Comparing SAT and ACT scores can feel confusing. Since colleges accept either test, you may wonder which score looks better on your application. There’s an official way to compare them using what are called “concordance tables.” These tables were created by the ACT and the College Board in 2018 to help translate a score from one test to the other. These remain the most current official concordance tables available for comparing scores between the two tests.
To make things easier, we’ve created a simple calculator that converts SAT scores to ACT scores, and ACT scores to SAT scores. Try it out!
SAT to ACT Conversion Calculator
What Are Concordance Tables Anyway?
Concordance tables are like a translation guide. The SAT and ACT are different tests that measure academic readiness in their own unique ways, so you can’t compare the scores directly. It’s like comparing apples and oranges. The tables solve this problem by showing you the equivalent score.
These tables were developed through a joint effort by the College Board and ACT in 2018. They analyzed the scores of hundreds of thousands of students who took both the SAT and the ACT to find the statistical relationship between the scores. This research allows you to take a score from one test and find its counterpart on the other, helping you understand your performance in a broader context.
Do These Tables Work for the Digital SAT?
Yes, they do! This is a common question, and we have a definitive answer. The digital SAT launched in March 2024 for students in the United States, fully replacing the paper version.
Prior to the launch, College Board conducted two concordance studies that established scores from the digital SAT are comparable to scores from the paper SAT and can be used in the same manner for college admissions and other purposes.
According to College Board’s official guidance, a score of 1050 on the digital SAT carries the same meaning as a score of 1050 on the paper SAT. The digital SAT continues to use the same 400-1600 scoring scale, and the 2018 ACT/SAT concordance tables remain the official standard for comparing scores between the two tests.
This means you can confidently use the conversion tables below to compare your digital SAT score to ACT scores.
SAT and ACT Conversion Charts
Want to see how the numbers line up? We’ve listed the official concordance tables here so you can easily compare your total scores. These tables are based on the official 2018 data provided by the ACT and the College Board.
Table 1: SAT to ACT Conversion Chart
Use this table when you have an SAT score and want to find the corresponding ACT score.
| SAT Total Score | ACT Composite Score |
|---|---|
| 1570-1600 | 36 |
| 1530-1560 | 35 |
| 1490-1520 | 34 |
| 1450-1480 | 33 |
| 1420-1440 | 32 |
| 1390-1410 | 31 |
| 1360-1380 | 30 |
| 1330-1350 | 29 |
| 1300-1320 | 28 |
| 1260-1290 | 27 |
| 1230-1250 | 26 |
| 1200-1220 | 25 |
| 1160-1190 | 24 |
| 1130-1150 | 23 |
| 1100-1120 | 22 |
| 1060-1090 | 21 |
| 1030-1050 | 20 |
| 990-1020 | 19 |
| 960-980 | 18 |
| 920-950 | 17 |
| 880-910 | 16 |
| 830-870 | 15 |
| 780-820 | 14 |
| 730-770 | 13 |
Source: [ACT/SAT Concordance Tables](https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ACT-SAT-Concordance-Tables.pdf)
Table 2: ACT to SAT Conversion Chart
This table should be used when you have an ACT score and want to see how it translates to the SAT.
| ACT Composite Score | SAT Total Score |
|---|---|
| 36 | 1570-1600 |
| 35 | 1530-1560 |
| 34 | 1490-1520 |
| 33 | 1450-1480 |
| 32 | 1420-1440 |
| 31 | 1390-1410 |
| 30 | 1360-1380 |
| 29 | 1330-1350 |
| 28 | 1300-1320 |
| 27 | 1260-1290 |
| 26 | 1230-1250 |
| 25 | 1200-1220 |
| 24 | 1160-1190 |
| 23 | 1130-1150 |
| 22 | 1100-1120 |
| 21 | 1060-1090 |
| 20 | 1030-1050 |
| 19 | 990-1020 |
| 18 | 960-980 |
| 17 | 920-950 |
| 16 | 880-910 |
| 15 | 830-870 |
| 14 | 780-820 |
| 13 | 730-770 |
Source: [ACT/SAT Concordance Tables](https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ACT-SAT-Concordance-Tables.pdf)
A Guide, Not a Guarantee
It’s important to remember that these tables are a helpful guide, not a perfect science. The SAT and ACT are different exams that test slightly different skills. For example, the ACT has a dedicated Science section, while the SAT incorporates science-related questions throughout its sections. The ACT also includes more straightforward math questions, while the SAT focuses more on problem-solving and data analysis.
According to College Board’s official guidance on concordance tables: “A concorded score isn’t a perfect prediction of how a student would perform on the other test.” Instead, think of concorded scores as scores with the same rank within a group of students who take the tests at approximately the same time.
Because of these differences, some students naturally perform better on one test over the other. A student who excels at quick recall might prefer the ACT’s faster pace, while someone who benefits from more time per question might do better on the SAT.
Use these tables as one piece of information in your test-prep strategy. If you’ve taken both tests, you can see which score is stronger and decide which one to send to colleges. If you’ve only taken one, the tables can give you a general idea of where you stand, but remember that your actual performance on the other test might vary.
You’ve Got This
Preparing for standardized tests can feel stressful, but understanding how your scores compare doesn’t have to be. These concordance tables give you a reliable way to translate your scores between the SAT and ACT, helping you put your best foot forward on your college applications.
We’re here to support you through every step of your test prep journey, turning test-day anxiety into a feeling of readiness. Check out our SAT prep classes, ACT prep classes, or book a free diagnostic test to see where you stand.