Compare IELTS band scores with TOEFL iBT scores using a practical conversion chart. Use the converter to estimate equivalent scores before choosing an English test for university, visa, or scholarship requirements.
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Compare IELTS band scores with TOEFL iBT scores using a practical conversion chart. Use the converter to estimate equivalent scores before choosing an English test for university, visa, or scholarship requirements.
Use the IELTS to TOEFL converter when a university page lists one English test but you already have the other score, or when you are deciding whether IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT is the better exam for your target program. Conversion charts are useful for planning, but official admissions decisions always depend on the institution's current rules.
The safest workflow is to convert your score estimate, check each program's official minimum, then leave a margin above the requirement. A score that is only just equivalent may not be competitive for selective programs.
Primary source: ETS TOEFL Score Scale Update. The comparison is a planning aid, not an official score conversion for a specific recipient.
IELTS reports bands from 0 to 9. TOEFL iBT now reports section and overall scores on a 1–6 scale in half-band increments; ETS also provides a comparable 0–120 overall score during the transition through January 2028. IELTS Speaking is a live interview, while TOEFL Speaking uses Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview. IELTS Writing uses Task 1 and Task 2, while TOEFL Writing uses Build a Sentence, Write an Email, and Write for an Academic Discussion.
Because of those differences, a conversion should be treated as a planning estimate. If you are close to a minimum requirement, check whether the institution requires section minimums, whether it accepts both tests for your program, and whether the score must be sent directly from the testing body.
No conversion is perfectly exact because IELTS and TOEFL use different tasks and scoring systems. Use the chart as an estimate, then verify the official requirement for your university or visa program.
The better test depends on your target institution, your speaking style, and whether you prefer IELTS face-to-face or computer speaking versus TOEFL integrated academic tasks.