Roughly how many words you know in the target language.
Total cumulative hours of focused study.
Check the boxes for skills you can perform comfortably.
See your estimated CEFR level and certification equivalents.
CEFR levels are defined by what you can do with the language, not by raw scores. A1 = simple phrases. A2 = basic familiar topics. B1 = travel and routine work. B2 = fluent interaction on most topics. C1 = academic and professional fluency. C2 = mastery near native speaker. Vocabulary size and study hours strongly correlate with CEFR level, though intensity and method matter greatly.
Score from vocab size + study hours + skill checkboxes → CEFR A1-C2
A1: 500 words, can use simple greetings and basic phrases
A2: 1,500 words, can handle routine tasks on familiar topics
B1: 3,000 words, can travel independently and discuss familiar topics
B2: 5,000 words, can interact with native speakers fluently on most topics
C1: 10,000 words, can use language flexibly for academic/professional purposes
C2: 16,000+ words, near-native fluency
200-300 hours of study typically moves you up one CEFR level
Immersion accelerates progress dramatically — daily exposure beats periodic study
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) has become the global standard for describing language proficiency, used by educational institutions, employers, and immigration authorities in over 40 countries. Its six levels — A1 (beginner) through C2 (mastery) — map to specific competencies: A1 speakers can introduce themselves and ask basic questions; B1 speakers can handle most travel situations and describe experiences; C1 speakers can use language flexibly for social, academic, and professional purposes. Research suggests that reaching B2 (upper intermediate) in a language similar to your native tongue typically requires 600-750 hours of study, while C1 demands 1,000-1,200 hours. For languages distant from English — such as Mandarin, Arabic, or Japanese — the Foreign Service Institute estimates 2,200 class hours to reach professional proficiency. Vocabulary size is strongly correlated with level: A1 corresponds to roughly 500-1,000 words, B2 to 4,000-6,000 words, and C2 to 16,000 or more active words. Major language certifications map to CEFR: IELTS 6.0-6.5 approximates B2, TOEFL iBT 72-94 covers B2, and Cambridge C1 Advanced corresponds to CEFR C1. Knowing where you stand helps you set realistic study goals and choose appropriate certification exams.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages was developed by the Council of Europe and is now used worldwide for language teaching, testing, and certification. Universities, employers, and immigration authorities all use CEFR levels to compare proficiency across languages and certification systems. Knowing your CEFR level lets you communicate your ability in a way that any language professional will understand.
Data sourced from trusted institutions
All formulas verified against official standards.