How the SAT to ACT Conversion Works
The SAT (400–1600) and ACT (1–36) use completely different scoring scales, so comparing them requires a concordance table — a statistical mapping developed jointly by the College Board and ACT, Inc. based on data from students who took both tests.
The concordance matches scores that represent the same level of academic achievement. For example, a student who scores a 1350 on the SAT would be expected to score approximately a 28–29 on the ACT.
Complete SAT to ACT Concordance Table
This is the full official concordance table used by colleges and admissions offices nationwide:
| SAT Score | ACT Score | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|
| 1570–1600 | 36 | Perfect |
| 1530–1560 | 35 | Elite |
| 1490–1520 | 34 | Elite |
| 1450–1480 | 33 | Highly Competitive |
| 1420–1440 | 32 | Highly Competitive |
| 1390–1410 | 31 | Highly Competitive |
| 1360–1380 | 30 | Very Competitive |
| 1330–1350 | 29 | Very Competitive |
| 1300–1320 | 28 | Very Competitive |
| 1260–1290 | 27 | Above Average |
| 1230–1250 | 26 | Above Average |
| 1200–1220 | 25 | Above Average |
| 1160–1190 | 24 | Average |
| 1130–1150 | 23 | Average |
| 1100–1120 | 22 | Average |
| 1060–1090 | 21 | Below Average |
| 1030–1050 | 20 | Below Average |
| 990–1020 | 19 | Below Average |
| 960–980 | 18 | Below Average |
SAT vs. ACT: Which Test Is Right for You?
Both the SAT and ACT are accepted equally by every US college, but they test slightly different skills and have different formats. Here's a detailed comparison:
| SAT | ACT | |
|---|---|---|
| Score Range | 400–1600 | 1–36 |
| Sections | Reading & Writing, Math | English, Math, Reading, Science |
| Duration | 2 hrs 14 min | 2 hrs 55 min |
| Total Questions | 98 | 215 |
| Format | Digital, Adaptive | Transitioning to Digital |
| Time per Question | ~1.4 min | ~0.8 min |
| Science Section | No | Yes |
| Calculator Policy | Built-in Desmos (all math) | Bring your own |
| Reading Style | Short passages (1 question each) | Long passages (10 questions each) |
How to Decide Which Score to Send
If you've taken both tests, here's a simple 3-step process:
- Convert both scores using the calculator above. For example, if you scored a 1380 SAT and a 29 ACT, convert both to the same scale.
- Compare the equivalents: A 1380 SAT converts to approximately a 30 ACT. Since you scored a 29 on the actual ACT, your SAT score is relatively stronger.
- Submit the stronger score. In this example, submit the 1380 SAT because it is equivalent to a higher ACT score than what you actually achieved.
Key point: Colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Admissions officers use the same concordance table to evaluate applicants equally, regardless of which test was submitted.
Signs You Should Try the SAT Instead of the ACT
SAT May Be Better If You...
- Run out of time on timed tests
- Are strong in algebra and data analysis
- Prefer shorter reading passages
- Like having a built-in calculator
- Do well on adaptive tests
- Prefer a shorter overall test (2 hrs 14 min)
ACT May Be Better If You...
- Work quickly under time pressure
- Are strong in geometry and trigonometry
- Enjoy reading longer passages in depth
- Are good at interpreting charts and data (Science section)
- Prefer a straightforward, non-adaptive format
- Want your score from a single test form
When to Consider Taking the Other Test
If your actual scores don't match the concordance, it's a strong signal that you may be better suited to one test. Consider switching if:
- Your scores are mismatched by 2+ ACT points. If your SAT converts to a 33 but you only scored a 30 on the ACT, you're clearly an SAT-favored test-taker.
- You've plateaued on one test. Some students hit a ceiling on one test but break through on the other due to format differences.
- You haven't tried both. Take a full-length timed practice test of each and compare your converted scores before committing to one.
Merit Scholarship Considerations
Many merit scholarships set thresholds using one test's scale. Common examples:
- A scholarship requiring "1350 SAT or 29 ACT" — these are concordance equivalents, so either score qualifies.
- Some scholarships round differently. A school might list "1400 SAT or 31 ACT," but the concordance says 1400 ≈ 31, so these cutoffs are aligned.
- If a scholarship only lists one test's cutoff, use this converter to check if your score on the other test meets the equivalent threshold.
Does the Digital SAT Change the Concordance?
The current concordance table was published in 2018, before the transition to the Digital SAT. However, the College Board has confirmed that the Digital SAT uses the same 400–1600 scoring scale as the paper SAT, so the existing concordance remains valid.
An updated concordance may be released as more data from the Digital SAT becomes available, but for now, colleges continue to use the 2018 tables for all SAT/ACT comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are SAT and ACT scores directly comparable?
Not directly, since the SAT uses a 400–1600 scale and the ACT uses a 1–36 scale. However, the official concordance tables released by the College Board and ACT, Inc. provide a standardized way to compare equivalent scores across both tests.
Should I submit my SAT or ACT score to colleges?
Submit whichever score is relatively higher when converted using the concordance table. For example, if your SAT converts to a 32 ACT equivalent but you only scored a 30 on the actual ACT, submit the SAT. Colleges do not prefer one test over the other.
Do colleges accept both SAT and ACT equally?
Yes. All US colleges and universities that require or accept standardized tests treat SAT and ACT scores equally. Admissions officers use concordance tables to compare applicants who submitted different tests.
Is a 1400 SAT or a 32 ACT better?
According to the official concordance table, a 1400 SAT is approximately equivalent to a 31 ACT. So a 32 ACT is slightly stronger than a 1400 SAT. You should submit whichever score converts to a higher equivalent on the other scale.
Has the concordance table been updated for the Digital SAT?
The current concordance table was published in 2018. The College Board has stated that the Digital SAT maintains the same scoring scale (400–1600) as the paper SAT, so the existing concordance remains valid. An updated concordance may be released as more Digital SAT data becomes available.