Why You Should Know Both Scores
Even if you only took the ACT, knowing your SAT equivalent is valuable. Many scholarship programs list requirements for both tests, but sometimes only one is explicitly mentioned on a flyer or website. Being able to quickly convert your score ensures you don't miss opportunities.
Is One Test Easier?
Not necessarily. The ACT is faster-paced but more straightforward. The SAT gives you more time per question but requires deeper critical thinking, especially in math. However, the concordance ensures that a "34" on the ACT represents the same level of academic achievement as a "1500" on the SAT.
Conversion Chart (ACT → SAT)
| ACT Composite | SAT Range (Approx) |
|---|---|
| 36 | 1570 - 1600 |
| 35 | 1530 - 1560 |
| 34 | 1490 - 1520 |
| 33 | 1450 - 1480 |
| 32 | 1420 - 1440 |
| 31 | 1390 - 1410 |
| 30 | 1360 - 1380 |
| 29 | 1330 - 1350 |
| 28 | 1300 - 1320 |
| 27 | 1260 - 1290 |
| 26 | 1230 - 1250 |
| 25 | 1200 - 1220 |
| 24 | 1160 - 1190 |
| 23 | 1130 - 1150 |
| 22 | 1100 - 1120 |
| 21 | 1060 - 1090 |
| 20 | 1020 - 1050 |
Source: official 2018 ACT/SAT concordance from the College Board and ACT, Inc. The interactive tool above returns a single SAT value for any ACT composite from 11 to 36.
ACT-to-SAT Percentile Comparison
A concordance match means two scores sit at roughly the same national percentile — that's the entire point of the table. Seeing them side by side makes it obvious why a "34" and a "1500" are treated as equals:
| ACT | SAT (approx.) | Approx. Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 1590 | 99th+ |
| 34 | 1500 | 99th |
| 31 | 1400 | 94th |
| 28 | 1310 | 87th |
| 25 | 1210 | 76th |
| 21 | 1070 | ~55th |
| 19 | 1010 | ~45th |
Once you know your SAT equivalent, you can benchmark it against colleges and scholarships with our SAT percentile calculator and our guide to what counts as a good SAT score.
Scholarship and Eligibility Cutoffs
The most practical reason to convert your ACT to an SAT number is to check thresholds that are written in only one test's units. A few common examples of how the conversion unlocks eligibility:
- Automatic merit aid: Many state universities publish award grids like "29 ACT / 1330 SAT = $4,000/year." If your flyer only lists the SAT figure, converting your 29 ACT confirms you qualify.
- Honors college admission: Honors programs frequently set a single cutoff. A 32 ACT converting to ~1430 SAT may clear a "1400 SAT" honors threshold even if you never took the SAT.
- NCAA and ROTC: Some athletic and military programs reference one test; the concordance lets you prove you meet the bar with the test you actually took.
How to Choose Which Score to Send
If you have taken both tests, you have a strategic advantage. Use the concordance table to see which score is higher.
- Scenario A: You have a 30 ACT and a 1400 SAT. The concordance says a 30 ACT is roughly a 1370 SAT. Therefore, your 1400 SAT is stronger and you should submit that.
- Scenario B: You have a 32 ACT and a 1400 SAT. A 32 ACT is roughly a 1430 SAT. In this case, your 32 ACT is stronger.
Always submit your strongest score. Colleges will not look down on you for submitting an ACT score over an SAT score, or vice-versa.
Other SAT & ACT Conversion Tools
This page translates an ACT composite into an SAT score with percentile and scholarship context. For a different need, try one of our companion resources:
- ACT to SAT Converter — ACT-first interactive tool with target scores by college tier and superscoring rules.
- SAT to ACT Converter — the full two-way concordance plus a "which test is right for you" breakdown.
- SAT Score Equivalent to ACT — section-level concordance and worked examples for translating an SAT total.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ACT easier than the SAT?
The ACT is generally considered "faster-paced" while the SAT is "deeper." The ACT allows less time per question but the questions are often more straightforward. The SAT gives more time but requires more critical thinking. Neither is objectively easier; it depends on your personal test-taking style.
Do colleges prefer SAT or ACT?
No. All US colleges accept both the SAT and ACT equally. Admissions officers do not prefer one over the other. You should submit the score that is higher on a concordance table.
How accurate is the ACT to SAT conversion?
This conversion uses the official concordance tables released jointly by the College Board and ACT, Inc. in 2018. It is the gold standard for comparing scores.