TOEFL iBT: pattern, scores and free practice
How the updated TOEFL iBT works: the four sections, timing, task types and the 1-6 band scale. Practice sets and full mocks on Padhantu are coming soon.
- Sections
- 4, no breaks
- Test time
- About 1.5 hours
- Scores
- 1 to 6, with CEFR
- Results
- Within about 72 hours
The four sections
Full mock tests
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What the TOEFL iBT is
The TOEFL iBT tests academic and everyday English in four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. Universities, scholarship boards and some visa and licensing bodies use it to check that you can study or work in English.
Since 21 January 2026 the test is shorter, uses new task types and reports scores on a 1 to 6 scale in half-band steps, with a CEFR level for each section. You can take it at a test centre or at home, with the same content.
Test format
| Section | Tasks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, Read an Academic Passage | About 30 min |
| Listening | Listen and Choose a Response, Listen to a Conversation, Listen to an Announcement, Listen to an Academic Talk | About 29 min |
| Writing | Build a Sentence (10), Write an Email (1), Write for an Academic Discussion (1) | About 23 min |
| Speaking | Listen and Repeat (7 sentences), Take an Interview (4 questions) | About 8 min |
The order is fixed and there is no scheduled break. Reading and Listening are adaptive in two stages: how you do in the first part of the section decides whether the second part is harder or easier. Writing and Speaking are the same for everyone.
The number of questions and the exact time can vary a little as the test adapts. Allow about two hours in total for check-in and instructions.
How the TOEFL is scored
Each section gets a band from 1 to 6 in half steps. The overall score is the average of the four section bands, rounded to the nearest half band, with quarters rounding up: 5.25 becomes 5.5, and 5.125 becomes 5.0.
Until January 2028, score reports also show a comparable score on the old 0 to 120 scale. Many universities still list their entry requirements on that scale; the score tables further down this page show how the two line up.
Fees and booking
Test fee varies by country; check ETS. The fee is set by where you take the test and usually excludes local taxes. See the official fees page for your country before you book.
How practice works on Padhantu
- Section practice: short sets for each section. Reading and Listening are marked as soon as you finish; Writing and Speaking come back with a score on the 0 to 5 task scale and feedback.
- Full mocks: all four sections back to back, with two-stage Reading and Listening, then an estimated band per section, an overall band, CEFR and the 0 to 120 comparison.
- Live interview practice: talk with an interviewer who follows up on what you say, then get a score and feedback for each answer. Each one uses a live interview from your plan.
- Your analysis: after each set and mock, see where you lost marks, the patterns across task types and what to practise next.
All bands on Padhantu are estimates to help you prepare, not official TOEFL scores.
Frequently asked questions
Is the TOEFL iBT still scored out of 120?
No. Since 21 January 2026 each section and the overall score use a 1 to 6 scale in half steps, with a CEFR level. Until January 2028 reports also show a comparable 0 to 120 total.
How long is the new TOEFL iBT?
About 1.5 hours of testing: Reading about 30 minutes, Listening about 29, Writing about 23 and Speaking about 8, with no scheduled break. Allow about two hours with check-in.
What does two-stage adaptive mean?
In Reading and Listening everyone takes the same first part. Your result on it decides whether the second part is harder or easier, so doing well early keeps the top bands within reach.
What TOEFL score do I need for my university?
It depends on the university and the course. Many ask for about 4.5 to 5 on the new scale, roughly 86 to 106 on the old 0 to 120 scale. Check each university's admissions page.
How much does the TOEFL cost?
Test fee varies by country; check ETS. It is set by where you take the test and usually excludes local taxes.
Are Padhantu scores official?
No. Padhantu is not affiliated with ETS, and every band here is an estimate to guide your preparation.
Can I practise for free?
Yes. Reading and Listening practice is free, and so is one scored Writing set and one scored Speaking set every 24 hours. Full mocks and live interview practice come with a TOEFL plan.
Scores, CEFR and the 0-120 comparison
| Band | CEFR |
|---|---|
| 6 | C2 |
| 5 to 5.5 | C1 |
| 4 to 4.5 | B2 |
| 3 to 3.5 | B1 |
| 2 to 2.5 | A2 |
| 1 to 1.5 | A1 |
| Band | Reading | Listening | Writing | Speaking | Total 0-120 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 29-30 | 28-30 | 29-30 | 28-30 | 114-120 |
| 5.5 | 27-28 | 26-27 | 27-28 | 27 | 107-113 |
| 5.0 | 24-26 | 22-25 | 24-26 | 25-26 | 95-106 |
| 4.5 | 22-23 | 20-21 | 21-23 | 23-24 | 86-94 |
| 4.0 | 18-21 | 17-19 | 17-20 | 20-22 | 72-85 |
| 3.5 | 12-17 | 13-16 | 15-16 | 18-19 | 58-71 |
| 3.0 | 6-11 | 9-12 | 13-14 | 16-17 | 44-57 |
| 2.5 | 4-5 | 6-8 | 11-12 | 13-15 | 34-43 |
| 2.0 | 3 | 4-5 | 7-10 | 10-12 | 24-33 |
| 1.5 | 2 | 2-3 | 3-6 | 5-9 | 12-23 |
| 1.0 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-2 | 0-4 | 0-11 |
Padhantu is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS. TOEFL and TOEFL iBT are trademarks of ETS.