A PSAT 8/9 & PSAT 10 raw-to-scaled score calculator converts your number of correct answers (raw score) into the official scaled score used by the College Board. For the PSAT 8/9 the total score ranges from 240-1440; for the PSAT 10 it ranges from 320-1520. Use the PSAT Score calculator to predict your scaled score quickly and accurately based on raw counts, then apply that insight to plan your study strategy.
1. What Are the PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 and Why Use a Score Calculator
The PSAT 8/9 is designed for students in grades 8 and 9, while the PSAT 10 is typically taken by students in grade 10 (and optionally early grade 11). Both tests are part of the SAT Suite of Assessments and measure similar Reading & Writing and Math skills.
A raw-to-scaled score calculator is useful because each test takes your raw correct answer counts and converts them into section and total scores on the official scale. If you know your raw results from practice tests or official test day, the calculator helps you estimate your scaled score instantly—giving you insight into where you stand and how much more you need to improve.
2. How the Scoring Works: Raw Score → Section Score → Total Score
2.1 Section Scores
For both PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10, each section (Reading & Writing and Math) has its own raw score (number of correct answers) that gets converted into a section score:
- For PSAT 8/9: section scores range 120-720.
- For PSAT 10: section scores range 160-760.
2.2 Total Score
The total scaled score is the sum of the two section scores. The ranges are:
- PSAT 8/9: 240-1440
- PSAT 10: 320-1520
2.3 What the Conversion Means
If you correctly answer a certain number of questions (your raw score), the test uses a conversion table (provided by the College Board) to map that raw number to a section score and then sums those to give the total. A raw-to-scaled calculator simply automates that conversion based on historical conversion tables.
3. Raw-to-Scaled Conversion Formulas & Table
Since exact conversion tables are proprietary, this simplified formula helps you approximate your scaled score:
Formula (approximate):
Estimated Total Scaled Score = (Raw Reading & Writing Section → convert) + (Raw Math Section → convert)
For practical use, you’ll input your raw counts into a calculator built on the underlying conversion data.
Quick Reference Table (Approximate)
| Raw Correct Answers | Estimated Section Score (PSAT 10) | Estimated Total Score Range* |
|---|---|---|
| ~48 in R&W, ~42 in Math | ~550 R&W + ~500 M | ~1050 |
| ~60 in R&W, ~55 in Math | ~610 R&W + ~560 M | ~1170 |
| ~70 in R&W, ~65 in Math | ~670 R&W + ~620 M | ~1290 |
*These are approximate and vary by test form.
Use the PSAT 8/9 & PSAT 10 Raw-to-Scaled Score Calculator to get more accurate predictions.
Why Use a Calculator
Manual conversion requires reading tables and adding section scores. The calculator simplifies this into one step—enter raw counts and get a scaled score. It’s especially helpful for students tracking progress over multiple practice tests.
4. How the Calculator Works (Step-by-Step)
- Enter your raw number of correct answers for Reading & Writing (for PSAT 8/9) or Reading (for PSAT 10) and Math (for both tests).
- The calculator applies internal conversion logic (based on official score tables) to compute each section score.
- It sums the section scores to produce the total scaled score.
- The tool may also show percentile equivalents and insights like whether you are on track for National Merit or college prep.
- You can then compare your estimated score with typical benchmarks to determine next steps in your study plan.
Because the tool is optimized for both PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10, it allows you to choose the correct test format before entering raw scores.
5. Tips for Students to Maximize Their PSAT Scores
- Take multiple practice tests under timed conditions. The more familiar you are with question format and timing, the more accurate your raw counts will be.
- Track your raw score gains using the calculator. Keep a log of improved raw correct answers over time and correlate that to scaled scores.
- Focus on weaker sections. If one section lags, retest raw conversions until you see a section-score target—use the calculator to set those section goals.
- Use your estimated scaled score to set realistic benchmarks. For example, if you estimate a 1050 now, set short-term goals like 1100 then 1200.
- Review official scoring guides. Understanding that PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 share a common scale means growth across tests is measurable.
- Plan for college readiness, not just the test. A strong PSAT score is an indicator of preparedness for college-level work and also helps in scholarship/college tracking.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why can’t I convert raw PSAT 8/9 scores directly into an SAT score?
Although the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10 and SAT share a common reporting scale, the difficulty and grade-level content differ, so direct conversions are only approximate.
Q2: What score is considered good on PSAT 10?
Scores above ~1100 are often considered strong, and scores 1200+ are highly competitive for honors programs.
Q3: Does the PSAT Score Calculator guarantee the official score?
No, it provides an estimate based on raw inputs and historical conversion logic. The official score may vary slightly.
Q4: When do I get my official PSAT score?
Official scores are released several weeks after test administration via your school or the Student Score Reports portal.
Q5: Does the PSAT 8/9 count for National Merit®?
No. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses the PSAT/NMSQT (taken in grade 11) for qualification.
7. Credible Resources & References
- SAT Suite of Assessments: PSAT 8/9 & PSAT 10 Understanding Scores – College Board https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-10/scores/k12-educators SAT Suite
- PSAT to SAT Score Conversion Chart – CollegeVine https://blog.collegevine.com/psat-to-sat-score-conversion-predict-your-score CollegeVine
- How is the PSAT Scored? – TestBright https://gettestbright.com/how-is-the-psat-scored/ TestBright
