ACT/SAT Conversion Chart & Calculator
Accurately convert your ACT scores to SAT scores and vice versa with our comprehensive tool and guide.
Score Conversion Calculator
Equivalent ACT Score:
0Equivalent SAT Score:
0What is the ACT?
The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It measures high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The test covers four main academic skill areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional Writing section.
The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 for each section, and a composite score (the average of the four sections) is also provided, ranging from 1 to 36. Many colleges use ACT scores as one factor in their admission decisions and for scholarship awards.
What is the SAT?
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is another widely used standardized test for college admissions in the United States. Administered by the College Board, the SAT assesses a student's readiness for college through sections on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math.
The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, with 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and 200 to 800 for Math. Like the ACT, SAT scores are a significant component of the college application process, helping admissions committees evaluate a student's academic abilities.
How Do ACT and SAT Scores Work for College Admissions?
Both the ACT and SAT serve as crucial components of a holistic college application review. They provide colleges with a standardized measure to compare applicants from diverse educational backgrounds. While high school grades and coursework reflect performance within a specific curriculum, standardized tests offer a common benchmark.
Colleges typically consider your highest composite or total score, and some may "superscore" by taking your best section scores from multiple test dates. It's important to research the specific requirements and preferences of the colleges you are applying to, as some may prefer one test over the other, or be test-optional.
The conversion chart and calculator on this page are valuable tools for understanding how your score on one test might translate to the other, which can be helpful if you've taken both tests or if a college only accepts one type of score.
Official ACT to SAT Conversion Chart (2018 Data)
The following table provides the official concordance between ACT composite scores and their equivalent SAT total scores (out of 1600), based on 2018 data from ACT, Inc. and College Board.
| ACT Score | Equivalent SAT Score Range |
|---|---|
| 36 | 1570–1600 |
| 35 | 1530–1560 |
| 34 | 1490–1520 |
| 33 | 1450–1480 |
| 32 | 1420–1440 |
| 31 | 1390–1410 |
| 30 | 1360–1380 |
| 29 | 1330–1350 |
| 28 | 1300–1320 |
| 27 | 1260–1290 |
| 26 | 1230–1250 |
| 25 | 1200–1220 |
| 24 | 1160–1190 |
| 23 | 1130–1150 |
| 22 | 1100–1120 |
| 21 | 1060–1090 |
| 20 | 1030–1050 |
| 19 | 990–1020 |
| 18 | 960–980 |
| 17 | 920–950 |
| 16 | 880–910 |
| 15 | 830–870 |
| 14 | 780–820 |
| 13 | 730–770 |
| 12 | 690–720 |
| 11 | 650–680 |
| 10 | 620–640 |
| 9 | 590–610 |
Note: SAT ranges are inclusive. These tables are based on official concordance studies and are subject to updates. Always refer to the latest official resources for the most current information.
Visualizing the Conversion: ACT vs. SAT
Understanding the relationship between ACT and SAT scores can be made clearer with a visual representation. Below is a simplified graph illustrating the general trend of how ACT scores correspond to SAT scores. This helps to quickly grasp the equivalence at various performance levels.
This graph visually represents the general upward trend: as ACT scores increase, so do the equivalent SAT scores. It's a quick way to see how scores on one test generally align with the other. For precise conversions, always use the table or the calculator.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Colleges accept both tests to provide flexibility for applicants and to ensure they can evaluate a broad pool of students. Both tests are designed to assess college readiness, albeit with slightly different focuses and structures.
Neither test is inherently "easier." Students often perform better on one over the other due to their individual strengths, learning styles, and familiarity with the test format. The ACT includes a science section and more direct questions, while the SAT emphasizes critical reading and problem-solving.
Many students choose to take both tests to see which one they score higher on, or to satisfy specific college requirements. Taking both can also provide more opportunities to achieve a strong score. However, it's not necessary for all students; focusing on excelling in one test is often sufficient.
The conversion tables are developed through official concordance studies by ACT, Inc. and College Board. They represent the statistical equivalence of scores between the two tests. While highly accurate, they are not perfect one-to-one conversions and should be used as a guide.
A "good" score is relative to the colleges you are applying to. Highly selective universities often look for scores in the top percentiles (e.g., ACT 30+, SAT 1400+), while other institutions may have lower average admitted scores. Researching the average scores of admitted students at your target colleges is the best way to determine what score you should aim for.