SAT Score Calculator
Enter your Reading & Writing and Math scores to instantly calculate your SAT total and see how you rank against all test-takers nationwide.
How the SAT is Scored
Two sections, one total.
Reading & Writing
2 modules · 54q · 64minTests reading comprehension, vocabulary in context, grammar, and rhetorical analysis across informational, literary, and argumentative passages.
Math
2 modules · 44q · 70minCovers algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, data analysis, and geometry. A calculator is permitted for the entire Math section on the digital SAT.
SAT Score Ranges
What different total scores mean in context.
SAT Percentile Table
2024 College Board norms — percentage of test-takers scoring at or below each score.
SAT vs ACT — Key Differences
Both are accepted everywhere. Here's how they compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about SAT scores, percentiles, and the digital SAT.
How is the SAT total score calculated?
The SAT total score is the sum of your two section scores: Reading & Writing (200–800) and Math (200–800). Total scores range from 400 to 1600. There is no penalty for wrong answers — your raw score is the number of correct answers, which is then converted to a scaled score through a process called equating.
What is a good SAT score?
The national average SAT score is approximately 1010. A score of 1200 places you in roughly the top 25% of test-takers and is considered competitive at many colleges. For highly selective schools — Ivy League, MIT, Stanford, Caltech — the middle 50% of admitted students typically score between 1500 and 1580.
What does the SAT percentile mean?
Your SAT percentile tells you what percentage of test-takers scored at or below your score. A 75th percentile score means you performed better than 75% of students who sat the exam. Percentiles are based on the most recent nationally representative sample published by College Board.
What is the digital SAT and how is it different?
The digital SAT launched in the US in March 2024. The key differences from the paper SAT: it is taken on a computer or tablet; it is adaptive (Module 2 difficulty adjusts based on Module 1 performance); it is shorter (2 hours 14 minutes vs 3 hours); and there is no separate essay section. The scoring scale remains 400–1600.
How many times can I take the SAT?
There is no official limit on how many times you can take the SAT. Most students take it 2–3 times. Many colleges practice superscoring — combining your best section scores across test dates — which means retaking the SAT can only help your application if you improve on either section.
What SAT score do I need for merit scholarships?
Merit scholarship thresholds vary by institution. The National Merit Scholarship Program uses PSAT/NMSQT scores, not SAT scores. However, many colleges and universities offer automatic institutional scholarships starting around 1200–1300. Check each school's financial aid or merit aid page for exact cutoffs, as they vary significantly.
What is the difference between the SAT and ACT?
Both are college admissions tests accepted at all US colleges. The SAT has two sections (Reading & Writing + Math) scored 400–1600. The ACT has four sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) scored 1–36 composite. The SAT no longer has a dedicated Science section, while the ACT does. Neither test is universally preferred — most students try both and submit whichever score is stronger.