SAT Score Calculator

Understanding Your SAT Score

The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. Taking the SAT can feel daunting, but understanding how the scoring system works is the first step toward achieving your target score. The total SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600, calculated by combining your scores from two main sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW). Each of these sections is scored on a scale of 200 to 800. Let's break down exactly how these scores are calculated and what they mean for your college applications.

The Two Main Sections

The SAT is divided into two primary areas, each contributing equally to your final total score:

• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW): This section combines your performance on the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test. It assesses your ability to comprehend complex texts, analyze information, and recognize correct grammar and usage in context. The score for this section ranges from 200 to 800.
• Math: The Math section evaluates your proficiency in algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and advanced mathematical concepts. It consists of two parts: one where calculator use is permitted and one where it is not. Like the EBRW section, the Math score ranges from 200 to 800.

How Raw Scores Become Scaled Scores

When you take the SAT, your test is first scored based on the number of questions you answer correctly. This is known as your raw score. Importantly, there is no penalty for guessing on the SAT. You do not lose points for incorrect answers or questions left blank, which means it is always in your best interest to provide an answer for every question, even if you have to guess.

Once your raw scores for the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math tests are determined, the College Board uses a process called equating to convert these raw scores into scaled scores. Equating ensures that the difficulty of the specific test form you took does not unfairly affect your final score. For example, if you happen to take an SAT that is slightly more difficult than average, the equating process will adjust the scale so that your final score is comparable to someone who took an easier version of the test. This means a score of 600 on one test date indicates the same level of ability as a score of 600 on any other test date.

Calculating Your Section Scores

The process of converting raw scores to the final 200-800 scale involves a few steps:

1. Math Section: Your raw score for the Math section is calculated by adding the number of correct answers from both the calculator and no-calculator portions. This total raw score (out of 58 possible points) is then converted directly to a scaled score between 200 and 800 using the specific equating table for that test date.
2. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section: Calculating the EBRW score is slightly more complex. First, your raw scores for the Reading Test (out of 52) and the Writing and Language Test (out of 44) are individually converted to "Test Scores" ranging from 10 to 40. Next, these two Test Scores are added together. Finally, this sum is multiplied by 10 to produce your final EBRW scaled score, which ranges from 200 to 800.

Total SAT Score

Your total SAT score is simply the sum of your Math scaled score and your EBRW scaled score. Because both sections are scored between 200 and 800, the lowest possible total score is 400 (200 + 200), and the highest possible perfect score is 1600 (800 + 800). Our calculator simplifies this process by allowing you to input your estimated or actual scaled section scores to instantly see your total result, ensuring you meet the requirement that both section scores are multiples of 10.

What is a "Good" SAT Score?

The definition of a "good" SAT score is highly subjective and depends entirely on the colleges and universities to which you are applying. According to recent College Board data, the national average SAT score is typically around 1050 to 1060. Therefore, a score above 1060 is considered above average.

However, highly selective institutions often expect much higher scores. Ivy League universities and other top-tier colleges frequently report median SAT scores in the 1450 to 1550 range. On the other hand, many excellent public universities and liberal arts colleges have median scores between 1100 and 1300. It is crucial to research the middle 50% SAT score ranges for the specific schools on your college list to set a realistic and competitive target score for yourself.

The Role of Super Scoring

Many colleges and universities employ a policy known as superscoring. If you take the SAT multiple times, a college that superscores will consider your highest Math score and your highest EBRW score across all your test dates, combining them to create a new, higher "superscored" total. This policy significantly benefits students who take the test more than once, as it allows them to focus on improving specific sections on subsequent attempts without worrying about a drop in their other section score.

If you plan to utilize superscoring, you can use our SAT Score Calculator to input your best Math score from one test date and your best EBRW score from another to see your theoretical superscore. Always verify the individual score reporting policies of the colleges you are applying to, as not all institutions superscore.

Improving Your SAT Score

If your calculated score falls short of your target, there are numerous strategies and resources available to help you improve. Because the SAT is a standardized test, familiarizing yourself with its format, pacing, and question types is often as important as mastering the underlying content. Utilizing official College Board practice tests, taking advantage of free resources like Khan Academy's personalized practice tools, and consistently reviewing the questions you missed are proven methods for score improvement. Remember that consistent, targeted practice is the most effective way to raise your SAT score.