These tables map comparable scores across both tests so colleges can evaluate test scores from applicants who took different exams on equal footing. Use the concordance below, then look up score ranges for colleges you care about.
You can convert ACT scores to SAT scores (and vice versa) using the official concordance tables from the College Board and ACT. The concordance maps equivalent percentile ranks so colleges can compare applicants who took different standardized tests. Use the calculator below, then scroll to the full conversion table.
ACT to SAT score calculator
Enter your ACT composite (1–36) or SAT total (400–1600) to see the equivalent score on the other test. Based on the official 2018 concordance.
Convert a score (official 2018 concordance)
Concordance reflects equivalent percentile ranks across test-takers, not a direct conversion. For section-level comparisons (including SAT Math vs ACT Math, or SAT Evidence-Based Reading vs ACT English), section scores concordance is available on the College Board and ACT websites.
ACT vs SAT conversion table
Full official concordance: ACT composite score and equivalent SAT total score range (400–1600).
| ACT composite | SAT total (400–1600) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 8 | 560–580 |
| 7 | 530–550 |
| 6 | 500–520 |
| 5 | 480–490 |
| 4 | 460–470 |
| 3 | 430–450 |
| 2 | 400–420 |
| 1 | 400 |
Should I take the ACT or SAT?
The majority of colleges and universities accept either SAT or ACT scores, so you should find the test that you perform stronger in. Check out our SAT vs ACT guide to understand the differences between the two tests.
The SAT is made up of two main sections: SAT Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. The ACT covers four sections: ACT English, ACT Math, Reading, and Science. The structure, timing, and question style differ meaningfully between the two, which is why the best way to choose is to take a full-length practice test of each under real test conditions and compare your test scores.
Many students prefer one or the other or generally score higher in one to start. Acely offers a free trial and access to both the SAT and ACT, so you can take a practice test for both and see which fits you best. Acely will then create a personalized study plan for either exam based on your baseline score, goal score, and test date, so you can build confidence and improve on your weak areas before test day.
Try Acely for free. For more context on score goals, see our SAT score guide and SAT prep hub.
SAT and ACT score ranges by college
Look up the middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges for colleges you're interested in. These ranges reflect enrolled students' submitted scores and help you see how your scores compare.
School score requirements
Look up recommended SAT and ACT scores for schools you're interested in.
Related resources
FAQs
Admissions offices treat both tests equally. The official concordance tables from the College Board and ACT allow you to find comparable scores between the two exams. An ACT composite of 30, for example, maps to an SAT total of roughly 1360–1380. Use our ACT vs SAT score conversion chart for a full side-by-side comparison of test scores across both exams.
Your ACT composite is the average of your four section scores: ACT English, ACT Math, Reading, and Science. Your SAT total is the sum of your two section scores: SAT Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. When using the official concordance tables, the comparison is made at the composite/total level. For section-level comparisons (such as ACT Math vs SAT Math, or ACT English vs SAT Evidence-Based Reading), see the full section scores concordance on the College Board website.
Most high school students begin their test prep in the spring of their sophomore year to allow time for potential retakes and also minimize stress in junior and senior year. By starting in the sophomore year, students can have more time in junior year to prepare for AP exams and start college applications before the fall of their senior year. Check out our ultimate SAT study guide to create a preparation game plan.
Most high school students begin their test prep in the spring of their sophomore year to allow time for potential retakes and also minimize stress in junior and senior year. By starting in the sophomore year, students can have more time in junior year to prepare for AP exams and start college applications before the fall of their senior year.
A "good" score completely depends on your college list and goals. Read more in our SAT Score guide to find out what the right goal score is for you. Acely will create a personalized study plan for you based on your baseline score, goal score and test date, so you can use that to guide you to test day.
This completely depends on your college list and goals. Find out the score you need to get into your target schools or for a scholarship, and that is the score you should shoot for! For help interpreting ACT scores and benchmarks, see our ACT score guide. Acely will create a personalized study plan for you based on your baseline score, goal score and test date, so you can use that to guide you to test day.