Duolingo English Test - Score Interpretation - 160 scale and CEFR alignment

Aug 29, 2026

Uploaded by Angel

Duolingo English Test scores interpret a test taker’s proficiency across reading, writing, speaking, and listening as an overall score on a 160 scale in 5-point increments. The score scale is mapped to CEFR levels, describing what learners can typically understand and do at each band. The document also provides concordance comparisons with TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic based on large samples, including a reported correlation and guidance for institutions setting minimum thresholds.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Score interpretation

Scale and CEFR abilities

Comparison with TOEFL iBT

Comparison with IELTS Academic

Score comparison with prior and current versions

Score interpretation The Duolingo English Test measures reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. A test taker’s proficiency is reported as a holistic score on scale of 160 in 5 point increments. Scores are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference ( CEFR), an international standard of language proficiency. To learn more about the test construction and efficacy visit our research page. SCALE CEFR ABILITIES ● Can understand very basic English words and phrases. ● Can understand straightforward information and express themselves in familiar contexts. | 60
|
85 | B1 | ●
● | Can understand the main points of concrete speech or writing on routine matters such as work and school.
Can describe experiences, ambitions, opinions, and plans, although with some awkwardness or hesitation. | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 90
|
115 | B2 | ●
●
● | Can fulfill most communication goals, even on unfamiliar topics. Can understand the main ideas of both concrete and abstract writing. Can interact with proficient speakers fairly easily. | ● Can understand a variety of demanding written and spoken language including some specialized language use situations. ● Can grasp implicit, figurative, pragmatic, and idiomatic language. ● Can use language flexibly and effectively for most social, academic, and professional purposes. Comparison with TOEFL iBT® The concordance table below shows how Duolingo English Test scores compare to TOEFL iBT scores. This concordance is based on 2,319 individual test takers who took the Duolingo English Test and reported their recent TOEFL iBT scores. The correlation coefficient is . 77, which is considered a strong positive statistical relationship for comparing scores. Learn more about concordance on our scores page. | Duolingo English Test
TOEFL iBT

10-25 0 | | | --- | --- | | 30 | 1 | | 35 | 2-4 | | 40 | 5-8 | | 45 | 9-13 | | 50 | 14-19 | | 55 | 20-25 | | 60 | 26-31 | | 65 | 32-37 | | 70 | 38-43 | | 75 | 44-49 | | 80 | 50-55 | | 85 | 56-61 | | 90 | 62-67 | | 95 | 68-73 | | 100 | 74-79 | | 105 | 80-85 | | 110 | 86-91 | | 115 | 92-96 | | 120 | 97-102 | | 125 | 103-107 | | 130 | 108-112 | | 135 | 113-115 | | 140 | 116-118 | | 145 | 119 | | 150-160 | 120 | When making high-stakes decisions, institutions should always also consider other factors like GPA, other test scores, recommendations, or interviews. As a best practice, when setting minimum thresholds, it is useful to set scores flexibly and conduct periodic reviews of score requirements. Comparison with IELTS® Academic The concordance table below shows how Duolingo English Test scores compare to the IELTS® Academic scores. This concordance is based on 991 individual test takers who took the Duolingo English Test and reported their recent IELTS scores. The correlation coefficient is . 78, which is considered a strong positive statistical relationship for comparing scores. Learn more about concordance on our scores page. | Duolingo English Test

10 | IELTS

1.5 | | --- | --- | | 15 | 2 | | 20-25 | 2.5 | | 30-40 | 3 | | 45-50 | 3.5 | 55-60 4 65-70 4.5 5 | 75-80 | | | --- | --- | | 85-90 | 5.5 | | 95-100 | 6 | | --- | --- | | 105-110 | 6.5 | | 115-120 | 7 | | 125-130 | 7.5 | | --- | --- | | 135-140 | 8 | | 145-150 | 8.5 | | 155-160 | 9 | When making high-stakes decisions, institutions should always also consider other factors like GPA, other test scores, recommendations, or interviews. As a best practice, when setting minimum thresholds, it is useful to set scores flexibly and conduct periodic reviews of score requirements. Score comparison The comparison table below shows how prior and current versions of the Duolingo English Test relate to TOEFL iBT scores. This is based on two different concordance studies: one between test takers ' scores on the prior version and their self-reported TOEFL scores ( n = 1,057) and one between test takers' scores on the cu

FAQs

How are Duolingo English Test scores reported and scaled?

Scores are given as a holistic score on a 160 scale in 5-point increments, reflecting skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

How do Duolingo English Test scores map to CEFR levels?

Scores are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), with each band describing typical reading and communication abilities.

How do Duolingo English Test scores compare to TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic?

Concordance tables compare Duolingo English Test scores with TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic scores using test taker data, supported by reported correlation coefficients. The document also recommends considering additional factors for high-stakes decisions.

Aug 29, 2026

Uploaded by Angel