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TOEFL band 3.5: what it means on the old scale

By the Suzu team · Updated · 1 min read · Facts from ETS

Quick answer

A TOEFL iBT band 3.5 is 58–71 on the old 0–120 scale and CEFR level B1. On the 0–30 section scale it is 12–17 in reading, 13–16 in listening, 15–16 in writing and 18–19 in speaking.

Band

3.5

58–71 / 120 · CEFR B1

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Band 3.5 in each section

ScoreRange for band 3.5
Total (0–120)58–71
Reading (0–30)12–17
Listening (0–30)13–16
Writing (0–30)15–16
Speaking (0–30)18–19

Your overall band is the average of your four section bands, rounded to the nearest half band. How the overall band works.

What CEFR B1 means

You follow the main points of clear, standard speech on familiar topics, handle most situations while travelling, and write simple connected text about things you know. Paraphrased from the Council of Europe's CEFR scale.

Is band 3.5 a good TOEFL score?

It depends on the school. Many ask for 80 to 100 on the 0–120 scale, roughly 4 to 5 on the new scale. A band 3.5 is below the 4–5 range many universities ask for, though some programs and pathway courses accept lower scores. Check each school's own requirement.

Questions

What is TOEFL band 3.5 on the old 0–120 scale?

A band 3.5 matches a total of 58–71 out of 120 on the old scale.

What CEFR level is TOEFL band 3.5?

CEFR B1. You follow the main points of clear, standard speech on familiar topics, handle most situations while travelling, and write simple connected text about things you know.

What section scores give a band 3.5?

On the 0–30 section scale, a band 3.5 is 12–17 in reading, 13–16 in listening, 15–16 in writing and 18–19 in speaking.

Is TOEFL band 3.5 a good score?

It depends on the school. Many ask for 80 to 100 on the 0–120 scale, roughly 4 to 5 on the new scale. A band 3.5 is below the 4–5 range many universities ask for, though some programs and pathway courses accept lower scores. Check each school's own requirement.

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