What IELTS Academic Band and TOEFL iBT score match a Duolingo English Test score of 120?
A Duolingo English Test score of 120 generally lines up with an IELTS Academic Band of about 6, and a TOEFL iBT score in the range of roughly 87 to 92. Since scoring systems differ in format and structure, treat these comparisons as a general guide rather than exact conversion.
If you scored 120 on the Duolingo English Test, that roughly corresponds to an IELTS Academic Band of 6 and a TOEFL iBT score of about 87 to 92. Keep in mind these are approximate equivalencies since each test measures English proficiency a little differently.
Score Comparison Table
| Duolingo Score | IELTS Academic Band | TOEFL iBT Score |
|---|---|---|
| 140 | 7 | 109 to 112 |
| 130 | 6.5 | 98 to 103 |
| 120 | 6 | 87 to 92 |
| 110 | 5.5 | 76 to 81 |
| 100 | 5 | 65 to 69 |
Why These Comparisons Are Approximate
The Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and TOEFL are built differently, from format and delivery to how they weight each skill, so a side-by-side score comparison is a helpful estimate rather than a guaranteed match. Universities that accept more than one test may also apply slightly different internal conversion tables.
My Advice
Use this comparison to gauge roughly where you stand, but always confirm the exact score your university accepts for each specific test rather than assuming your Duolingo result will be read as an automatic equivalent everywhere you apply.
IELTS, PTE or Duolingo: which should you take?
Find out which test your universities accept, and which is easiest for you.
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