When it comes to English Proficiency Test, we need to see which is better TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS are the two most important tests students take if they wish to study abroad. Both of these are English Proficiency Test and students may take any one of the two.
While preparing for abroad universities these two exams are of primary importance. A number of questions may arise for TOEFL and IELTS like which one is easier to score? Which one is accepted more and a lot more? Let us take a look at all these answers.
| FIELD OF COMPARISON (2026) | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Countries/ Continents | 160+ countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K., the United States, Europe and Asia. | 140+ countries worldwide. |
| Field of Judgement | Writing, Listening, Reading, Speaking | Writing, Listening, Reading, Speaking |
| Universities Covered | 13,000+ institutions | 12,500+ organisations |
| Accents | British, Australian, American | British, Canadian, American, Kiwi, and Australian |
| Score division | 0-120 Points | 0-9 |
| Average score(INDIA) | 90 | 6.04 |
| Time Duration | 4 hours | 2 hours 40 mins |
| Time Division (Based on Sections) | Reading- 60-80 mins Listening- 60-90 mins Speaking- 20 mins Writing- 50 mins | Reading- 60 mins Listening- 30 mins Speaking- 11-14 mins Writing- 60 mins |
| Number of Trials | Infinite (With a break of 12 days between each test) | Infinite |
| Type of Test | Online | OMR based |
| Gap between Exams | 10 mins between listening and speaking tests | A week between Speaking and other tests |
| Fee | US$180(12,753.27 INR) | US$16.02(1130 INR) |
Which is More Widely Accepted: TOEFL or IELTS?
In 2026, TOEFL is accepted by 13,000+ institutions in 160+ countries, while IELTS is recognised by 12,500+ organisations in 140+ countries. TOEFL is preferred in North America, while IELTS is widely used in the UK, Australia, and Canada. Most universities today accept both, so the choice often comes down to personal strengths.
TOEFL is more acceptable in America, while IELTS is more common in the UK. Although, most of the universities accept both of them nowadays. Students need to check the university they want to apply to accept which scores, TOEFL or IELTS and according to that take any one of them.
In IELTS, candidates need to give short answers while in TOEFL there are MCQs hence candidates need to recognize in which one of the two they’re better in. Currently, both the tests are of equal importance to all the universities, yet many of them need to consider the possibilities of choosing anyone.
- How to Convert CGPA to Percentage?
- Kerala PSC 2020
- 50 New English Words with Meaning and Sentences
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- How to Convert GPA to Percentage?
- Toughest courses in the World
- SGPA To Percentage
- Why should you be hired for this Internship?
- Leave Application – How to Write Leave Application for School, College, Office?
- Arts Subject
Which is More Difficult: TOEFL or IELTS?
Neither TOEFL nor IELTS is objectively harder. TOEFL suits candidates comfortable with computers and multiple-choice questions, while IELTS suits those who prefer writing by hand and speaking in person. Students fluent in American English often prefer TOEFL, while those used to British or Australian English typically find IELTS more natural.
The answer to this question depends upon the candidate of what they’re comfortable. If the candidates are comfortable with computers, speaking in a microphone, type quickly, good at answering MCQs, an expert at taking notes from recordings, and prefer standard American English must take TOEFL.
If the candidates are comfortable having interviews in person, have good handwriting, understand various dialects of English, prefer different types of questions like MCQs, fill in the blanks, statistical questions, must take the IELTS exam. With more practice, candidates can pursue both or either of the exams with good scores. They can take the help of books, online courses, and coaching classes.
What Are the Score Ranges for TOEFL and IELTS?
TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120, with each of its four sections worth 30 points. IELTS scores range from 0 to 9 in 0.5 increments. The average TOEFL score in India is around 90, while most universities require an IELTS band of 6.0 to 7.0. Both scores are valid for two years from the test date.
The score division of TOEFL ranges between 0–120 points and in IELTS it ranges between 0 – 9. The average score of TOEFL in India is 90 and for IELTS it is 6.04. The foreign universities usually accept scores of IELTS from 6.5 to 7 and TOEFL online test from 79 – 90.
Each section of TOEFL is divided into 30 points and it has 4 sections (reading, writing, listening, speaking). In IELTS each section is receiving 4 separate bands on a scale of 0 – 9 and its average score is the final score (4 sections – Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).
- Percentage to CGPA Calculator for Engineering Students
- BBA Subjects- Full Form, Core, and Elective Subjects
- What is Joining Letter?
- Professional Courses after Graduation
- Courses In Canada After 12th – Updated List for 2020
- Experience Letter/Certificate – Formats and Samples
- Ph.D. after MBA
- Computer Courses List
- CA Subjects – Course wise Details
- Bonafide Certificate
How Do TOEFL and IELTS Scores Compare?
TOEFL and IELTS scores can be compared using standard conversion charts. A TOEFL score of 102–109 roughly equates to an IELTS band of 7.5, while a score of 94–101 corresponds to band 7.0. Universities typically specify their minimum requirements for each test separately. Consult official conversion tables when applying.
The scores of IELTS and TOEFL are on two different scales. These scores can be compared on basic conversion charts. Let us look at the conversion chart
| TOEFL (2026) | IELTS |
|---|---|
| 118-120 | 9 |
| 115-117 | 8.5 |
| 110-114 | 8 |
| 102-109 | 7.5 |
| 94-101 | 7 |
| 79-93 | 6.5 |
| 60-78 | 6 |
| 46-59 | 5.5 |
| 35-45 | 5 |
| 32-34 | 4.5 |
| 0-31 | 0-4 |
These scores are the total scores of the 4 subjects. Similarly, the section – wise scores can be compared for IELTS and TOEFL. This section is average scores for reading, it is different for writing, listening, and speaking sections.
| TOEFL (2026) | IELTS |
|---|---|
| 30 | 9 |
| 29 | 8.5 |
| 29 | 8 |
| 27-28 | 7.5 |
| 24-26 | 7 |
| 19-23 | 6.5 |
| 13-18 | 6 |
| 8-12 | 5.5 |
| 4-7 | 5 |
| 3 | 4.5 |
| 0-2 | 0-4 |
How Often Can You Take TOEFL and IELTS?
Both TOEFL and IELTS can be taken multiple times a year, giving candidates opportunities to improve their scores. TOEFL offers more than 50 test dates annually at thousands of centres and online. IELTS is available almost every week at test centres worldwide. Both scores are valid for two years and can be resit without a waiting period.
TOEFL and IELTS test can be given by the candidates numerous times in a year. This gives them an opportunity to improve their score for their application to any foreign university. The validity of IELTS scores is for 2 years from the date of the exam and it expires after the second attempt.
In the case of TOEFL, a student can give the exam for more than 50 times in a year with specific dates and locations. Students who aim to go to abroad universities give their best for any of the one exams according to their preference and university chose.
Which is Better: TOEFL or IELTS?
There is no single answer to which test is better. TOEFL is used as an entrance test at universities in North America and is computer-based. IELTS is preferred in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Students should choose based on their target country, their English background, and the requirements of their specific universities.
TOEFL test is for those who are non – native English speakers and it is used as an entrance exam for universities whereas IELTS is more difficult than TOEFL and it is more reliable if you want to study at any level higher than secondary school. IELTS gives students questions related to the real-world and in TOEFL it is mostly MCQs.
In IELTS format there isn’t a section for listening in the integrated assignments and ask independent questions asking your opinion on some issue. In TOEFL speaking test, your voice is recorded and it involves you explaining your opinion on a particular issue and taking the support of facts for the same while in IELTS, the speaking test happens in person wherein you have to give a short speech. Overall if we see IELTS gives the student a wholesome real-world experience while TOEFL gives the student a more technical experience of English as a subject.
Is TOEFL Harder Than IELTS?
Student reviews suggest TOEFL is somewhat easier for those comfortable with computers and multiple-choice questions, as all sections are digital. IELTS requires writing answers by hand and speaking face-to-face with an examiner. However, both tests assess the same four skills and are considered comparable in overall difficulty by most educators.
It is seen that TOEFL is a bit easier than IELTS. Student reviews say that TOEFL has proven to be easy for them because of choice questions and recorded listening tests. On the other hand IELTS have physical interviews which can be difficult for few candidates. Nevertheless, both the exams depend on number of factors and criteria.
Is TOEFL Easier Than IELTS?
Whether TOEFL is easier depends on the individual. Candidates comfortable with computers and American English often find TOEFL more manageable. Those familiar with British dialects, essay writing, and in-person interviews typically prefer IELTS. Both tests evaluate reading, listening, writing, and speaking at an academic level required for university admission.
The answer to this question depends upon the candidate of what they’re comfortable. If the candidates are comfortable with computers, speaking in a microphone, type quickly, good at answering MCQs, an expert at taking notes from recordings, and prefer standard American English must take TOEFL.
If the candidates are comfortable having interviews in person, have good handwriting, understand various dialects of English, prefer different types of questions like MCQs, fill in the blanks, statistical questions, must take the IELTS exam. The students need to understand that both the tests are not hard, it depends on them which one of the two can they score easily. Mostly it is seen that IELTS is harder than TOEFL as MCQs are more scoring than short answers.
- IELTS- All you need to know
- IELTS Syllabus
- IELTS Registration
- IELTS Results and Scores
- IELTS Dates
- IELTS Test Centres
- IELTS Practice Papers
- IELTS Preparation Tips
- TOEFL – Everything You need to know
- TOEFL Syllabus
- TOEFL Registration
- TOEFL Results and Scores
- TOEFL Dates
- TOEFL Test Centres
- TOEFL Practice Papers
- TOEFL Preparation Tip s