SAT / ACT Score Converter
Convert between SAT and ACT scores instantly using official College Board concordance tables.
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SAT scores range from 400 to 1600 in 10-point increments.
SAT vs. ACT: What's the Difference?
The SAT and ACT are the two major standardized tests used in US college admissions, and all four-year colleges accept both equally. Despite measuring similar academic skills, the tests differ significantly in format. The SAT is scored on a 1600-point scale with two sections — Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing — and gives students more time per question. The ACT is scored on a 1–36 composite scale with four sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — and moves at a faster pace with less time per question.
The science section is the most notable structural difference. The ACT Science section does not test scientific knowledge — it tests data interpretation, graph reading, and experimental reasoning using science as the context. Students who are strong at reading charts and tables often perform well on it even without deep science knowledge.
How SAT to ACT Concordance Tables Work
The College Board and ACT publish official concordance tables based on large groups of students who took both tests within a short time window. By comparing how those students scored on each test, researchers can identify which SAT scores correspond to which ACT scores statistically. A student who earns a 1200 on the SAT tends to score around a 25 on the ACT — not because the tests are identical, but because students with similar academic preparation tend to land in similar percentile ranges on both.
These tables are an approximation, not a guarantee. A given student might score higher on one test than the concordance would predict, simply because the format suits their strengths. That is why most test prep advisors recommend taking a full-length practice version of both tests before committing to one.
Old SAT vs. New SAT: Understanding the 2016 Redesign
The College Board redesigned the SAT in March 2016, fundamentally changing the test structure and scoring. The old SAT had three 800-point sections — Critical Reading, Math, and Writing — for a maximum total of 2400. The new SAT eliminated the separate Writing section (making essay optional), restructured the Reading and Writing sections into a single Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score, and raised the total to 1600.
If you took the SAT before 2016, your score needs to be converted before comparing it to current applicants or current admission requirements. A 1900 on the old SAT converts to approximately a 1360 on the new scale — not because you performed worse, but because the scoring structure changed. The College Board's official concordance accounts for the different weights each section carries on each version of the test.
Which Test Should You Submit?
Since colleges treat both tests identically, the strategic answer is simple: submit whichever score is higher after conversion. If your SAT score converts to a stronger ACT equivalent, submit the SAT — and vice versa. If you have scores from both tests, use this converter to find which one represents your strongest performance on a common scale, then submit that one.
If you haven't taken either test yet, take a practice version of each under timed conditions. Many students find that their practice scores diverge by a meaningful amount — a student who scores an 1150 in SAT practice might hit a 27 in ACT practice, which converts closer to a 1250. That gap is worth knowing before you commit to months of prep on one test.
What Percentile Do You Need to Get In?
Admission requirements vary widely. Community colleges and open-enrollment universities accept students regardless of test scores. Most regional four-year universities look for scores in the 40th to 60th percentile range — roughly SAT 1000–1100 or ACT 20–23. Competitive state flagships typically want scores in the 70th to 85th percentile. Highly selective schools (think top 25 national universities) generally enroll students in the 90th percentile and above on both tests. Use the percentile shown above to understand where your score stands nationally, then compare it to the 25th–75th percentile ranges published on each college's Common Data Set.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the SAT to ACT conversion?
The conversion is based on official College Board and ACT concordance tables derived from students who took both tests. These represent a statistical equivalence rather than a perfect match — individual results may vary by a point or two. Use it as a reliable estimate, not a guaranteed equivalent.
Which is easier — the SAT or the ACT?
Neither test is objectively easier. The SAT emphasizes evidence-based reading and math reasoning with more time per question. The ACT includes a science section and moves faster. Most students score similarly on both — taking a practice test for each is the best way to find which fits your strengths.
When did the SAT change from 2400 to 1600?
The College Board redesigned the SAT in March 2016, changing from a 2400-point scale (three 800-point sections) to a 1600-point scale (Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing). The Writing section became optional. Scores from before 2016 need to be converted when comparing to current applicants.
Do colleges prefer SAT or ACT scores?
All four-year colleges in the United States accept both the SAT and ACT equally. Admissions officers use concordance tables to compare scores. You are not at an advantage or disadvantage for submitting one over the other — submit whichever converted score is higher.
What is a good SAT score?
A score of 1200 places you in roughly the top 26% of test-takers and meets the minimum threshold for most four-year universities. A score of 1400+ places you in the top 7%, making you competitive for selective schools. The national average SAT score is approximately 1010–1060.
What is a good ACT score?
The national average ACT composite is approximately 20. A score of 24 places you above the 72nd percentile and is competitive for most universities. A score of 30 or above puts you in the top 6% of test-takers and is competitive for selective and highly selective schools.