SAT to ACT Score Converter
Convert SAT scores to ACT equivalent scores and vice versa. Use the College Board concordance table to translate your scores for college applications.
📊 Test Prep📐 SAT-ACT Conversion based on College Board concordance tables
SAT Total Score (400-1600)
OR: ACT Composite (1-36)
Please enter valid values.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SAT to ACT Score Converter | SAT-ACT Conversion based on College Board concordance tables | equivalent score |
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1
SAT 1200
SAT 1200 to ACT equivalent.
- SAT 1200 ≈ ACT 24
- Average US ACT score: ~21
✓ ACT 24
Example 2
SAT 1400
SAT 1400 to ACT equivalent.
- SAT 1400 ≈ ACT 31
- Highly competitive for many selective schools
✓ ACT 31
Example 3
ACT 28
ACT 28 to SAT equivalent.
- ACT 28 ≈ SAT 1300
- 75th percentile for most state universities
✓ SAT 1300
Real-World Applications
Test Takers
Decide which standardized test to submit to colleges.
College Advisors
Help students convert scores for test-optional decisions.
Admissions Counselors
Compare applicant scores across test formats.
Prep Tutors
Set target scores in both formats for students.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️
Treating converted scores as exactly equivalent
The concordance tables show approximate equivalencies. A 1200 SAT and a 24 ACT are not perfectly equivalent - they measure slightly different skills.
⚠️
Submitting both scores when one is stronger
In test-optional environments, only submit scores that help your application. A strong SAT but weak ACT means submit only the SAT.
⚠️
Using old concordance tables
College Board updated the concordance in 2018 after SAT redesign. Use only 2018+ tables for the current SAT format.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I submit test scores? ▾
Submit if your score is at or above the 50th percentile of enrolled students at your target school. Check the Common Data Set (Section C) for 25th-75th percentile test score ranges for each college.
SAT vs ACT: which should I take? ▾
The SAT has a strong math focus; the ACT includes a science section. Most students have a natural preference for one over the other. Take a free practice test of each and compare results. Both are accepted equally by all US colleges.
What is a good SAT score? ▾
Average: 1060. Good (top 25%): 1200+. Very good (top 10%): 1340+. Elite (top 5%): 1470+. Excellent (top 1%): 1560+.
What is a good ACT score? ▾
Average: 21. Good: 24+. Very good (top 10%): 29+. Elite: 33+. Perfect: 36.
What is the test-optional policy? ▾
Many colleges no longer require SAT/ACT for admission. Check each school's current policy. Test-optional means you can choose whether to submit scores - only do so if they strengthen your application.