SAT Score Calculator

How the SAT Score Calculator works

The SAT is reported on a 1600-point scale, built from two section scores that each range from 200 to 800: Reading and Writing and Math. Your total is simply the sum of the two section scores.

On the current digital SAT there is no penalty for wrong answers — your raw score for each module is just the number of questions you answered correctly. The College Board then converts that raw score to a scaled 200–800 score using a conversion table that is unique to each test administration.

Formula & grading scale

The scoring model has three steps:

1. Raw score — count the questions correct in each section (no deduction for incorrect or blank answers).
2. Scale conversion — apply the College Board's equating table for that specific test to map the raw score to a 200–800 scaled score.
3. Composite — add the two scaled section scores for a total out of 1600.

Because every test is equated separately and the digital SAT is section-adaptive, no single public formula exists. This calculator uses a representative conversion curve derived from released practice tests, so the result is a close estimate rather than an official score.

Step-by-step example

1. You answer 44 of 54 Reading & Writing questions correctly → roughly a 680 scaled score.
2. You answer 38 of 44 Math questions correctly → roughly a 750 scaled score.
3. Estimated SAT total = 680 + 750 = 1430 out of 1600.

Enter your own correct counts above and the section and total estimates update as you type.

What is a good SAT score?

The national average SAT total sits a little above 1050, so anything beyond that puts you in the upper half of test takers. A score above 1200 is competitive at many universities, and 1400 or higher is strong for selective schools. "Good" is always relative to your target colleges, so compare your estimate to each school's published middle-50% range. For specific numbers, see our guides on whether 1100, 1250 or 1300 is a good SAT score.

How to raise your SAT score

Most students improve through steady, focused practice rather than last-minute cramming. Take full-length timed tests, review every mistake until you understand it, and target your weaker section first. After each practice test, re-enter your correct counts above to watch your estimated total climb. Our step-by-step guide on how to raise your SAT score lays out a realistic plan.

Why use our SAT Score Calculator?

It is free, instant and needs no sign-up, which makes it handy for setting goals between official tests. If you also sit the ACT, compare results with the ACT Score Calculator, and remember that admissions weighs more than one number — keep your GPA strong too.

Should you retake the SAT?

Many colleges superscore the SAT, combining your highest Reading & Writing and Math results from different test dates into one total — so a retake can lift your superscore even if only one section improves. That makes a second or third attempt low-risk for most students. Before you register again, use this estimate to see how raising a single section would change your projected total, and confirm each school's superscore policy, since a few consider only your best single sitting.

Frequently asked questions