PSAT Score Calculator
Enter your Reading & Writing and Math scores to calculate your PSAT total, percentile, and National Merit Selection Index — and see how close you are to Semifinalist status.
How the PSAT is Scored
Two sections, one total, one Selection Index.
Reading & Writing
2 modules · 54q · 64minTests reading comprehension, vocabulary in context, grammar, and rhetorical analysis — same content areas as the SAT but with a slightly lower score ceiling.
Math
2 modules · 44q · 70minCovers algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, data analysis, and geometry. A calculator is permitted throughout the Math section on the digital PSAT.
PSAT Score Ranges
What different total scores mean in context.
National Merit Cutoff Scores by State
Approximate Semifinalist cutoffs for the digital PSAT. Cutoffs vary each year — these are estimates based on recent trends.
Cutoffs are approximate and change each year. Check the official College Board National Merit announcement (typically September of 11th grade year) for confirmed state cutoffs.
PSAT Percentile Table
2023–2024 norms — percentage of test-takers scoring at or below each score.
PSAT vs SAT — Key Differences
Same format, different stakes and score ceiling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about PSAT scores, percentiles, and National Merit.
How is the PSAT scored?
The PSAT total score is the sum of your two section scores: Reading & Writing (160–760) and Math (160–760). Total scores range from 320 to 1520. This is slightly different from the SAT, which has a maximum of 1600 per section and 800 per section. The PSAT does not have an essay component.
What is the National Merit Selection Index (NMSI)?
The National Merit Selection Index is used to determine eligibility for National Merit Scholarship recognition. On the digital PSAT, it is calculated by dividing your total score by 10 and rounding to the nearest whole number, giving a range of 32–152. A higher NMSI means you are more competitive for National Merit Semifinalist status, which varies by state.
What PSAT score do I need for National Merit?
National Merit cutoff scores (called Selection Index scores) vary significantly by state. Competitive states like California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts typically require scores near the maximum (1490–1520 total). Less competitive states may have cutoffs around 1390–1430. Commended Scholar status — which is national recognition without a state-specific scholarship — typically requires a score around 1010 or above.
What is a good PSAT score?
The national average PSAT score is approximately 920–960. Scoring above 1010 places you in the top 50% nationally and qualifies you for Commended Scholar recognition. A score of 1200 or above puts you in roughly the top 20%, and scores above 1400 are in the National Merit Semifinalist range depending on your state.
How does the PSAT differ from the SAT?
The PSAT and SAT have the same two sections (Reading & Writing and Math) and the same format, but different score ranges. The PSAT scores 160–760 per section and 320–1520 total, while the SAT scores 200–800 per section and 400–1600 total. The PSAT is shorter, taken in 10th or 11th grade, and its primary purpose is National Merit qualification and SAT practice — it does not count toward college admissions.
Should I use my PSAT score to predict my SAT score?
Yes — your PSAT score is a reasonable predictor of your SAT potential, though most students improve with dedicated preparation. A rough rule of thumb: add 50–100 points to your PSAT total to estimate your first SAT sitting without additional prep. With focused study, improvements of 100–200+ points are common between the PSAT and SAT.
When should I take the PSAT?
Most students take the PSAT in 11th grade (junior year), as this is the year that counts for National Merit Scholarship consideration. Some schools also offer it in 10th grade as practice. The PSAT is typically administered in October. Check with your school's guidance office for your specific test date.