DET
Scores & university requirements

Duolingo 95 to IELTS: the 5.5 comparison

A Duolingo English Test score of 95 compares with IELTS Academic 5.5 in Duolingo’s published overall-score table. University requirements are set separately, including any subscore minimums.

Overall score comparison

DET 95 compares with IELTS 5.5

DET overall9510–160 scale
Comparable IELTS5.5Overall band

This compares official-test score scales. It does not turn a PrepEx practice estimate into an official result or replace a test the university requests.

Reading the result

What 95 means for your next decision

95 starts the DET range associated with IELTS 5.5. A score of 100 shares that comparison; 105 moves into the IELTS 6.0 range. These are overall comparisons, not admission decisions.

95 reaches ASU’s general-program DET minimum. It does not reach ASU’s Nursing minimum of 100 or the 105 threshold for specified Engineering programs. Michigan State lists 95–105 for provisional admission, separate from its regular 110 requirement.

From score to shortlist

University requirements alongside DET 95

These 9 profiles cover specific undergraduate policies. Reaching a listed overall benchmark does not establish admission eligibility: program rules, subscores, test dates, and the rest of your application still matter.

Published requirements, checked November 7, 2026
UniversityPublished DET requirementOverall comparison with 95
Purdue 115 overall guidance; 110 in each individual subscore 20 points below the listed overall benchmark
Penn State 120 overall 25 points below the listed overall benchmark
Waterloo 120 overall; Literacy and Production 125 25 points below the listed overall benchmark
ASU 95 for general requirement programs At or above the listed overall benchmark
Arizona 110 overall 15 points below the listed overall benchmark
Michigan State 110 for regular admission 15 points below the listed overall benchmark
MIT 120 minimum; 125 recommended 25 points below the listed overall benchmark
Toronto 120 overall and 120 Production 25 points below the listed overall benchmark
UBC Vancouver 125 overall, plus four skill minimums 30 points below the listed overall benchmark

For ASU, the comparison uses its general-program minimum of 95; some programs require up to 120. MIT’s recommended score is 125. Purdue describes 115 as applicant guidance. Open each profile for its full scope and official source.

Filter the directory by overall benchmarks at or below 95 →
Five-point steps

How nearby DET scores compare

Two DET scores can share an IELTS comparison while meeting different university thresholds. Use the institution’s published requirement for the test you will submit.

Published concordance

Full DET to IELTS overall-score table

Overall scores only; individual subscores have separate comparisons.
DET overall scoreComparable IELTS overall band
10–550–4
604.0
65–754.5
80–905.0
95–1005.5
105–1156.0
120–1256.5
130–1357.0
140–1457.5
150–1558.0
1608.5–9

The broad 0–4 and 8.5–9 ranges are preserved as published; they are not single-band predictions. Duolingo’s August 2026 research update confirms that its newer subscore study did not change this overall table.

Explore a score in detail: DET 95 to IELTS · DET 100 to IELTS · DET 105 to IELTS · DET 110 to IELTS · DET 115 to IELTS · DET 120 to IELTS · DET 125 to IELTS · DET 130 to IELTS · DET 135 to IELTS · DET 140 to IELTS.

Make a practical plan

Choose practice around the requirement you need

Decide whether you are applying through a general, higher-requirement, or provisional route before setting a target. Use short Reading and Listening practice alongside reviewed Writing and Speaking attempts to identify which skill needs the most work.

Sources & limits

How to use this comparison

A concordance compares results across groups of test takers. It does not guarantee the IELTS band you would earn, certify proficiency, or override an institution’s policy. Do not use this overall table to convert a Writing, Speaking, Reading, Listening, or Production subscore.

Reviewed by PrepEx on . University policies have separate official sources on their profiles. Confirm the policy for your application before booking or sending a test.

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