Is 105 a Good Score On the Duolingo English Test (DET)?

You got a 105 for Duolingo English Test (DET), but now what?

Is 105 a good score on the Duolingo English Test (DET), or is it bad?

Can you actually use it to get into your dream school?

No worries; LUME will explain what a 105 really means and, based on your goals, suggest what you should do to improve in the future!

Want to ACE the Duolingo English Test And Reach Your Goals? Get Your FREE Lume Account Today to Unlock… ✅ 10,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS with detailed answers ✅ FREE MOCK TESTS with fast & accurate AI scoring ✅ Get BETTER SCORES with a PERSONALIZED study plan GET YOUR FREE ACCOUNT NOW (Limited seats available!)

Key Takeaways

• A 105 on the Duolingo English Test (DET) is a solid passing score and is widely accepted for university admissions, especially for non-language-heavy programs.
• To aim higher (120+), you’ll need to build advanced skills and focus on your weakest subscore.
• Platforms like LUME are great tools to help you track progress and prepare with confidence. 

Related:

• FREE Duolingo English practice tests
• Duolingo English test preparation
• Can I drink water during the Duolingo test?

Is 105 a Good Score on the Duolingo English Test? 

Yes, scoring 105 on the Duolingo English Test is quite good.

In fact, any score between 90 and 115 is generally considered passing.

This score range should meet the English language requirements for a lot of universities, especially if you’re applying to undergraduate programs or courses that aren’t very language-intensive.

A 105, in particular, shows that you’ve got solid skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

It also means you’re capable of handling academic work in an English-speaking environment without too much trouble.

That said, if you’re aiming for a more competitive position (e.g., a top-tier university or a scholarship), you might want to aim for a higher score.

Once you cross the 120 mark, your score starts to signal advanced English proficiency.

On the contrary, if your score is below 90, it’s a sign that you need a bit more preparation.

Some schools still consider 90 or less for admission, but they might require you to take an English prep course first or provide additional proof of your language abilities. 

Below is a detailed interpretation of Duolingo scores:

Duolingo Score	Description
10 to 55	Demonstrate a basic understanding of English vocabulary and simple phrases Can manage familiar, everyday interactions and grasp straightforward messages.
60 to 85	Can follow the main ideas in conversations or texts related to common topics like school or work Able to express thoughts, goals, and experiences with some pauses.
90 to 115	Comfortably communicate on both familiar and new topics Capable of understanding essential points in both literal and more abstract content Engage easily with fluent speakers.
120 to 160	Show strong comprehension of complex written and spoken language, including in specialized or professional contexts Understand implied meanings, figurative expressions Use English fluidly and effectively in various settings.

How Is The Duolingo English Test Scored?

After the test, you’ll get one overall score (from 0 to 160) and several subscores that break down your skills more specifically.

The subscores come in two types.

First, there are the standard subscores, which look at the four main language skills: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.

Then, there are the integrated subscores that are based on how these skills work together.

Because, in real life, we don’t use English one skill at a time.

For example, when you’re having a conversation, you’re listening and speaking at the same time.

Here’s how the integrated subscores are calculated:

• Comprehension = Reading + Listening
• Production = Writing + Speaking
• Literacy = Reading + Writing
• Conversation = Speaking + Listening

In short, your score report will clearly show how you actually use language in normal conversations, including your total score, individual skills, and combined ones. 

Duolingo and IELTS Score Conversion 2025

Duolingo Score	IELTS Academic Score
10 to 60	0 to 4
65 to 75	4.5
80 to 90	5
95 to 100	5.5
105 to 115	6
120 to 125	6.5
130 to 135	7
140 to 145	7.5
150 to 155	8
160	8.5 to 9

How to Improve Your Score

Figure out How Much You Need to Improve

Different universities and programs have different score requirements, so check what score your target schools expect.

Next, take a full-length Duolingo English Test (DET) practice test to find out your current level.

This step helps set a clear, realistic goal so you don’t waste time on guesswork.

Look closely at your overall score and the subscores (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking), as well as integrated scores like Literacy, Conversation, Comprehension, and Production.

For example, if your Comprehension score is low, you should work on combining reading and listening skills more effectively.

Learn from Your Past Mistakes

The smartest thing you can do is learn from your own mistakes.

If you have already taken the test before, go back to your score report.

Which subscores were the lowest?

If your Speaking score was low, maybe your fluency, vocabulary, or pronunciation needs work.

Or, if your writing was weak, perhaps grammar or coherence were the issues.

Even if you haven’t taken the official test yet, practice tests can reveal a lot.

After every test, take the time to really analyze your results.

Did you run out of time while writing?

Did you blank out on a speaking prompt?

Were there certain question types (like listen and select or write about the photo) that kept tripping you up?

Make a list of the common issues you faced and build your study plan around them.

It’s also helpful to keep a “mistake” journal. 

Every time you make a mistake or feel unsure about an answer, write it down, explain why it was wrong, and review it later.

This process helps you avoid making the same mistakes over and over again.

Practice Every Day

Language learning is about consistency.

You don’t need to spend five hours a day studying, but you do need to show up every day, even if it’s just for 30 to 60 minutes.

The more often you interact with English, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become in all four skill areas.

Read short news articles or blog posts in English, then try summarizing them out loud or in writing.

Watch English shows, TED Talks, or YouTube videos with subtitles, and then repeat sentences out loud to mimic native pronunciation and intonation.

Take Regular Mock Tests on LUME

LUME is one of the most useful platforms for full-length mock tests.

It has a huge question bank and even uses AI scoring to give you detailed feedback, just like the real exam!

That means you won’t simply receive a score but also see your performance in each skill, your strengths, and areas for improvement.

Plus, you get used to the question types, the pacing, and the pressure of working with a timer.

As a result, you study more efficiently, stay motivated throughout, and know when you’re truly ready to take the official test.

Conclusion

Is 105 a good score on the Duolingo English Test?

The answer is yes.

It tells schools that you’re ready to study in English, handle lectures, write papers, and interact confidently.

Ready to start climbing?

Start with a practice test on LUME today and see where you stand!

Want to ACE the Duolingo English Test And Reach Your Goals? Get Your FREE Lume Account Today to Unlock… ✅ 10,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS with detailed answers ✅ FREE MOCK TESTS with fast & accurate AI scoring ✅ Get BETTER SCORES with a PERSONALIZED study plan GET YOUR FREE ACCOUNT NOW (Limited seats available!)