Duolingo → IELTS Converter
Convert a Duolingo English Test score to an approximate IELTS band.
Based on Duolingo’s published IELTS comparison (nearest score).
To convert a Duolingo English Test score to IELTS, use Duolingo’s published comparison, which pairs each DET score range with an equivalent IELTS band. A DET score of 125 maps to an IELTS band of about 7.0, and a 105 to about 6.0. The two tests differ in length and format, so treat the band as an approximation, not an official equivalence.
How the Duolingo–IELTS conversion works
The Duolingo English Test (DET) reports a single score from 10 to 160 in five-point steps. IELTS reports a band from 0 to 9 in half-point steps. Because the DET is a shorter, computer-adaptive test, its score does not map onto IELTS by a simple formula. Duolingo publishes a comparison table pairing DET score ranges with equivalent IELTS bands, and this tool reads that table, snapping your DET score to the nearest IELTS band.
Reading the table
To estimate the IELTS band for a DET score of 120.
- 1 Enter your DET score. Scores run from 10 to 160 in steps of five.
- 2 Find the nearest row. A DET of 120 sits between 115 and 125, closest to the 125 row.
- 3 Read the band. That maps to an IELTS band of about 7.0.
Duolingo English Test → IELTS
Approximate, based on Duolingo’s published IELTS comparison; scores map to the nearest row.
| DET score | IELTS band |
|---|---|
| 160 | 8.5 |
| 150 | 8.0 |
| 140 | 7.5 |
| 125 | 7.0 |
| 115 | 6.5 |
| 105 | 6.0 |
| 95 | 5.5 |
| 80 | 5.0 |
| 65 | 4.5 |
| 55 | 4.0 |
When you need this conversion
A program lists an IELTS minimum. If you took the DET but the university quotes an IELTS band, converting shows whether you are likely to clear it.
You are choosing a test. The DET is faster and cheaper to sit; knowing your likely IELTS equivalent helps you decide if it will meet your targets. To weigh IELTS against the TOEFL as well, use the IELTS to TOEFL converter.
You are tracking practice progress. Translating practice DET scores into bands makes your goal concrete.
Caveats
This is an approximation, not an official equivalence — the two tests differ in length, format, and what they measure. Acceptance of the DET varies: many universities now take it, but some still require IELTS or TOEFL. Always confirm both the accepted test and the exact minimum with your program before relying on a converted figure.