You can convert ACT scores to SAT scores (and vice versa) using the official concordance from the College Board and ACT. The table maps equivalent percentile ranks so colleges can compare applicants who took different 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 concordance, see 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.
Once you understand how the tests work and which scores you may need for your goal college, you should take a practice exam of each to see which one you may be stronger in. 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 both tests for free and see which one. Then, Acely will create a personalized study plan for either the ACT or SAT 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. You can use a concordance table to see how your ACT scores align with the SAT score range. See the concordance table above on this page for a full score-by-score comparison.
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.
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! 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.