

Duolingo to IELTS Score Conversion: English language skills are essential for students planning to study abroad. Many universities require proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or the Duolingo English Test (DET). The Duolingo English Test is becoming increasingly popular because it is convenient, affordable, and can be taken online at any time.
Below, we will explain Duolingo to IELTS score conversion, show an IELTS to DET score conversion chart, compare universities accepting Duolingo vs IELTS, and share some Duolingo preparation tips vs IELTS strategies.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English exam that checks your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It is adaptive, which means the questions adjust based on your answers. The test takes about 45–60 minutes to complete, and results are available in 48 hours.
Unlike IELTS, which can take 2 hours and 45 minutes, DET is shorter and flexible. You can take it from home with a computer, camera, and internet connection.
Many universities and employers are familiar with IELTS scores. Converting your DET score to an IELTS band makes it easier to understand your English level and meet university requirements. This is where the Duolingo to IELTS score conversion becomes useful.
For example:
Using a Duolingo IELTS score conversion chart helps you compare scores easily and decide which universities you can apply to
Most colleges and universities need proof of English language expertise as part of the admissions process to ensure that students can complete the degree program. In reality, over 70 countries, including major nations such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, need people who speak another language to pass English proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or the Duolingo English Test. These examinations determine if the applicants have the necessary skills needed to succeed in academics and university environments where English is the main language of communication.
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Understanding the differences between Duolingo scores and IELTS band scores will help you make a knowledgeable decision. For additional important facts and figures about both exams, refer to the table of highlights of Duolingo IELTS score conversion given below.
| Duolingo IELTS Score Conversion Highlights | ||
| Feature | DET | IELTS |
| Cost | INR 5K | INR 17K |
| Duration | 60 minutes | 2 hours and 45 minutes |
| Result Availability | 48 hours | Up to 13 Days |
| Test Format | Online, adaptive | Paper-based or computer-based, fixed format |
| Acceptance | 5,000 institutions | 12,000 organisations |
| Score Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
Converting Duolingo English Test (DET) results to scores for the IELTS gives a helpful view of a candidate's English skills. Simply stated, the conversion tool will help you understand your DET score using the internationally recognized IELTS scale. Below, we’ve mentioned that Duolingo IELTS score conversion may be used to compare your English skills across many testing platforms.
| Duolingo IELTS score Conversion | |
| Duolingo Score | IELTS Band Equivalent |
| 10-55 | 0-4.0 |
| 60 | 4.0 |
| 65-75 | 4.5 |
| 80-90 | 5.0 |
| 95-100 | 5.5 |
| 105-115 | 6.0 |
| 120-130 | 6.5 |
| 130-135 | 7.0 |
| 140-145 | 7.5 |
| 150-160 | 8.0-9.0 |
Before deciding which test to take, it is important to understand how Duolingo and IELTS differ. Comparing their format, scoring, and acceptance helps students choose the right test for their goals.
| Difference Between Duolingo and IELTS | ||
| Aspect | IELTS | DET (Duolingo English Test) |
| Format | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking; Paper or computer | Adaptive online test; all skills tested simultaneously |
| Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes | 45–60 minutes |
| Scoring | 0–9 per section | 10–160 overall |
| Acceptance | Widely recognized by 11,500+ organizations | Growing popularity, accepted by 5,000+ institutions |
| Cost | Higher, varies by country | More affordable (~INR 5K) |
| Focus | Academic and professional English | Daily English and academic skills |
The Duolingo English exam (DET) is a popular online, on-demand English language proficiency exam because it is convenient, accessible, and reasonably priced. Unlike standard English examinations, the DET may be taken at any time and from any location using a computer equipped with a camera and microphones. Its growing recognition among institutions globally has made it an acceptable choice for students looking to show their English skills without the necessity for live testing. These countries currently have numerous colleges accepting the Duolingo English Test:
The Duolingo English Test is accepted by over 5,000 institutions worldwide. But IELTS is more widely recognized, with more than 12,000 organizations accepting it. Some universities accept both, and they mostly provide their own Duolingo to IELTS score conversion guidelines.
| Duolingo IELTS score | |||
| Name of University | Ranking (QS 2024) | DET Score Requirement | IELTS Score Requirement |
| Harvard University | #4 | 125 | 7.5 |
| Stanford University | #5 | 110 | 7 |
| University of Oxford | #3 | 120 | 7 |
| University of Cambridge | #2 | 120 | 7 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | #1 | 120 | 7 |
| University of California | – | 115 | 6.5 |
| University of Toronto | #21 | 110 | 6.5 |
| University of Sydney | #19 | 110 | 6.5 |
| University of Edinburgh | #22 | 110 | 6.5 |
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally known exam that measures English proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It is widely accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in countries like the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Below, we’ve mentioned the differences between the two types of IELTS tests.
| IELTS Academic and General Training | ||
| Aspect | Academic | General Training |
| Purpose | Students who are applying for higher education or professional authorization. | People go to English-speaking nations for employment or training programs. |
| Reading | Includes 3 long passages | Includes many passages |
| Writing Task 1 | Requires describing visual information. | Requires writing a letter. |
| Writing Task 2 | Includes writing an essay on a topic. | Includes writing an essay. |
Now that you've understood each exam separately, you're probably wondering what the purpose of converting the Duolingo result to IELTS means. Thus, all of your questions will be answered in this area.
