ACT & SAT Score Conversion Chart

Say you got a 25 on the ACT—ever wonder how that would translate to an SAT score? Despite their many similarities, when you take the ACT or SAT, you’ll find out that they are still two very different tests. One of their primary differences centers around how it’s scored. So while there is a grand total of 36 possible composite points for the ACT test score, the  SAT score is a total of 1600. So how does your hypothetical 25 fit on that score conversion scale?

The SAT and ACT Scores for Colleges Conversion Chart

Luckily, the College Board and the ACT have provided test-takers a nifty conversion chart to estimate what you might have scored on the other test. Keep in mind, since the scoring criteria are so different, these are estimates, not direct comparisons.

ACT	SAT	SAT Range
36	1590	1570--1600
35	1540	1530--1560
34	1500	1490--1520
33	1460	1450--1480
32	1430	1420--1440
31	1400	1390--1410
30	1370	1360--1380
29	1340	1330--1350
28	1310	1300--1320
27	1280	1260--1290
26	1240	1230--1250
25	1210	1200--1220
24	1180	1160--1190
23	1140	1130--1150
22	1110	1100--1120
21	1080	1060--1090
20	1040	1030--1050
19	1010	990--1020
18	970	960--980
17	930	920--950
16	890	880--910
15	850	830--870
14	800	780--820
13	760	730--770
12	710	690--720
11	670	650--680
10	630	620--640
9	590	590--610

Why Comparisons Matter

So why bother looking up a comparison? Well, there are multiple reasons. First off, you may just be curious. Maybe the ACT is far more common in your area, but you’re wondering what your SAT score might have been like.

Second, and perhaps more useful, is that you can use it as a tool to anticipate how you might score if you plan on taking the other test. More and more often students are taking both the ACT and SAT, so finding your equivalent score on the other test can be a goal or guiding point for the other exam.

Next, say you do take both tests and want to submit the best one to your prospective colleges. Which one is higher? These conversion charts can be a big help in determining which scores to submit.

Additionally, discovering which score is higher can help you determine which test to re-take to earn an even higher score. Students tend to find either the ACT or the SAT a better fit for them, one “clicks” more with their way of thinking. For example, students who are adept readers might find the SAT to be a better fit for them, while mathematically-driven students might favor the ACT.

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