TOEFL Results and Scores 2026: Dates, Validity, and Percentiles
Once the TOEFL exam is over, the next important step is understanding the results. Knowing when scores are released, how to access them, and how long they remain valid helps in planning applications smoothly.
This section explains the key details around TOEFL scores and results, so there is no confusion after the test.
Key Highlights:
- TOEFL does not have a fixed result date because the exam is conducted throughout the year. Scores are released individually based on the test date.
- TOEFL scores are available within 4 to 8 days after the test for both TOEFL iBT and Home Edition, and can be checked in the ETS account or TOEFL app.
- ETS sends an email notification once the TOEFL score is ready, and the PDF score report can be downloaded shortly after.
- TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date, and a score above 100 is considered strong by many universities.
How is the TOEFL Exam Scored?
The TOEFL exam evaluates your English proficiency across four sections, each with a score range from 0 to 30. Here's a breakdown of the basis on which the performance level of each section is scored:
|
Section |
Performance Level (Out of 0-30) |
|---|---|
|
Reading |
Advanced (24-30) |
|
Listening |
Advanced (22-30) |
|
Speaking |
Advanced (25-30) |
|
Writing |
Advanced (24-30) |
|
Total Score |
The sum of all section scores (Reading + Listening + Speaking + Writing) |
The scores for each section are reported separately, but institutions often require a minimum score in each section, depending on their specific admission criteria.
TOEFL Score Vs TOEFL Percentile
A high percentile score ranging between 99 and above places you among the top test-takers, which is crucial for highly competitive universities.
Hence, your TOEFL score is not only important but also helps universities compare your performance with others. It indicates how well you performed relative to all other test-takers. Here's an overview of how your TOEFL score translates into a percentile rank:
|
TOEFL Score |
Percentile |
|---|---|
|
120 |
100 |
|
116 |
99 |
|
112 |
97 |
|
108 |
93 |
|
104 |
88 |
|
100 |
81 |
|
96 |
74 |
|
92 |
67 |
|
88 |
59 |
|
84 |
51 |
|
80 |
44 |
|
76 |
37 |
|
72 |
31 |
|
68 |
25 |
|
64 |
20 |
|
60 |
16 |
|
56 |
13 |
|
52 |
10 |
|
48 |
8 |
|
44 |
6 |
|
40 |
4 |
|
36 |
3 |
|
32 |
2 |
|
28 |
1 |
|
24 |
1 |
|
20 |
0 |
|
16 |
0 |
|
12 |
0 |
|
8 |
0 |
|
4 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
How to Check TOEFL Results?
After taking the TOEFL, it's essential to know how to check your results. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Step 1: Go to the official TOEFL website and log in to your ETS account using your username and password.
- Step 2: Navigate to the "Scores" section on your dashboard.
- Step 3: Your TOEFL score report will be available here once it's published, typically within 4-8 days after the test (or 11-13 business days for the Paper Edition).
- Step 4: Check your section-wise scores for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, along with the total score.
- Step 5: Download or print your score report for your records or to share with institutions.
- Step 6: You can send your TOEFL scores to universities or institutions directly through your ETS account by selecting them during registration or afterwards via the "Send Scores" option.
For a comprehensive and clear explanation of these topics, here's what can be added to each section:
TOEFL Score Report
The TOEFL Score Report is an official document that shows your performance in the test. It includes the scores for each section, as well as your total score. You can access your score report through your ETS account after the test results are released.
Your TOEFL score report is valid for two years from the test date. If needed, you can review your score report and contest any discrepancies with ETS within the score reporting period.
What is the TOEFL Score Reporting Period?
TOEFL Scores are typically released within the timeframes given below, but always check your ETS account for the exact date:
- Test Centre and iBT Home Edition scores are available after 4-8 days of the test date.
- TOEFL iBT Paper Edition results are vailable after 11-13 business days of the test date.
The TOEFL Score Reporting Period/Timeline explains when your TOEFL scores will be available and when you can start sending them to institutions. After receiving your scores, you can download the report or send them directly to universities or institutions via the "Send Scores" option.
How to Send TOEFL Exam Results to Universities?
Once you have your TOEFL scores, you can easily send your scores directly from your ETS account. Sending them to universities is a crucial step in your application process. Here are the steps to do so:
- Step 1: Log in to your ETS account on the official TOEFL website.
- Step 2: Navigate to the "Scores" section where you'll find your available test scores.
- Step 3: Click on the "Send Scores" option to begin the process of sending your results to universities.
- Step 4: Search for the universities or institutions you want to send your scores to. You can do this by entering the institution's name or code. Make sure you select the correct institution from the search results.
- Step 5: Now choose which specific TOEFL scores you want to send. You can select your most recent test scores or any other test results you prefer to share.
- Step 6: Next, you'll be prompted to pay a fee for sending each score report to an institution.
- Step 7: Once payment is made, confirm your selection, and your score report will be sent directly to the universities.
- Step 8: You can track the status of your score report requests from the ETS account to ensure your scores have been successfully sent.
Note: You can send your scores to up to four universities for free during the registration process. After that, a fee is charged for additional score reports.
What is the TOEFL Score Validity?
Your TOEFL score remains valid for two years. Once your TOEFL score reaches its two-year expiration date, it will no longer appear in your ETS account, and you will need to retake the test if you wish to apply to universities.
Make sure to plan your TOEFL test dates accordingly, especially if you're applying to multiple institutions or have specific deadlines.
What are TOEFL MyBest Scores?
TOEFL MyBest scores, also known as TOEFL superscores, refer to the highest scores a student achieves in each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) across all their TOEFL test attempts.
Rather than taking the highest total score from a single test, MyBest scores combine the best individual section scores from different test dates. This allows test-takers to showcase their best performance in each section, even if it was on different test days.

TOEFL vs IELTS vs PTE Score Conversions
When applying to universities, you may encounter different English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE. Each of these tests has its scoring system, and many universities accept scores from all three. To help you understand how scores from one test compared to another, here's a general conversion guide.
|
TOEFL Score |
IELTS Band |
PTE Score |
|---|---|---|
|
118-120 |
9.0 |
90 |
|
113-117 |
8.5 |
85 |
|
104-112 |
8.0 |
80 |
|
94-103 |
7.5 |
75 |
|
79-93 |
7.0 |
70 |
|
60-78 |
6.5 |
60 |
|
46-59 |
6.0 |
50 |
|
35-45 |
5.5 |
40 |
|
32-34 |
5.0 |
Below 40 |
|
0-31 |
Below 5.0 |
Below 40 |
These conversions are approximate, and exact requirements may vary by institution. By understanding these conversions, you can have a clearer idea of how your TOEFL score would be viewed if you were applying with IELTS or PTE scores, and vice versa.
Can You Review the TOEFL Result?
Unlike some other exams, TOEFL results cannot be directly reviewed or appealed. Once your scores are available, they are final and cannot be changed or revised by ETS.
However, you can request a rescore of your Speaking and Writing sections if you feel that your scores do not reflect your performance. This request must be made within 30 days of receiving your results.
From the Desk of Yocket
The TOEFL results can bring a mix of emotions, whether you're feeling accomplished or unsure about your score, we know the deal.
But here's the thing: no matter the result, we're here to help you take the next step.
If your score isn't what you expected, don't worry. You can always retake the exam, and we'll help you get prepared with tips, resources, and a plan to improve. If you're happy with your result, great—let's move forward and focus on sending those scores to your chosen universities and finalizing your application. At Yocket Prep, we're all about making your study abroad process easier, especially when it comes to exams like TOEFL.