The American College Testing or ACT is an important milestone for students. It is a key element that predicts your college admission process. Knowing how scores are calculated, what counts as a good score, and how to use an ACT calculator or ACT score predictor can help you prepare strategically. At Ivy Learning, we guide students through this process and make the complex process simple.
In 2025, the ACT structure has shifted three-section composite (English, Math, and Reading), and so has the way scores are calculated. Understanding these changes can help you prepare accordingly, whether you’re studying independently or joining ACT Prep in New Jersey for professional guidance.
How the ACT Score Calculator Works
An ACT calculator will use your raw score and the number of questions you answered correctly in each section to estimate your scaled score. Here is how it works:
How to Use the ACT Score Calculator (Step-by-Step)
- Raw Score Calculation:
- Each correct answer = 1 point.
- No penalty for wrong answers.
- Scaling to 1–36:
- Raw score converted into scaled score using official ACT conversion tables.
- Scaling adjusts for differences in difficulty across test dates.
- Composite Score (2025 format):
- Composite = (English + Math + Reading scaled scores) ÷ 3
- Round to the nearest whole number (≥ .5 rounds up).
- Superscore (if colleges accept it):
- Uses your highest section scores across multiple test dates to calculate the best possible composite.
Example ACT Calculator Table
Here is an example of ACT score calculation.
Composite Score (new format) = (30 + 28 + 32) ÷ 3 = 30
What Is a Good ACT Score?
When looking for a good ACT score, make sure to check your college requirements. A good score depends on your college goals. A composite of 30+ is stronger for many competitive universities. However, the highly selective institutions often admit students with 33–36. The national average is around 20–21.
If you’re wondering when do ACT scores come out, knowing the release dates can help you plan your applications and prep strategy more effectively.
ACT Score Chart & Percentiles
| Composite Score Range | Percentile | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|
| 33–36 | 98th+ | Excellent (Top-tier admissions) |
| 28–32 | 88–96th | Very good |
| 24–27 | 74–85th | Above average |
| 21–23 | 55–70th | Average to slightly above |
| 16–20 | 28–52nd | Below average |
| 15 and below | <25th | Needs significant improvement |
Using an ACT Score Predictor
The ACT score predictor will help you estimate your future performance by factoring in the practice test results, section-by-section improvements, and superscoring. It is best suited for:
- Students who want to set realistic target scores.
- Educators who are designing tailored lesson plans.
- Parents tracking progress across prep programs.
To use it, you should:
- Take a full-length practice test,
- Count your correct answers
- convert raw scores to scaled scores
- Calculate your composite
- apply superscoring (if desired)
- Predict Future Scores
- Track Progress Over Time
At Ivy Learning, we use historical data and official conversion charts to ensure predictions are accurate and actionable.
ACT Superscore Calculator
An ACT super score is the average of your highest section scores from different ACT test dates. You don’t need to use the score of all sections from a single test day. A superscore picks your best English, Math, and Reading scores in each attempt. Then averages them for a composite.
If your target colleges accept superscoring, you can combine your best scores from different test dates.
ACT Superscore Calculator Example:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 75 | 45 minutes | 1–36 |
| Math | 60 | 60 minutes | 1–36 |
| Reading | 40 | 35 minutes | 1–36 |
| Science | 40 | 35 minutes | 1–36 (not in composite) |
| Writing (Optional) | 1 Essay | 40 minutes | 2–12 (separate) |
Note: The Science section is still administered and scored, but no longer affects the composite.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACT Score Calculator
Here are your frequently asked questions about the ACT Score Calculator and more.
How does the ACT score calculator work?
An ACT score calculator takes your raw scores and converts them into scaled scores between 1 and 36. It then averages English, Math, and Reading for a composite score.
What is a raw score on the ACT?
A raw score is simply the number of questions you answer correctly in a section. Wrong answer won’t reduce your score.
How do you calculate the ACT composite score?
Add your scaled scores from English, Math, and Reading, then divide by three, and round to the nearest whole number. This is your composite score in the 2025 format.
Does the ACT Science section count in 2025?
No. The Science section is still given and scored, but it no longer contributes to the composite score.
What is considered a good ACT score?
Dood ACT score depends on your goals. Competitive Colleges consider 30+ a strong, and for many colleges, 24–27 is competitive, and for highly selective universities, 33–36 is excellent.
Bottom Line
An ACT score calculator will help you calculate your average score required for the college admissions process. It will take your raw scores and convert them into scaled scores, and average them for your composite.
The 2025 ACT composite now includes only English, Math, and Reading. A good ACT score varies by school, but 30+ is generally competitive. Using an ACT score predictor or superscore calculator can help set goals, track progress, and maximize results. Use an ACT score predictor or ACT superscore calculator to set goals, track progress, and improve results.
Ready to see where you stand? Take Ivy Learning free ACT Practice Test today to get your estimated score, identify your strengths, and create a personalized study plan.
