SAT / ACT Score Calculator
Test
2018 College Board / ACT concordance table is the only official SAT–ACT score conversion.
Class of 2025 mean: 1029 (R&W 521, Math 508).
Class of 2025 national average: 19.4.
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How to use
- 1 Choose your test: SAT (400–1600 total) or ACT (1–36 composite).
- 2 Enter your score. SAT: total of math + evidence-based reading and writing. ACT: composite of English, math, reading, science.
- 3 Click Calculate to see your national percentile and the equivalent score on the other test.
- 4 Compare to college middle 50% SAT/ACT range — your score should be at or above the 25th percentile of admitted students for a realistic chance.
- 5 Take the test multiple times if your first score is below your target — average improvement on retake is 30–60 SAT points or 1–2 ACT points after preparation.
About SAT / ACT Score Calculator
FAQ
Q What is a good SAT score?
It depends on your target schools. National average SAT is ~1050. A "good" score for most state universities is 1200+ (76th percentile). For top-50 universities, aim for 1400+ (93rd). Ivy League middle-50% range is 1480–1580 — you typically want to be at or above the 25th percentile of admitted students at your reach school.
Q What ACT score equals a 1400 SAT?
A 1400 SAT corresponds to roughly an ACT 32 per the 2018 ACT/College Board concordance table. ACT 30 ≈ SAT 1360–1390; ACT 34 ≈ SAT 1500–1530. The 2018 concordance is still the official current version as of 2026 — ACT and College Board have not republished.
Q Should I take the SAT or ACT?
Almost all US colleges accept either equally. Take a free practice test of each and compare your percentile — most students score similarly, but some perform notably better on one. ACT has a science section (mostly data interpretation) and faster pacing; SAT has more reading and a longer essay-style passage analysis. Take whichever you score higher on and prepare for that one.
Q What is the digital SAT?
The College Board switched the SAT to fully digital in 2024 (international) and 2024 (US). The digital SAT is shorter (2h 14m vs. 3h+ paper), uses adaptive sectioning, and is taken on Bluebook on your laptop or iPad. Score range remains 400–1600 and percentiles are designed to be equivalent to the legacy paper SAT.
Q How many times can I take the SAT or ACT?
There's no official limit, but most students take it 1–3 times. The College Board allows 7 SAT registrations per year. ACT allows 12 lifetime sittings. Most students see 30–60 point SAT improvement on a second attempt with preparation; gains beyond a third attempt are usually marginal and may signal a need for different prep strategy or accepting your score.
Q Do colleges still require the SAT/ACT?
About 2,000+ four-year US colleges are test-optional or test-blind for fall 2026 admission. Notable exceptions: MIT, Georgetown, Caltech, all public Florida universities, and several others have reinstated requirements. UC system is test-blind. Check each individual school's policy at FairTest.org or the school's admissions page.
Q How do I prepare for the SAT efficiently?
Free official Khan Academy SAT prep is the highest-ROI starting point — College Board developed it with Khan, so practice mirrors the real test. Take 1 official practice test under timed conditions to find your weak areas, then drill those specifically. Most students need 40–80 hours of focused prep to reach their ceiling.
Q When should I take the SAT or ACT?
Most students take their first attempt in spring of junior year (March–May), giving time for a retake in fall of senior year (September–November) before college applications are due. Earlier (sophomore year) is fine for advanced students. International students sit for limited international SAT dates plus the same ACT calendar.
Official resources
College Board — SAT Suite Annual Report
Official College Board annual SAT score report with national percentiles.
ACT — SAT/ACT Concordance Tables
Official 2018 ACT/SAT score concordance — still current in 2026.
FairTest — Test-Optional Schools List
FairTest authoritative list of US colleges that are test-optional or test-blind.
Khan Academy — Official SAT Prep
Free official SAT prep developed by College Board and Khan Academy.