ACT to SAT Score Conversion Chart

ACT to SAT Score Conversion Chart

The ACT to SAT Score Conversion Chart allows students to compare their performance between the two exams. Since colleges accept both tests, understanding the score equivalence ensures fair evaluation. Aligning the ACT composite scores with the SAT total score, students can plan their application effectively, set realistic goals, and identify strengths for improvement.

Table of Contents

Selecting between ACT and SAT can be overwhelming. Since both are accepted for college admission, students often wonder about their ACT or SAT scores. They wonder how their ACT score compares to the SAT. Using the SAT to ACT conversion table can be an important tool in this regard. This chart can help them scale their score to plan their admission strategies.

ACT vs SAT Score Conversion Chart

Here’s the official ACT to SAT Score Conversion Chart that students, parents, and counselors can rely on:

SAT TotalACT Composite SAT TotalACT Composite SAT TotalACT Composite
16003612502691016
15903612402690016
15803612302689016
15703612202588016
15603512102587015
15503512002586015
15403511902485015
15303511802484015
15203411702483015
15103411602482014
15003411502381014
14903411402380014
14803311302379014
14703311202278014
14603311102277013
14503311002276013
14403210902175013
14303210802174013
14203210702173013
14103110602172012
14003110502071012
13903110402070012
13803010302069012
13703010201968011
13603010101967011
13502910001966011
1340299901965011
1330299801864010
1320289701863010
1310289601862010
130028950176109
129027940176009
128027930175909
12702792017
126027

ACT Composite to SAT Total Conversion

ACT Composite SAT Total (Exact) SAT Score Range
3615901570–1600
3515401530–1560
3415001490–1520
3314601450–1480
3214301420–1440
3114001390–1410
3013701360–1380
2913401330–1350
2813101300–1320
2712801260–1290
2612401230–1250
2512101200–1220
2411801160–1190
2311401130–1150
2211101100–1120
2110801060–1090
2010401030–1050
191010990–1020
18970960–980
17930920–950
16890880–910
15850830–870
14800780–820
13760730–770
12710690–720
11670650–680
10630620–640
9590590–610

SAT Math to ACT Math

SAT Math ACT Math
80036
79035
78035
77035
76034
75033
74033
73032
72032
71031
70030
69030
68029
67028
66028
65027
64027
63027
62026
61026
60025
59025
58024
57024
56023
55023
54022
53021
52020
51019
50018
49018
48017
47017
46017
45016
44016
43016
42016
41015
40015
39015
38015
37014
36014
35014
34013
33013
32013
31012
30012
29011
28011
27010
26010

ACT Math to SAT Math Conversion

ACT Math SAT Math
36800
35780
34760
33740
32720
31710
30700
29680
28660
27640
26610
25590
24580
23560
22540
21530
20520
19510
18500
17470
16430
15400
14360
13330
12310
11280
10260

SAT ERW to ACT English + Reading Conversion

SAT ERW ACT English + Reading
80072
79072
78071
77071
76070
75070
74069
73068
72067
71066
70064
69063
68061
67060
66058
65057
64055
63054
62052
61051
60049
59048
58046
57045
56044
55043
54042
53040
52039
51038
50037
49035
48034
47033
46032
45031
44030
43029
42028
41027
40026
39025
38024
37023
36022
35021
34020
33019
32018
31017
30016
29015
28014

ACT English + Reading to SAT ERW Conversion

ACT (English + Reading) SAT ERW
72790
71770
70750
69740
68730
67720
66710
65700
64700
63690
62680
61680
60670
59660
58660
57650
56640
55640
54630
53630
52620
51610
50610
49600
48590
47580
46580
45570
44560
43550
42540
41540
40520
39520
38510
37500
36500
35490
34480
33470
32460
31450
30440
29430
28420
27410
26400
25390
24380
23370
22360
21350
20340
19330
18320
17310
16300
15290
14280

What Is an ACT to SAT Score Conversion Chart?

An ACT vs SAT Score Conversion Chart is a concordance table that shows how performance on one test is compared to another. The ACT and SAT measure different skills in slightly different ways. This is why a direct one-to-one comparison is not possible. Using concordance tables jointly developed by the College Board (SAT) and ACT helps students, parents, and colleges accurately compare scores. For instance, a composite ACT score of 30 roughly equals an SAT total score of 1360–1380

ACT vs SAT: Side-by-Side Structure Comparison

Before we explore further the ACT vs SAT score conversion chart, here is the side-by-side comparison of what sets the two tests apart.

Feature ACT SAT
Sections English, Math, Reading, Science (+ optional Writing) Reading, Writing & Language, Math (Calculator + No Calculator)
Scoring Scale 1–36 composite 400–1600 total
Math Content Algebra, geometry, trigonometry Algebra, problem-solving, advanced math
Time per Question Faster pace Slightly more time per question
Essay Optional (scored 2–12) Discontinued

Both exams test problem-solving and reasoning skills. However, there is a difference in pacing and question style.

Why do Colleges Accept Both Tests Equally?

Almost all colleges and universities across the USA accept both SAT and ACT without preference. The admission officers are trained to assess either test using official concordance data.

For students, this means:

  • You can select the test that best fits your skills and test-taking style.
  • Students can understand where they stand competitively with score conversion. Even if you only sit for one exam.
  • You can plan your prep more effectively by aligning your target ACT or SAT score with the requirements of your dream school.

Whether you want to go for the SAT or ACT, keep in mind that both will work in your college admission. Just make sure to choose a test that suits your strengths.  

How to Use the Conversion Chart Effectively

How can you use the ACT vs SAT Score Conversion table? Here is how you can do it!

Set target scores: 

Consider checking the score requirements of your desired school. Like 1400 SAT, you know you need around a 31 ACT.

Plan prep strategy: 

If the structure of one test works best for your strength, then use the chart to decide where to focus.

Check admissions policies: 

Understand the admission policies of different schools for a better experience. Some schools opt for super-score (combine your best section scores) while others use single-test results.

FAQs About ACT to SAT Scores

Here is more information about the ACT to SAT Score Conversion Chart 

Which is harder between the ACT and Vs SAT?

Neither is harder between ACT and SAT. Harder depends on your strengths.

Do colleges prefer the SAT or ACT?

No. Colleges treat them equally. Focus on whichever exam suits you best.

How accurate is the ACT to SAT Score Conversion Chart?

This chart is based on official concordance studies. It provides a reliable range, but no two exams are identical.

Can you submit both SAT and ACT scores?

Yes. If you have taken both but most students focus on their best-performing tests.

Is the Writing section of the ACT required?

No. Very few schools require it anymore, and the SAT essay has been discontinued.

Bottom Line

Understanding the ACT to SAT Score Conversion Chart is helpful for students in their college admission process. This helps them to assess their score range and where they should apply.  A chart like this gives you clarity and direction, whether you’re a high school junior or a parent.

This conversion score chart is perfect to compare scores, identify target goals, and choose the right prep path for your unique strengths. The best test is the one where you feel most comfortable. With preparation and the right strategy, both the ACT and SAT can open doors to your future.

Ivy learning understands this concern, so we help them prepare for the ACT and SAT so they achieve a score that helps them in their admission process. We are integrating practice test exams for both tests so students can perform better and gain confidence for the test day. Under the guidance of an experienced tutor, PSAT performance will be on mark. Contact us now for more information.

About the Author

Ivy Learning & Test Prep

Ivy Team

Ivy is an academic specialist focused on personalized test prep for SAT, ACT, SHSAT, AP Test, and more. With a passion for student success, Ivy shares clear strategies and expert tips to help learners reach their academic goals.

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