TOEFL vs IELTS
Take the one your university or visa names. If either works, compare the scores and formats below.
IELTS Academic overall band
IELTS 7 sits beside TOEFL
5
On the 1-6 scale used since January 21, 2026.
TOEFL section scores beside IELTS 7
TOEFL and IELTS side by side
| TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | ETS | British Council, IDP and Cambridge |
| Score | 1 to 6 in half bands, plus a comparable 0-120 total until January 2028 | A 9-band scale, in half bands |
| Test time | About 2 hours; Reading and Listening adapt | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Speaking | Recorded on computer, about 8 minutes | Face to face with an examiner, 11 to 14 minutes |
| Writing | Build a Sentence, an email and a discussion post, about 23 minutes | Two tasks in 60 minutes |
| Results | 3 days after the test | Usually 1 to 2 days on computer |
| Where | Test center, or at home with a live online proctor | Test center, or online |
| UK visas | Not accepted | Yes, as IELTS for UKVI |
| Canada Express Entry | Not accepted | Yes, General Training only |
| Australian visas | TOEFL iBT Australia at a test center only | Yes |
TOEFL score for every IELTS band
ETS's table for tests from January 21, 2026, by section and overall.
| IELTS | Reading | Listening | Writing | Speaking | TOEFL overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 8.5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 8 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 7.5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 | 5 | 5.5 |
| 7 | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | 5 |
| 6.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 |
| 6 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 |
| 5.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
| 5 | 3 | 2.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| 4.5 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 2 | 2 |
| 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Old TOEFL scores on the 0-120 scale, and OET grades, are in the IELTS, TOEFL and OET score comparison.
Who accepts each test
- Universities: ETS says more than 13,500 institutions in over 160 countries accept the TOEFL. Many universities accept both; your course page says which.
- UK visas: IELTS for UKVI, not the TOEFL.
- Canada Express Entry: IELTS General Training, not the TOEFL or IELTS Academic.
- Australian visas: IELTS, or the TOEFL taken as TOEFL iBT Australia at a test center.
Going for the TOEFL? See what it costs and when to take it. Going for IELTS? IELTS fees by country.
Questions
Should I take the TOEFL or IELTS?
Take the test your university or visa names. If both are accepted, choose the format you prefer: the TOEFL is all on computer with recorded speaking, while IELTS Speaking is a live conversation with an examiner.
What TOEFL score equals IELTS 7?
In ETS's table, IELTS Academic 7 sits beside a TOEFL overall score of 5 on the 1-6 scale.
What TOEFL score equals IELTS 6.5?
A TOEFL overall score of 4.5 on the 1-6 scale, in ETS's table.
Is the TOEFL easier than IELTS?
Neither is easier for everyone. The TOEFL is shorter (about two hours against 2 hours 45 minutes) and its Reading and Listening adapt to you; IELTS has a face-to-face speaking test. Try a TOEFL section free and see how it feels.
Can I use the TOEFL for a UK visa?
No. The TOEFL is not on the UK's list of approved Secure English Language Tests. Universities may still accept it for admission without a visa test.
Which gives results faster?
TOEFL scores reach your ETS account 3 days after the test. IELTS on computer usually takes 1 to 2 days.