Short Answer
This is a slightly different question from "what's a passing score" — a passing score is set by your target institution, while a "good" score is about where you sit relative to other test takers. On that measure, the global mean overall score is right around 110, so anything meaningfully above that puts you ahead of the average test taker.
Why Averages Matter Less Than They Seem To
Knowing the global average is interesting context, but it isn't the number that decides your application. A 110 might be a strong score for one program and well below the bar for a more competitive one. Your actual target should always come from your specific institution's published minimum, not from the global average.
Rough Score Bands
| Score Range | General Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Below 95 | Below what most 4-year universities require; may suit community colleges or pathway programs |
| 100–115 | Around or above the global average; sufficient for a large share of accepting universities |
| 120–130 | Strong, C1-level proficiency; competitive for most selective programs |
| 135+ | Advanced proficiency; comfortably clears even the strictest published minimums |
Subscores Matter Too
A "good" overall score can still hide a weak subscore. Since Comprehension tends to score highest on average and Production tends to score lowest, a well-rounded profile across all four subscores (Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, Production) is often more valuable than an overall number alone — especially for programs that set their own subscore minimums.
Related Reading
For institution-specific minimums, see our guide on what counts as a passing score, and for a subscore breakdown see our DET subscore meaning guide.