How Duolingo Score is Calculated?

Duolingo English Test is an online examination conducted to test a candidate’s English skills. DET is a computer adaptive technology test. It means that the questions would adapt to the test taker. For example, if a student has answered a question correctly the next question will be more difficult. Similarly, if a student has responded to a question incorrectly the next question will be an easy one. Moreover, the test can be taken by a student anytime, anywhere. Knowing how the Duolingo score is calculated is extremely important. Keep reading to learn more about the Duolingo scores.

How is Duolingo Score Calculated?

Based on the content responses of the candidate, the Duolingo score is calculated by the statistical machine learning algorithms. The time taken by the candidate does not affect the score. Moreover, an incorrect response will not be penalized. However, for listening questions, candidates will be penalized for omitting a word rather than mistyping a word.

Understanding the Duolingo English Test Score

The Duolingo English Test score is measured on a scale of 0-160.  The lowest available score is 10 and the highest possible score a candidate can secure is 160. How Duolingo Score is calculated? The Duolingo score is calculated based on the following factors:

• The reading and listening comprehension skills 
• The conversation skills. That is, the reading and listening skills
• Production skills- That is, the writing composition, and communication skills
• Lastly, the literacy skills in terms of reading and writing fluency 

Do note that some universities choose students based on the subscores they have secured. That is, mainly the scores secured by a student needed for the course/job.

What is a Good Duolingo Score?

A good Duolingo score is 110. An excellent Duolingo score is considered to be 120. Universities are sometimes lenient with IELTS and TOEFL scores but not with Duolingo. Hence, try to score 120 in the DET.

Also Read: Duolingo Exam Fees: Cancellation Fee, Test Fee & Rescheduling Fee

Score Interpretation

The Duolingo examination is calculated on a scale of 160 in 5-point increments. Moreover, the scores are about the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).  The table below shows How the Duolingo Score is Calculated and the score interpretation.

CEFR	SCALE	ABILITIES
A1 /A2	10-55	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
B1	60-85	Can understand the main ideas of both concrete and abstract writing. Can fulfil most communication goals, even on unfamiliar topics Can interact with proficient speakers fairly easily.
B2	90-115	Can understand a variety of demanding written and spoken language Can grasp implicit, figurative, pragmatic, and idiomatic language. Can use language flexibly and effectively for most social, academic, and professional purposes
C1 /C2	120-160	Can understand a variety of demanding written and spoken language Can grasp implicit, figurative, pragmatic, and idiomatic language. Can use language flexibly and effectively for most social, academic, and professional purposes

Duolingo Score Comparision with TOEFL iBT

The Duolingo score comparison with TOEFL iBT is provided below:

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

Duolingo Score Comparision with IELTS

Duolingo Score comparison with IELTS is provided below:

Duolingo English Test	IELTS
10	1.5
15	2
20-25	2.5
30-40	3
45-50	3.5
55-60	4
65-70	4.5
75-80	5
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

Also Read: Duolingo IELTS Conversion and Score Interpretation

Duolingo English Test Score Validity

Just like any other English proficiency test exam (IELTS/TOEFL), the Duolingo test score is valid 

for 2 years.

Also Read: TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo

FAQs

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