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Understanding the TOEFL Score Scale: How Your Test Is Evaluated

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is one of the most trusted English proficiency tests globally. Whether you’re aiming to study abroad, work in an English-speaking country, or apply for immigration, your TOEFL score plays a major role in determining your eligibility.

The TOEFL Score Scale is straightforward once you break it down. Still, many test-takers have questions like, “What is a good TOEFL score out of 120?” or “How do I read the TOEFL score chart?” This guide will answer those questions and more, helping you fully understand how your test is evaluated.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the TOEFL Score Scale, the TOEFL score chart, and how you can use this knowledge to achieve your goals.

Key Takeaways

The TOEFL exam is scored out of 120, with each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) worth up to 30 points.
Your score helps universities, employers, and immigration authorities assess your English proficiency.
Scores are evaluated through a combination of automated systems and trained human raters.
There are clear benchmarks for understanding how your score corresponds to language proficiency levels like C1 and B2.
Various online TOEFL score calculators can help estimate your results before you get the official score.

Why Understanding the TOEFL Score Scale Matters

If you’re aiming for success, knowing how your performance is judged can help you focus your preparation.

The TOEFL is not graded on a pass/fail basis. Instead, your final score places you within a skill range recognized worldwide. Understanding the TOEFL Score Scale helps you:

Set realistic target scores
Analyze your strengths and weaknesses
Prepare smarter for the exam

Whether you need a TOEFL score C1 for university admissions or a TOEFL score B2 for work purposes, this knowledge puts you in control of your future.

How Is the TOEFL Scored?

The TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored out of 30, leading to a TOEFL max score of 120.

Reading: 0-30 points
Listening: 0-30 points
Speaking: 0-30 points
Writing: 0-30 points

The total score is simply the sum of these four sections. Easy to understand, but the evaluation methods behind each section involve a combination of AI and human expertise to ensure fairness and accuracy.

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Reading and Listening: Scored primarily by computer software. Your answers are automatically marked for correctness. For multiple-choice questions, you receive one point for each correct answer.

Speaking: Evaluated by a blend of AI technology and human raters. Test-takers must respond to prompts, and raters listen for pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary usage, and how well ideas are organized.

Writing: Scored by both automated tools and human raters. Essays are evaluated for coherence, development of ideas, grammar, vocabulary, and overall writing quality.

What Is a Good TOEFL Score Out of 120?

A “good” score depends on what you need. Different institutions and countries have different requirements. However, here’s a general idea:

90–100+: Highly competitive for top universities.
80–89: Good for many reputable universities.
70–79: Acceptable for some programs, especially in technical fields.
Below 70: May need improvement for academic purposes.

In simple terms, if you’re aiming for international undergraduate admissions, a score above 80 is often needed. Graduate programs usually want higher, often above 100.

TOEFL Score Chart

Here’s a general TOEFL score chart to help you visualize your level:

TOEFL iBT Score	CEFR Level	Proficiency
110-120	C2	Mastery
95-109	C1	Advanced
72-94	B2	Upper-Intermediate
42-71	B1	Intermediate
0-41	A2 or Below	Basic

This shows how your TOEFL score translates into internationally recognized language levels. Knowing whether you need a TOEFL score C1 or B2 can shape your preparation strategy.

TOEFL Max Score 600: Clearing Up Confusion

You might have heard of a “TOEFL max score 600” and wondered what it means. This refers to the old Paper-Based Test (PBT) format, not the Internet-Based Test (iBT).

PBT Maximum Score: 677
iBT Maximum Score: 120

Most modern institutions now use the iBT format. When talking about current exams, focus on the 120-point scale.

Understanding TOEFL Score C1 and TOEFL Score B2

If your university or employer asks for a C1 level, you need a TOEFL iBT score between 95 and 109.

If they ask for B2, aim for a score between 72 and 94.

C1 represents advanced proficiency, meaning you can understand a wide range of demanding texts and express yourself fluently. B2, on the other hand, is upper-intermediate and means you can handle everyday English with limited issues.

Using a TOEFL Score Calculator

After taking practice tests, you might want to estimate your potential score. That’s where a TOEFL score calculator comes in.

These calculators:

Estimate your score based on correct answers
Give you an approximate range for each section
Help you identify weak areas

While not 100% accurate, a good TOEFL score calculator can provide valuable insights as you prepare.

Factors That Affect Your TOEFL Score

Several factors can influence how you perform:

Test anxiety: High stress can impact your speaking and writing fluency.
Time management: Running out of time affects the completeness of your responses.
Familiarity with question types: The more practice you get, the better you understand what’s expected.
Language environment: Regular exposure to English can dramatically improve your scores.

Tips to Maximize Your TOEFL Score

Practice under timed conditions.
Use official TOEFL prep materials whenever possible.
Record yourself speaking and evaluate.
Get feedback on your essays from a tutor or native speaker.
Stay consistent — studying a little every day beats cramming.

Final Thoughts

The TOEFL Score Scale is your roadmap to achieving your English language goals. Whether you’re targeting a TOEFL score C1, TOEFL score B2, or just curious about the TOEFL max score 600 and modern scoring systems, understanding how evaluation works gives you a major advantage.

With this knowledge and a focused study plan, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the TOEFL and opening doors around the world.

Keep practicing, stay calm, and aim high — your success is just a score away.