mistakes Nigerians make in the TOEFL speaking section, also the common mistakes made in TOEFL listening section by Nigerians

• This topic was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Sheriff Ogunremi.

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