The ACT to SAT score converter uses the official College Board concordance table to translate between ACT composite scores (1–36) and SAT total scores (400–1600). Use it when a college lists score requirements in only one test format.
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Equivalent Score
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| ACT | SAT | Percentile | Selectivity |
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How to Use the ACT to SAT Score Converter
The ACT to SAT score converter uses the concordance table jointly published by College Board and ACT, Inc. — the same table used by college admissions offices. Conversions are approximate because the tests measure slightly different skills.
Step 1: Choose direction and enter your score
Select ACT→SAT if you have an ACT composite score and need to know your SAT equivalent (e.g., a college's scholarship requires SAT 1300+ but you only have an ACT score). Select SAT→ACT for the reverse. Enter your score in the input field.
Step 2: Check the equivalent and percentile
The result shows the concordant score plus your approximate national percentile. A 50th percentile score means you scored higher than half of all test-takers. Selective colleges typically admit students in the 75th–95th+ percentile range.
Step 3: Use the full concordance table for reference
The concordance table below shows all ACT scores with their SAT equivalents. Scores in the same row are considered equivalent by admissions offices. Note: a 36 ACT corresponds to SAT 1590–1600; the conversion is not perfectly linear.
FAQ
How do I convert ACT to SAT scores?
Use the official College Board/ACT concordance table. An ACT composite of 36 = SAT 1590+, ACT 30 = SAT 1370, ACT 25 = SAT 1200, ACT 20 = SAT 1020, ACT 17 = SAT 870. This converter uses the latest official concordance data.
Is this ACT SAT converter free?
Yes, completely free. No signup needed.
Is the ACT or SAT better for college admissions?
Most colleges accept both equally — they've accepted both since 2007. Which test you score better on depends on your strengths. The ACT favors science reasoning and straightforward math; the SAT rewards reading comprehension and algebra. Many students take a practice version of each to see which feels more natural.
What is a good ACT score for top universities?
For highly selective schools (MIT, Ivy League), target ACT 34–36. For selective schools (top 50), aim for 30–33. For competitive schools (top 100), 26–29 is solid. The national average ACT composite is about 20.
Do all colleges accept both ACT and SAT?
Yes, virtually all four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. accept both. About 1,800 schools are now test-optional, meaning neither score is required. If you do submit scores, both tests are treated equally in admissions.