IELTS to TOEFL score

IELTS 8.5 to TOEFL: 115–119 (or 6.0 on the new scale)

An IELTS overall band of 8.5 is equivalent to TOEFL iBT 115–119 out of 120 on the joint study ETS and the IELTS Partners published in 2025. On the TOEFL 1–6 scale introduced on 21 January 2026, ETS sets IELTS 8.5 against a band of 6.0.
  • TOEFL iBT (0–120) 115–119
  • New TOEFL 1–6 6.0
  • CEFR (ETS) C2
Take a free scored IELTS mock →Full table
TOEFL iBT (0–120)115–119
New TOEFL 1–66.0
CEFR (ETS)C2

The detail

Duolingo English Test
160 (Duolingo's table for IELTS 8.5)
PTE Academic
86–89 (Pearson's 2025 table)
TOEFL range for the next IELTS band
120 = IELTS 9.0
ETS rounds its IELTS-to-TOEFL 1–6 table up on purpose, so one TOEFL band can match more than one IELTS band. Universities set their own TOEFL minimum: use the number your course states.

Weighing IELTS or PTE instead?

Take a free AI-scored IELTS or PTE mock to see where you would land before you book. Your first full mock is free.

Free IELTS mock →

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score is equal to IELTS 8.5?+

TOEFL iBT 115–119 on the 0–120 scale, per the 2025 ETS–IELTS study, or 6.0 on the 1–6 scale used since 21 January 2026.

If my course asks for IELTS 8.5, what TOEFL do I need?+

Usually TOEFL iBT 115 or more, but many universities publish their own TOEFL minimum that differs from the official tables. Use the course's number.

What Duolingo score equals IELTS 8.5?+

Duolingo's concordance puts IELTS 8.5 at DET 160.

Is TOEFL accepted for UK visas?+

No. UK visas need a test on the Home Office's approved SELT list, and TOEFL iBT is not on it. Universities may still accept TOEFL for admission.

What score does your university ask for?

Nearby scores

Sources, read 30 September 2026: 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; Duolingo English Test: score concordance with IELTS and TOEFL; 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.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Take a free scored IELTS mock