Quick answer: Since 21 January 2026, TOEFL iBT score reports use a new 1–6 scale in 0.5 increments. During a two-year transition ending in January 2028, score reports also show a comparable overall score on the familiar 0–120 scale. For example, ETS recommends that institutions map an old requirement of 90 to about 4.5, and 100 to about 5—but applicants must follow the exact wording on each university’s official admissions page.

If you are applying from Bangladesh for a 2027 intake, this guide will help you read the new score report, compare requirements safely and prepare for the updated TOEFL tasks.

TOEFL iBT 2026 score scale Bangladesh: what changed?

Change date: 21 January 2026
New section scores: 1 to 6, in half-band increments
New overall score: the average of Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing, rounded to the nearest half band
CEFR information: included on the score report
Transition display: through January 2028, reports also provide a comparable overall 0–120 score
Information checked: 2 September 2026

বাংলায় সংক্ষেপে: TOEFL এখন ১–৬ স্কেলে ফল দেখায়, ০.৫ করে বাড়ে। তবে জানুয়ারি ২০২৮ পর্যন্ত score report-এ পুরোনো ০–১২০ স্কেলের comparable overall score-ও থাকবে। University যদি ৯০ বা ১০০ চায়, নিজের মতো conversion না করে তাদের official admission page এবং ETS mapping দেখুন।

New TOEFL 1–6 score compared with the old 0–120 scale

ETS publishes comparison ranges to help institutions and applicants understand the transition. These are not a licence to round your score upward or ignore a university’s stated minimum.

New overall scale	Comparable old total range	Common institutional mapping example
6	114–120	Exceptional high-end performance
5.5	107–113	Above many standard postgraduate minimums
5	95–106	ETS recommends mapping an old 100 requirement to 5
4.5	86–94	ETS recommends mapping an old 90 requirement to 4.5
4	72–85	ETS recommends mapping an old 80 requirement to 4
3.5	58–71	ETS recommends mapping an old 70 requirement to 3.5
3 or below	Below 58	Check programme-specific language support and minimums

The ranges above explain comparability; they do not replace programme rules. A university may require a minimum overall score plus separate minimums in Writing, Speaking or other sections.

How is the new overall TOEFL score calculated?

Your four section scores are averaged and then rounded to the nearest half band. For example:

Reading: 4.5
Listening: 5.0
Speaking: 4.0
Writing: 4.5

The average is 4.5, so the reported overall score is 4.5. The official score report—not a calculator or a coaching-centre estimate—is what universities evaluate.

What will appear on a 2026–27 TOEFL score report?

According to ETS, reports during the transition show the new 1–6 total and section scores, CEFR information and a comparable overall 0–120 score. This dual display is designed to help universities that have not yet rewritten their web pages.

Before sending a score, save a PDF or screenshot of the programme’s current English-language requirement, note the date you checked it and confirm the institution’s TOEFL reporting code or delivery instructions.

Updated TOEFL iBT test structure in 2026

The 2026 TOEFL specification describes updated content and adaptive elements in Reading and Listening. Task names can include:

Reading: Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life and Read an Academic Passage
Listening: Listen and Choose a Response, Listen to a Conversation, Listen to an Announcement and Listen to an Academic Talk
Writing: Build a Sentence, Write an Email and Write for an Academic Discussion
Speaking: Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview

The official specification estimates an overall testing time of roughly 1 hour 23 minutes to 1 hour 29 minutes, although adaptive routes and operational conditions can affect timing. Always check the latest ETS test-content page before booking because format details may be updated.

What if a university still lists only an old TOEFL score?

Check the date and programme. Language requirements may differ by degree, department and intake.
Look for a 2026 testing update. Universities may publish a central English-language table separate from the course page.
Use the dual score report. Through January 2028, the comparable overall 0–120 display can support the transition.
Ask admissions in writing. Send the official ETS score-scale link and ask what new-scale total and section minimum they accept.
Keep the reply. Save the email with your application records in case the public page changes.

Do not assume “old 90 equals any score between 86 and 94.” ETS’s recommended institutional mapping is 4.5, but a programme can set a higher score or section requirement.

A practical six-week TOEFL plan for Bangladeshi students

Week 1: diagnose

Take an official-format practice set under timed conditions.
Record accuracy by task type, not only a total estimate.
Choose a target based on three real university programmes.

Weeks 2–3: rebuild weak skills

For Reading, practise vocabulary in context and purpose/main-idea questions.
For Listening, take structured notes without trying to write every word.
For Speaking, record short responses and check clarity, pacing and completeness.
For Writing, practise sentence control, email purpose and evidence-based discussion.

Weeks 4–5: integrate and time

Alternate full sections with focused error review.
Create an error log: mistake, reason, correct rule and next drill.
Use English daily—lectures, news explainers and academic articles—not only test templates.

Week 6: simulate and stabilise

Complete at least two realistic mocks.
Fix sleep, test-day travel, identification and equipment arrangements.
Avoid learning memorised scripts that do not answer the actual prompt.

Bangladesh application checklist

Confirm whether the university accepts TOEFL iBT Home Edition, test-centre scores or both.
Check overall and section minimums separately.
Match the requirement to the correct course and intake.
Book early enough for results, retesting and university deadlines.
Use the exact name and identification details required by ETS.
Budget for score reporting and a possible retake; do not plan around a guaranteed result.
Keep official links, admissions emails and score reports together.

Common mistakes to avoid

Comparing only totals: A strong overall score may still miss a Writing or Speaking minimum.
Using an unofficial converter: Use the ETS comparison and the university’s own rule.
Preparing for an old task list: Confirm the test format that applies on your booked date.
Memorising generic templates: Formulaic answers can sound irrelevant and limit genuine communication.
Booking too close to the deadline: Leave time for score delivery and, if necessary, a retake.

Frequently asked questions

What is a TOEFL 90 equivalent on the new scale?

ETS recommends that institutions map an old requirement of 90 to a new overall requirement of 4.5. Confirm the university’s exact overall and section rules.

What is a TOEFL 100 equivalent in 2026?

ETS recommends mapping an old 100 requirement to 5 on the new scale. A reported 5 corresponds to an old-score comparison range of approximately 95–106.

Will universities still understand the old scale?

During the transition through January 2028, score reports also show a comparable overall 0–120 score. Institutions remain responsible for publishing their admissions requirements.

Should I choose TOEFL instead of IELTS or PTE?

Choose according to official university acceptance, your target deadline, available test dates, budget and the format in which you perform best. No test is automatically easier for every student.

Official sources

Information checked on 2 September 2026. Test formats and admissions rules can change; confirm the latest requirements with ETS and each university before booking or applying.

Read more in our study-abroad knowledge hub and keep test scores, university requirements and application documents organised in the EG scholarship portal.

TOEFL iBT 2026 Score Scale Explained for Bangladeshi Students: 1–6 vs 0–120