SAT Score Calculator
Calculate your total SAT score from individual section scores
Understanding the SAT Score Calculator
The SAT Score Calculator is an essential tool for students preparing for the SAT exam. This calculator helps you convert your raw section scores into the scaled scores that colleges use for admissions decisions. Understanding how your individual test scores combine to create your final SAT score is crucial for setting realistic goals and tracking your progress.
How the SAT Scoring System Works
The SAT uses a specific scoring methodology that converts raw scores from four test sections into two main section scores, which then combine to create your total SAT score. Here's how the system breaks down:
The Four Test Sections
- Reading Test: Scored on a scale of 10-40 points
- Writing and Language Test: Scored on a scale of 10-40 points
- Math Test – No Calculator: Scored on a scale of 0-20 points
- Math Test – Calculator: Scored on a scale of 0-38 points
Converting to Section Scores
Your four test scores are converted into two section scores:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW): This combines your Reading and Writing test scores, multiplied by 10, ranging from 200-800
- Math: This combines your No Calculator and Calculator test scores, converted to a scale of 200-800
SAT Score Calculation Formula
The calculation process follows these specific steps:
Step 1: Calculate EBRW Section Score
EBRW Section Score = (Reading Test Score + Writing and Language Test Score) × 10
Example: If you scored 35 on Reading and 34 on Writing, your EBRW would be (35 + 34) × 10 = 690
Step 2: Calculate Math Section Score
The Math section score requires converting your combined raw score using the official SAT conversion table. The raw score is simply the sum of your No Calculator and Calculator scores.
Example: If you scored 18 on Math No Calculator and 35 on Math Calculator, your raw math score is 53, which typically converts to approximately 730-760 on the scaled score.
Step 3: Calculate Total SAT Score
Total SAT Score = EBRW Section Score + Math Section Score
Example: 690 (EBRW) + 750 (Math) = 1440 Total SAT Score
SAT Score Ranges
- Total Score: 400-1600
- Each Section Score: 200-800
- Reading Test: 10-40
- Writing and Language Test: 10-40
- Math No Calculator: 0-20
- Math Calculator: 0-38
Understanding Your SAT Scores
What is a Good SAT Score?
A "good" SAT score depends on your college goals, but here are general benchmarks:
- 1200-1400: Competitive for most state universities and many private colleges
- 1400-1500: Competitive for selective universities
- 1500-1600: Competitive for highly selective and Ivy League institutions
- 1050-1100: Around the national average
Percentile Rankings
Your percentile rank shows how you performed compared to other test-takers:
- 50th percentile: Approximately 1050-1060
- 75th percentile: Approximately 1200-1210
- 90th percentile: Approximately 1340-1350
- 95th percentile: Approximately 1430-1440
- 99th percentile: Approximately 1480-1490
How to Use the SAT Score Calculator
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to accurately calculate your SAT score:
- Gather Your Test Scores: You'll need your scores from all four test sections. These are typically provided on practice test answer sheets or official score reports.
- Enter Reading Score: Input your Reading test score (between 10-40) in the first field.
- Enter Writing Score: Input your Writing and Language test score (between 10-40) in the second field.
- Enter Math No Calculator Score: Input your Math test score for the no-calculator section (between 0-20).
- Enter Math Calculator Score: Input your Math test score for the calculator section (between 0-38).
- Calculate: Click the "Calculate My SAT Score" button to see your total score and section breakdowns.
Math Score Conversion Tables
The Math section uses a conversion table to translate raw scores (0-58) into scaled scores (200-800). Here's a simplified breakdown:
Sample Math Raw to Scaled Score Conversions
- Raw Score 58 (Perfect): 800
- Raw Score 54-57: 770-790
- Raw Score 50-53: 730-760
- Raw Score 45-49: 680-720
- Raw Score 40-44: 640-670
- Raw Score 35-39: 600-630
- Raw Score 30-34: 560-590
- Raw Score 25-29: 520-550
- Raw Score 20-24: 480-510
- Raw Score 15-19: 440-470
Improving Your SAT Score
Focus on Your Weakest Areas
Use the calculator to identify which sections need the most improvement. If your Math score is significantly lower than your EBRW score, concentrate your study efforts on math concepts and practice problems.
Set Realistic Goals
Improving by 100-200 points is realistic with dedicated study. Use the calculator to set target scores for each section and track your progress through practice tests.
Understand Score Increments
Each correct answer doesn't translate equally to scaled points. Near the top of the scale, each additional correct answer might add only 10 points, while in the middle ranges, it might add 20-30 points.
SAT Superscoring
Many colleges practice "superscoring," where they take your highest section scores across multiple test dates. For example:
- Test Date 1: EBRW 650, Math 720 (Total: 1370)
- Test Date 2: EBRW 680, Math 700 (Total: 1380)
- Superscore: EBRW 680, Math 720 (Total: 1400)
Use the calculator to track individual section scores across multiple practice tests to see your potential superscore.
Common SAT Scoring Questions
Why Are There Different Score Scales?
The SAT uses test scores (10-40 and 0-20/0-38), section scores (200-800), and total scores (400-1600) to provide detailed feedback. Test scores show performance on individual tests, while section scores allow for easy comparison across the two main areas tested.
How is the SAT Curved?
The SAT uses equating, not curving. Each test form is equated to ensure fairness across different test dates. The conversion from raw to scaled scores accounts for slight differences in difficulty between test forms.
Can I Score Below 400?
No, the minimum SAT score is 400 (200 per section). Even if you answer no questions correctly, you'll receive the minimum score.
Practical Example Calculations
Example 1: Above-Average Student
Sarah takes a practice SAT and receives these scores:
- Reading: 32
- Writing: 31
- Math No Calculator: 16
- Math Calculator: 32
Calculation:
- EBRW = (32 + 31) × 10 = 630
- Math Raw Score = 16 + 32 = 48 (converts to approximately 700)
- Total Score = 630 + 700 = 1330
Example 2: High-Achieving Student
Marcus aims for top universities and scores:
- Reading: 38
- Writing: 37
- Math No Calculator: 19
- Math Calculator: 37
Calculation:
- EBRW = (38 + 37) × 10 = 750
- Math Raw Score = 19 + 37 = 56 (converts to approximately 780-790)
- Total Score = 750 + 785 = 1535
Using Your SAT Score for College Planning
Research College Requirements
Use your calculated SAT score to research which colleges match your academic profile. Most colleges publish their middle 50% SAT score ranges for admitted students.
Create a Balanced College List
Based on your SAT score, create a college list with:
- Reach Schools: Your score is below their 25th percentile
- Target Schools: Your score falls within their middle 50%
- Safety Schools: Your score is above their 75th percentile
Consider Test-Optional Policies
Many colleges have adopted test-optional policies. Use the calculator to determine if submitting your scores will strengthen or weaken your application.
Tips for Accurate Score Calculation
- Double-Check Your Input: Make sure you're entering the correct scores in the correct fields
- Use Official Materials: Practice with official College Board materials for the most accurate score predictions
- Account for Variations: Remember that conversion tables can vary slightly between test forms
- Track Multiple Tests: Use the calculator after each practice test to monitor improvement
- Focus on Trends: Look for patterns in your scores across multiple practice tests
Conclusion
The SAT Score Calculator is a valuable tool for understanding how your performance on individual test sections translates to your final SAT score. By regularly using this calculator with practice tests, you can set realistic goals, track your progress, and make informed decisions about your college application strategy. Remember that while SAT scores are important, they're just one component of your college application. Strong grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations also play crucial roles in the admissions process.