Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL is a key decision for those aiming to study or work abroad. Both tests assess English proficiency for similar goals, yet differ in format, scoring, and international recognition. Many candidates seek to understand how scores on one test relate to the other.

While no official conversion exists, widely accepted tables provide general equivalencies. For instance, an IELTS Band 6.5 often corresponds to a TOEFL iBT score of 79-93. Understanding these conversions helps candidates select the right test and score for their ambitions.

This article will explore the relationship between IELTS and TOEFL score conversions, and guide you in setting appropriate target scores for your academic or professional aspirations.

Common IELTS to TOEFL iBT Score Conversions (and Vice Versa)

To understand how IELTS compares with TOEFL iBT scores, this table will help you visualize the typical score ranges and their approximate equivalents:

As you can see, there is a general tendency of correlation, but be aware that these numbers are just estimates. There’s no “recommended” IELTS score for doing the TOEFL. But if your idea is to pass the TOEFL, colleges generally have a score of 79 or higher as sufficient for admission. You can look at the chart above to make an estimate of the IELTS band that would be equivalent to that score.

How to Determine Your Required IELTS/TOEFL Score

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how high your score should be. The “right” IELTS or TOEFL score will depend entirely on your specific goals. Here are a few key factors to consider:

1. Institution-Specific Requirements:

The most reliable source of information will always be the university, employer, or immigration authority you’re applying to. Different institutions—and even departments within them—can set different language requirements. Therefore, always check with official sources to find out the desired exam results.

2. Program or Role Specificity:

Some programs demand higher language proficiency than others. For example, a Master’s program in English Literature may require an IELTS Band 7.5 or a TOEFL score above 100, while an engineering program might accept lower scores. Likewise, certain job roles involving client communication may expect stronger English skills than more technical or back-end positions.

3. The “Why” Behind the Score:

Understanding the purpose of the score can help you set more realistic expectations. Are you preparing to engage in group discussions, deliver presentations, or submit written reports? Your target score should reflect your need to thrive in that environment—not just to pass a test.

Conclusions

Understanding the relationship between IELTS and TOEFL scores is a helpful step in planning your academic or professional journey. While there is no exact formula, using conversion charts and understanding institutional requirements can help guide your preparation and decision-making process. Remember to always double-check the official language proficiency requirements for your destination institution or organization to avoid surprises later on.

For educators, tools like Text Inspector can support TOEFL preparation and IELTS level assessment by analyzing the complexity of reading texts and identifying grammatical or vocabulary gaps in student writing.

Want to explore more? Check out our related posts for in-depth guidance on exam scores and more insights on teaching and learning English.