An English test to CEFR converter that shows each owner’s mapping
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) describes language ability in six levels, from A1 to C2, and almost every English test now reports against it. This English test to CEFR converter takes a score from IELTS, TOEFL iBT (the new 1–6 scale or the original 0–120 total), PTE Academic, the Duolingo English Test or the Cambridge English Scale and tells you the CEFR level — or, the other way round, which scores on each test belong to a level such as C1.
The level comes from each test owner’s published mapping, not from a blend of websites, and where an owner marks a band as borderline (IELTS 5.0, 6.5 and 8.0) the converter says so instead of rounding for you. The sources and the date they were read appear under the table, and everything is calculated in your browser.
How to use the English Test to CEFR Converter
- Choose “Score → CEFR level” or “CEFR level → scores”.
- Pick the test and type your score — the hint under the field shows the valid range.
- Read the CEFR level, plus the score range for the next level on the same test.
- To see equivalent scores on other tests, switch to CEFR level and choose the level.
- Check the table to compare all six scales at once.
English Test to CEFR Converter features
Six scales
IELTS, TOEFL 1–6, TOEFL 0–120, PTE Academic, Duolingo and the Cambridge English Scale.
Borderline bands flagged
IELTS’s own figure treats some bands as lying between two levels; so does the result.
Both directions
Score to level, or level to the score range on every test.
Next-level target
Shows the lowest score range for the next CEFR level on your test.
What score is C1 on each test?
C1 (“advanced”) is a common admission target. On each test owner’s mapping:
| Test | C1 range |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT, 1–6 scale | 5 – 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT, 0–120 scale | 95 – 113 |
| IELTS overall | 7.0 – 7.5 (6.5 and 8.0 borderline) |
| PTE Academic | 76 – 84 |
| Duolingo English Test | 130 – 150 |
| Cambridge English Scale | 180 – 199 |
Why the same level is not the same score everywhere
Each test was aligned to the CEFR separately, by different methods and at different times. IELTS, which predates the framework, says its bands “have never aligned exactly with the CEFR transition points” and places C1 between 6.5 and 7. ETS built the new TOEFL 1–6 scale around the CEFR so that a 4 means B2 in every section. Duolingo and Pearson publish ranges that overlap neighbouring levels. The result is that two tests can give the same level at slightly different strengths.
A CEFR level read from a test score is a convenient label, not a certificate, and many institutions state their own minimum score instead of a level. For a direct score-to-score comparison use the TOEFL to IELTS converter, the PTE to IELTS converter or the Duolingo converter.
Reading the levels
A1–A2 are basic users, B1–B2 independent users and C1–C2 proficient users. B2 is the usual undergraduate requirement, C1 is common for postgraduate and professional courses, and C2 is the top of the framework. If you are planning a retake, the IELTS band score calculator shows how your section scores combine.
English Test to CEFR Converter FAQ
What IELTS score is CEFR C1?
IELTS places 7.0 and 7.5 at C1. A 6.5 is borderline between B2 and C1, so institutions that need confidence in C1 are advised to ask for 7.0.
What TOEFL score is equivalent to C1?
On the new 1–6 scale a 5 or 5.5 is C1. On the original scale, ETS’s mapping puts 95 to 113 out of 120 at C1.
What is B2 in PTE and Duolingo?
On Pearson’s chart B2 starts at about 59 on PTE Academic; Duolingo lists B2 as 100 to 125.
Is a CEFR level from a test official?
No. It is the test owner’s indication of the level your score corresponds to; it is not a certificate from the Council of Europe.
Why does IELTS show no A1 or A2?
IELTS’s CEFR figure starts at B1; it publishes no band-to-level link for the two lowest levels.
What is the Cambridge English Scale?
A single 80 to 230 scale used by Cambridge English exams; 160 is B2, 180 is C1 and 200 is C2.