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English language assessments like IELTS, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, and PTE are vital for international students pursuing higher education abroad. These tests show if their English fluency meets the university requirements.
While the exams are solely designed to determine the candidate’s language proficiency, you can see a difference in the pattern, test format, fee, and other factors.
There are ways to convert these scores for better comparison during admission. Here we cover everything you need to know about Duolingo English Test to IELTS score conversion.
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Table of Contents
- Duolingo and IELTS exam: An overview
- Duolingo English Test and IELTS: Key highlights
- Importance of Duolingo English Test to IELTS score comparison
- Duolingo score to IELTS score conversion (equivalent)
- Duolingo English Test scores: What do they mean?
- IELTS band scores: What do they mean?
- Frequently asked questions
- What is Duolingo 120 to IELTS?
- What is 125 Duolingo to IELTS?
- How to compare 130 Duolingo to IELTS?
- What is the 110 Duolingo score to IELTS?
- What is the Duolingo 105 score equivalent to IELTS?
- What is the Duolingo 90 score for IELTS?
- What is 135 in Duolingo score for IELTS?
- How is the Duolingo score calculated?
- What is the 115 Duolingo score to IELTS?
- What is a good Duolingo English test score?
- What is 140 Duolingo to IELTS?
- 135 Duolingo to IELTS?
Duolingo and IELTS exam: An overview
| Exam factor | Duolingo English Test | IELTS |
| No. of sections | 2 | 4 |
| Total duration | 60 minutes | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Mode of exam | Computer-based | Computer-based, Paper-based |
| Score range | Score 10-160 | Band 0-9 |
Data updated as of Dec 2025
Duolingo English Test and IELTS: Key highlights
- The Duolingo English Test and IELTS exams determine your level of English fluency by analysing your fundamental language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Most educational institutions accept IELTS, and many universities accept the Duolingo English test.
- The Duolingo English Test has two sections, whereas the IELTS exam has four.
- Candidates can take IELTS on paper or computer in the allotted test centres. The Duolingo English Test is completely conducted online. You can take the test anywhere and anytime you prefer.
Also read: IELTS vs Duolingo English Test comparison
Importance of Duolingo English Test to IELTS score comparison
- While Duolingo provides an equally competitive assessment to determine the candidate’s English fluency, the test has yet to be accepted by some educational institutions. Most universities prefer IELTS as proof of English proficiency, so a Duolingo score to IELTS comparison would pave the way for smooth evaluation for admissions.
- The Duolingo score ranges between 10-160, while IELTS follows a band score between 0-9. It is important to compare Duolingo English test scores to IELTS to determine your English proficiency.
Also read:
Duolingo score to IELTS score conversion (equivalent)
Here are the Duolingo equivalents of IELTS.
| Duolingo Score | IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| 160 | 8.5-9 |
| 150 - 155 | 8 |
| 140 - 145 | 7.5 |
| 130 - 135 | 7 |
| 120 - 125 | 6.5 |
| 105 - 115 | 6 |
| 95 - 100 | 5.5 |
| 80 - 90 | 5 |
| 65 - 75 | 4.5 |
| 10 - 60 | 4 |
Data updated as of Dec 2025 | Source: Duolingo English Test
Duolingo English Test scores: What do they mean?
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 10-55 | Basic Candidate has a basic language understanding and can express views in familiar contexts. |
| 60-85 | Intermediate Candidate can understand common matters in school and work environment but hesitate to express views and opinions |
| 90-115 | Upper-intermediate Candidate can understand ideas and converse on unfamiliar topics with proficient speakers easily |
| 125-160 | Advanced Candidates can understand written and spoken language easily and express themselves seamlessly in academic, work, and social environment |
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Also read: Duolingo English Test results
IELTS band scores: What do they mean?
| IELTS band score | Score description |
|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user Candidate has full operational command and is fluent in the language |
| 8 | Very good user Candidate is fluent in the language except for the occasional inaccuracies |
| 7 | Good user Candidate can handle complex situations but cannot understand concepts in some situations |
| 6 | Competent user Candidate has effective command of the language and can understand fairly complex concepts |
| 5 | Modest user Candidate has partial command of the language but makes mistakes while expressing ideas |
| 4 | Limited user Candidate has basic competence and finds it difficult to use complex language |
| 3 | Extremely limited user Candidate can only understand and express general concepts |
| 2 | Intermittent user Candidate can only express basic words and information in familiar situations |
| 1 | Non-user Candidate has no command of the language except for a very few words |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test |
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Frequently asked questions
What is Duolingo 120 to IELTS?
According to Duolingo score conversion tables, a score of 120 on the Duolingo English Test is estimated to be equivalent to a 6.5 band score on the IELTS Academic test. This is a general estimate, though. Universities may have specific score requirements for admission.
What is 125 Duolingo to IELTS?
According to Duolingo score conversion charts, a score of 125 on the Duolingo English Test is estimated to be equivalent to a 6.5 band score on the IELTS Academic test. This indicates a competent user of English who can understand fairly complex concepts.
How to compare 130 Duolingo to IELTS?
According to Duolingo score conversion tables, a score of 130 on the Duolingo English Test is estimated to be equivalent to a 7.0 band score on the IELTS Academic test.
What is the 110 Duolingo score to IELTS?
According to Duolingo score conversion tables, a score of 110 on the Duolingo English Test is estimated to be equivalent to a 6.0 band score on the IELTS Academic test. This indicates a competent user of English who can handle everyday situations. However, it's important to note that this is a general conversion.
What is the Duolingo 105 score equivalent to IELTS?
According to Duolingo score conversion charts, a score of 105 on the Duolingo English Test is estimated to be equivalent to a 6.0 band score on the IELTS Academic test. It's important to note that this is a general conversion.
What is the Duolingo 90 score for IELTS?
An IELTS band score of 5 is equivalent to a Duolingo score of 90.
What is 135 in Duolingo score for IELTS?
According to Duolingo score conversion tables, a score of 135 on the Duolingo English Test is roughly equivalent to a 7.0 band score on the IELTS Academic test. This indicates a good user of English who can handle most academic and workplace situations.
How is the Duolingo score calculated?
The Duolingo English test measures the candidates’ English proficiency by testing the fundamental language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These skills are assessed, and the test taker is scored between 10-160.
What is the 115 Duolingo score to IELTS?
According to Duolingo score conversion charts, a score of 115 on the Duolingo English Test is estimated to be equivalent to a 6.0 band score on the IELTS Academic test.
What is a good Duolingo English test score?
Any score above 110 is considered good on the Duolingo English test. Many universities prefer students who score more than 110 for admission.
What is 140 Duolingo to IELTS?
According to Duolingo score conversion table, a score of 140 on the Duolingo English Test is equivalent to a 7.5 band score on the IELTS Academic test.
135 Duolingo to IELTS?
According to Duolingo score conversion resources, a score of 95 on the Duolingo English Test is estimated to be equivalent to a 5.0 band score on the IELTS Academic test.
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