The detail
- IELTS Listening / Reading / Speaking / Writing
- 5 / 5 / 5 / 5
- TOEFL iBT on the new 1–6 scale
- about 3.0 (ETS maps 44+ on 0–120 to 3.0)
- PTE Academic, via IELTS
- 31–38 (Pearson's 2025 table for IELTS 5.0)
- Next Duolingo band up
- 95: IELTS 5.5
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Free IELTS mock →Frequently asked questions
Is Duolingo 90 equal to IELTS 5.0?+
Yes, on Duolingo's official concordance DET 90 corresponds to IELTS 5.0 overall. By skill it is roughly 5 listening, 5 reading, 5 speaking and 5 writing.
What TOEFL score is Duolingo 90?+
TOEFL iBT 53–58 on the 0–120 scale, per Duolingo. On the TOEFL 1–6 scale used since 21 January 2026 that is about 3.0.
Is Duolingo 90 a good score?+
It is below most degree-entry minimums, which typically start at 100–110; pathway and foundation programmes may accept it.
Do universities accept Duolingo instead of IELTS?+
Many do, especially in the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland, but not for UK visas or Australian skilled visas. Check each course page for its Duolingo minimum.
What score does your university ask for?
Nearby scores
Sources, read 30 September 2026: Duolingo English Test: score concordance with IELTS and TOEFL; ETS & IELTS Partners (2025): Linking TOEFL iBT and IELTS scores, RR-25-02; ETS (2026): TOEFL iBT 1–6 score scale, linking to 0–120, CEFR and IELTS; Pearson (July 2025): PTE Academic and IELTS concordance. BandLadder is an independent practice platform, not affiliated with Duolingo, ETS, Pearson or IELTS. A concordance gives close equivalents, not exact scores; your institution's published minimum decides.
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