What Is a Good TOEFL Score? A Complete Guide

A good TOEFL score is vital to securing admission to top universities abroad. The TOEFL exam score is usually measured on a scale of 0-120, and understanding the TOEFL score range helps you know where you stand. 

Most universities set a minimum  score requirement, which varies depending on the program and country applied for. Knowing the right TOEFL exam marks needed for your target schools, you can ensure you prepare effectively and achieve your admission goals.

 

What is a Good TOEFL Score?

 

A good TOEFL score depends on the university you are applying to. The TOEFL exam score is measured chiefly on a range of 0-120, which is divided into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing ( each scored 0-30).

Generally, a TOEFL minimum score of 80-90 is required for undergraduate admissions, while top universities often expect 100+. A good score for graduate programs usually falls between 95 and 110, depending on the institution’s requirements.

In short, the definition of a good TOEFL exam score varies. However, one should aim for a 100+ to ensure stronger chances of admission to competitive universities.

 

Read Also: TOEFL Exam Pattern

 

When will TOEFL Scores be Released in 2025?

 

For TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition, scores are released within 4 to 8 days after the exam date. Given below, is the TOEFL result release timeline 2025:

Process	Time Period
Score Availability in ETS Account	4-8 days after test date
PDF score report availability	1 day after scores being available in ETS account
Paper score report	11-15 days after test date
Express shipping	2-5 business days after scores have been confirmed
Score Delivery to Institutions	4-16 business days after test date

 

What is Score Validity for TOEFL?

 

Many students ask questions about the validity of the score. The TOEFL exam score validity is 2 years from the date you take the TOEFL test. After this period, the scores automatically expire and cannot be used further for university admissions or visa applications.

TOEFL score validity rule applies universally, whether you take TOEFL iBT or the TOEFL Home Edition. Hence, always carefully plan your TOEFL exam timeline so that your TOEFL minimum scores are valid when applying for admissions.

 

Read Also: TOEFL Registration

 

TOEFL Score Range

 

Before understanding what counts as a goodscore, it is vital to know the range:

1. Reading Section: The TOEFL exam score is 0-30, and a computer scores it. Candidates answer 30-40 questions based on academic passages within 54- 72 minutes.
2. Listening Section: This section is also scored by a computer, with a score range of 0-30. Students answer 30-40 questions based on lectures, discussions, and conversations within 41- 57 minutes.
3. Speaking Section: Human raters score 4 tasks on a 0-4 scale, which is later converted into a 0-30 score. This section evaluates fluency, clarity, and topic development and takes up to 17 minutes.
4. Writing Section: Human evaluators score two tasks on a scale of 0-5, converted into a 0-30 score, and assess the grammar, vocabulary, and coherence.

Overall, a range is 0-120, and achieving a Good score depends on your target university’s admission needs.

 

TOEFL Score Scale (Section-Wise)

 

The TOEFL results assess the candidate’s clear understanding of the English proficiency level. ETS provides proficiency levels for each skill, which helps test-takers know their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Each section of the TOEFL exam scores falls within a specific score range between 0 and 20, for a total score of 0 to 120.

Skill	Score Range	Proficiency Level
Reading	0-30	Advanced (24-30) High Intermediate (18-23) Low Intermediate (4-17) Below Low Intermediate (0-3)
Listening	0-30	Advanced (22-30) High Intermediate (17-21) Low Intermediate (9-16) Below Low Intermediate (0-8)
Speaking	0-30	Advanced (25-30) High Intermediate (20-24) Low Intermediate (16-19) Basic (10-15) Below Low Intermediate (0-9)
Writing	0-30	Advanced (24-30) High Intermediate (17-23) Low Intermediate (13-16) Basic (7-12) Below Basic (0-6)

 

How are TOEFL Scores Calculated?

 

TOEFL score calculator: The calculations of the TOEFL exam score are done by a combination of human raters and automated AI scoring systems, to ensure that the final score reflects both accuracy and fairness. To receive an official score, candidates should attempt to answer at least one question from each section. The TOEFL iBT provides a section-wise scaled score and a combined total on a scale of 0-120.

 

Read Also: TOEFL Practice Test

 

TOEFL Score Review

Candidates who are unhappy with their TOEFL total score can now request a  score review for the Writing and/or Speaking sections. This should be done within 30 days of the test date. The review fee is around USD 80 per section or USD 160 for both sections. ETS can take up to three weeks to process the review and provide an updated score.

 

What are TOEFL MyBest Scores?

 

TOEFL MyBest Scores, also known as TOEFL Superscores, are primarily designed to help test takers present their best TOEFL exam scores to universities. This unique scoring option combines your highest section scores from all the valid TOEFL test dates within the past two years into a single report.

For example, if you performed well in Reading on one test date and also achieved your best Speaking score on another, TOEFL MyBest Score will combine these top section scores for one higher overall score.

 

Why are TOEFL MyBest Scores Important?

 

1. Allow for highlighting your good score without retaking the test many times.
2. Many universities accept TOEFL MyBest Scores as part of the admission process.
3. Help in meeting the TOEFL minimum score required by your dream institution.

 

Read Also: TOEFL Preparation

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 120 a good score on TOEFL?

Yes, 120 is a perfect score for TOEFL. It represents the highest score possible and also demonstrates exceptional English proficiency, ensuring admission to some top global universities.

Is 500 a good TOEFL score?

A  score of 500 applies to the TOEFL PBT format. While it does indicate moderate English proficiency, many competitive universities require higher scores, especially in iBT format.

What is an excellent score in TOEFL?

An excellent score typically falls between 110-120 in the iBT exam. This score range demonstrate strong command over english and exceed most universities TOEFL minimum score requirements.

How to get a good TOEFL score?

To get a good score, practice regularly, focus on Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections, take mock tests, follow a structured TOEFL study plan and review TOEFL exam scores.

What is the TOEFL score table?

A score table shows section-wise scores from 0-30, combined for a total of 0-120, helping candidates understand their range and performance levels.

What is the highest TOEFL score?

The TOEFL highest score is 120. Each section is scores of 0-30, and together they add up to a total score of 0-120.

Can I cancel my TOEFL score?

Yes, if you feel you did not perform well, you can cancel your score immediately after the test. ETS also allows candidates to reinstate their cancelled scores within 60 days by paying a USD 20 fee.

How do I request a score review?

If you are not satisfied with your total score, you can request a review for the Writing and/or speaking sections. The fee is USD 80 per section or USD 160 for both sections, and it may take up to three weeks to receive updated results.