Understanding TOEFL 2026 Scoring

The 2026 TOEFL uses a new scoring system. Instead of the old 0–30 scores for each section and 0–120 overall, every section is now scored on a 1–6 band scale.

The four sections—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—each receive a band score from 1 to 6. Scores can increase in 0.5 steps (for example, 3.5, 4.0, or 4.5).

To calculate your overall TOEFL score, ETS simply averages your four section scores. For example:

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

Average = 4.5

🌰 TOEFL Band Scores and CEFR Levels

🌰 Converting New TOEFL Band Scores to the Old TOEFL Scores

What if I take the test more than once in 2 years?

Your score report will also include your MyBest® Scores. These are the highest Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing scores you have earned during the last two years. ETS combines your best score from each section to calculate a separate MyBest overall band score.

This means ETS gives you two overall scores, not just one:

1. Your normal TOEFL score

This is your score from one test date only.

Example:

• Reading: 4.0
• Listening: 4.5
• Speaking: 3.5
• Writing: 4.0

Your overall score is based only on this one test day.

2. MyBest® Score 

ETS also looks at all TOEFL tests you took in the last 2 years.

Then they pick your best section scores from different tests and combine them.

Example:

You took TOEFL twice:

Test 1

• Reading: 4.0
• Listening: 4.5
• Speaking: 3.5
• Writing: 4.0

Test 2

• Reading: 4.5  (better)
• Listening: 4.0
• Speaking: 4.5  (better)
• Writing: 4.0

 MyBest score becomes:

• Reading: 4.5
• Listening: 4.5
• Speaking: 4.5
• Writing: 4.0

Then ETS averages these best scores to make a higher overall score.

 Why ETS does this:

It helps you because maybe:

• you were strong in Listening one day
• but stronger in Speaking another day

So MyBest lets you show your best English “acorns” from different days combined.

TOEFL Writing Scoring Guides

Both Write an Email and Write for an Academic Discussion are scored on a 0–5 scale. Although the tasks are different, the scoring ideas are very similar. ETS looks at how well you complete the task and how clearly and accurately you use English.

Write an Email

In this task, you write an email about an academic or everyday situation. Your email should answer all the instructions, be well organized, and use an appropriate tone.

Write for an Academic Discussion

In this task, you write a reply to an online class discussion. You should clearly state your opinion and support it with reasons and examples.

TOEFL Listening Scoring Guides

Listen and Repeat Scoring Guide

Before I hide these speaking acorns away, remember one important thing! 🌰

This task is scored holistically on a 0–5 scale. That means the examiner looks at your whole answer, not just one mistake.

They mainly check two things:

• 🐾 Intelligibility – Can people understand your pronunciation?
• 🐾 Accuracy – Did you repeat the sentence correctly?

Take an Interview Scoring Guide

Now it's time to chat like a friendly squirrel! 🐿️🌰

This task is also scored holistically on a 0–5 scale.

The exam checks four important skills:

• 🐾 Relevance – Did you answer the question?
• 🐾 Elaboration – Did you explain your ideas?
• 🐾 Delivery – Did you speak naturally and clearly?
• 🐾 Language Use – Did you use good grammar and vocabulary?

Well done, little squirrels! 🐿️

But we’re not finished yet. Go through the next articles to learn about each task, and practice practice practice!

Let me know in the comment sections if you have any further questions!