Duolingo English Test to IELTS Score Converter (and Back) in 2026
Type your DET score (10 to 160) to see the matching IELTS band (1.0 to 9.0). Or pick an IELTS band to see the matching DET score.
DET scores go from 10 to 160 (in steps of 5)
Matching IELTS band
6.5
CEFR: B2 (Upper Intermediate)
DET to IELTS Score Table (2026)
This table shows how DET scores match IELTS bands. Each row also shows the CEFR level. We show ranges because no two tests give the exact same score for the same person.
| DET Score | IELTS Band | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 160 | 8.5 to 9.0 | C2 |
| 150 to 155 | 8.0 | C1 / C2 |
| 140 to 145 | 7.5 | C1 |
| 130 to 135 | 7.0 | C1 |
| 120 to 125 | 6.5 | B2 |
| 105 to 115 | 6.0 | B2 |
| 95 to 100 | 5.5 | B1 / B2 |
| 80 to 90 | 5.0 | B1 |
| 65 to 75 | 4.5 | B1 |
| 60 | 4.0 | B1 |
| 10 to 55 | Below 4.0 | A1 / A2 |
How to Read the Score Table
Each row shows a group of DET scores that match a single IELTS band. For example, DET 120 and DET 125 both match IELTS 6.5, and DET 130 and DET 135 both match IELTS 7.0.
The chart is based on the average results of people who took both tests. Your real result on the other test may be a little higher or a little lower than the chart shows. When a school asks for IELTS 6.5, a DET score of 120 or higher is a strong match. A DET 120 is not a promise that the school will count it as exactly 6.5, but it is the closest match.
Where the Data Comes From
This tool uses the official DET to IELTS chart from Duolingo. You can find it on the official DET scores page. To build this chart, Duolingo collected scores from people who had taken both tests and compared them.
Duolingo updates the chart when the test changes (for example, new question types or new scoring). The table above uses the most recent version. We also show the CEFR level for each score to give more context.
How Accurate Is This Score?
Score conversions are close, but not exact. Your real result on the other test may be half a band higher or lower than what the chart shows. At very low and very high scores, the chart is less exact because fewer people score there.
Use the result as a strong guide, not a promise. If you need an exact IELTS band for your school, check if the school accepts DET scores too. Many schools now do.
Should I Take the DET or IELTS?
The DET and IELTS are different tests. The DET is short (about 1 hour), cheaper, and fully online. Most U.S. universities accept it. IELTS is longer (about 2 hours and 45 minutes), more expensive, and taken in person at a test center. IELTS is accepted in more countries.
To see which schools and countries accept the DET, see our guide: Duolingo English Test Acceptance by Country.
If you are choosing between the two tests, read our full guide: Duolingo English Test vs IELTS 2026: Which Should You Take?
Frequently Asked Questions
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