How to Convert Your CEFR Level to IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Scores

If you've ever tried comparing your English level from one test to another, you know it can get messy fast.

You might have a CEFR level from a placement test, but your dream university asks for an IELTS band. Or maybe your school accepts PTE, but you only have a TOEFL score from last year. What do you do?

You look for a conversion. And that's exactly what this guide is for.

Before we get into the table, a quick reality check: no conversion is perfect. These tests measure slightly different things in different ways. But official research from the test makers gives us reliable estimates. Here's how they line up.

The Official CEFR to IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Conversion

The table below is based on data published by Cambridge English, ETS (TOEFL), and Pearson (PTE). These are the most widely accepted equivalencies you'll find.

A few things worth noting here.

The ranges overlap. You'll see that B2 covers IELTS 5.5 to 6.5. That's a full band difference. A 6.5 is significantly stronger than a 5.5, even though both fall under "upper intermediate." So when someone says "I'm B2," it's not the same as saying "I got IELTS 6.5." The exact score matters.

The top end is tricky. PTE caps out at 90, while TOEFL goes to 120 and IELTS to 9. A C2 user could score anywhere from 85 to 90 on PTE, but those few points at the top are extremely hard to get. Don't assume 85 on PTE is "just okay for C2" — it's an excellent score.

How to Actually Use This Conversion

Let me give you a realistic example.

Say you took a placement test at a language school and got placed at B1. You're planning to apply to a university that requires IELTS 6.5 for admission. Looking at the table, B1 maps to IELTS 4.0–5.0. You're nowhere near 6.5 yet. That tells you clearly: you need to move up to a solid B2 level before you even think about booking the IELTS exam.

Now flip it. You just got IELTS 7.5. Your target graduate program asks for TOEFL 100. Based on the table, 7.5 falls into C1 territory, and C1 maps to 95–113 on TOEFL. You're in the right range. You can probably aim for 100+ with some targeted preparation.

The conversion gives you a target zone, not an exact prediction.

Why Direct Conversion Has Limits

Here's something most guides won't tell you.

IELTS and PTE writing tasks are very different. PTE is computer-scored and looks for specific structure markers. IELTS writing is marked by humans and values natural expression over rigid templates. A candidate might score higher on PTE writing than IELTS writing, even at the same overall CEFR level.

TOEFL listening is university lecture based, with more academic vocabulary than IELTS listening. Some test takers find TOEFL listening harder simply because of the accent and speed, even if their CEFR level says they should handle it.

So while the numbers in the table are officially endorsed, your individual skill profile might shift things up or down by a point or two.

A Practical Way Forward

If you know your CEFR level and want to target a specific score on IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, here's a simple approach:

1. Convert your level to the target test range using the table above.
2. Take a practice test for that specific exam. Don't guess — measure.
3. Find the gap between your practice test score and your target score.
4. Work on the skills that test emphasizes. If TOEFL has tricky listening, spend more time on lectures.

And if you don't know your CEFR level yet? Start there. On English Measure, you can take a free test that places you on the CEFR scale. Once you know where you stand, conversions like the one above actually mean something.

Ready to find out your current CEFR level for free? Test your English now — it takes about 30 minutes and covers reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Then come back to this table and plan your next steps with confidence.