Want to see how your scores on the SAT compare to ACT? The College Board provides concordance tables so students and educators can see how SAT total scores compare to composite ACT scores. You can also use the SAT score conversion chart below if you’ve completed both tests and want to determine which score is better to submit to colleges. These tables can help you gain some insight as you compare your scores to the average student who is admitted to each school on your balanced college list.
Composite Score vs. Total Score
So, what is a composite score and what is a total score? Both the SAT and ACT are comprised of different sections. Students who take the ACT are scored in four sections: English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science. The average of these scores is calculated for the composite score. The SAT is calculated as a total score. The Math section has a maximum score of 800. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) has a maximum score of 800. These two scores are added together for the total.
The College Board concordance tables are also broken down by section scores, comparing SAT Math to ACT Math and SAT ERW to ACT English+Reading.
SAT Score to ACT Score Chart
It’s important to keep in mind that this table cannot accurately predict how you would perform on the other test because — while they feature similar content and test similar skills — they are not identical. Additionally, various factors can affect your score on test day. Regardless of their limitations, concordance tables are a useful tool for reviewing your standardized test performance.
SAT Total Score | ACT Composite Score |
| 1570-1600 | 36 |
| 1530-1560 | 35 |
| 1490-1520 | 34 |
| 1450-1480 | 33 |
| 1420-1440 | 32 |
| 1390-1410 | 31 |
| 1360-1380 | 30 |
| 1330-1350 | 29 |
| 1300-1320 | 28 |
| 1260-1290 | 27 |
| 1230-1250 | 26 |
| 1200-1220 | 25 |
| 1160-1190 | 24 |
| 1130-1150 | 23 |
| 1100-1120 | 22 |
| 1060-1090 | 21 |
| 1030-1050 | 20 |
| 990-1020 | 19 |
| 960-980 | 18 |
| 920-950 | 17 |
| 880-910 | 16 |
| 830-870 | 15 |
| 780-820 | 14 |
| 730-770 | 13 |
| 690-720 | 12 |
| 650-680 | 11 |
| 620-640 | 10 |
| 590-610 | 9 |
How Are Concordance Tables Used in College Admissions?
Colleges and universities can use concordance tables for various purposes. For college admissions, these tables can be used to compare standardized test performance between students who took the SAT and those who took the ACT. Since both testing organizations sanction the concordance tables, they are a fair and consistent method for evaluating test performance. However, it’s important to remember that test scores are just one of many factors admissions committees will review — while strong scores will help, the rest of your application needs to be competitive as well.
Still confused about how your score stacks up in the college admissions process? IvyWise tutors are available to help you evaluate your scores, identify areas that need improvement, and more.
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