Last Updated on October 1, 2026
Quick answer: ACT to SAT conversion uses the official concordance tables published by ACT and College Board. A 1450 SAT is roughly equal to a 33 ACT, a 1300 SAT to about 28, and a 1550 SAT to about 35. Take a practice test of each, convert your scores, and focus on the test where you score higher.
If you’re wondering how your ACT score translates to the SAT scale – or vice versa – you’re not alone. Many students explore both testing options when preparing for college admissions, but it’s important to understand how these scores compare to decide which test is better to highlight your abilities and get noticed among other applicants.
Why Does SAT to ACT Conversion Matter?
Though ACT and SAT scores can be converted, it’s not exact. So, one test can produce a better score than the other. For example, say a student took both the SAT and ACT practice tests, scoring a 1450 on the SAT and a 30 on the ACT. It’s best to focus on studying for only one of the two exams, so the scores can determine the best way to proceed.
Using the conversion table, the 1450 score on the SAT is roughly equivalent to a 33 ACT score, so the student performed better on the SAT practice test. This may indicate that this student should study for the SAT.
Keep in mind that there are other factors to consider when choosing the best test for the college admissions process. Here are some important differences between the two tests:
Exam Structure
The ACT consists of English, Math, Reading, and optional Science sections, each lasting between 35 and 50 minutes. The digital version of the SAT has four modules that last between 32 and 35 minutes.
The Math sections of each test are considerably different, however, with the SAT requiring higher concept math with multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Generally, the SAT is a better choice for students solid in math, while the ACT is better for solid readers.
Question Time Limits
The ACT gives you less time per question than the SAT, so speed and time management factor into high scores. The required English, math, and reading sections include 131 questions and take 2 hours and 5 minutes, or a little under a minute per question. Adding the optional science section brings the total to 171 questions and 2 hours and 45 minutes.[1] A short break is scheduled after the second section.
For comparison, the digital SAT is 98 questions with a total time limit of 2 hours and 14 minutes.[2] This breaks down to about 82 seconds per question on average, and the Reading and Writing questions each pair with a short passage. Generally, the SAT has a slower pace than the ACT.
Science Section
The SAT doesn’t have a dedicated science section, while the ACT offers science as an optional section. This section assesses graph, chart, and research study interpretation and reading comprehension instead of knowledge of science subjects like biology, chemistry, or physics.
Since science is optional on the ACT, you can decide whether to add it based on your target colleges and your comfort with data-heavy questions. However, if you get anxious over science-based questions and may require more time to interpret science information, the SAT could be the better option.
Writing Section
The SAT no longer has an optional writing section, but the ACT still offers an optional 40-minute writing test. Not all colleges require this section, though, so be sure to evaluate your preferred college’s requirements in advance before adding time to your test.
Perfect Score
Earning a perfect score on either the ACT or SAT is rare. A 1600 on the SAT and a 36 on the ACT both sit at the very top of each test’s national percentile ranks.[3,4]
How the Two Scoring Scales Work
Before you use any ACT to SAT conversion, it helps to know what each number represents. The SAT reports a total score from 400 to 1600, made up of two section scores from 200 to 800: one for Reading and Writing and one for Math. The ACT reports a Composite score from 1 to 36, along with a score for each individual section you take.
Because the scales are so different, you can’t compare the two tests by percentage or raw points. A 30 on the ACT is not the same as 83% of 1600 on the SAT. That is why ACT and College Board built concordance tables from the performance of large groups of students who took both exams.
ACT to SAT Conversion Chart
Here is the official concordance published by ACT and College Board:[5]
| ACT Composite Score | SAT Total Score (official 2018 ACT/SAT concordance) |
|---|---|
| 36 | 1600 |
| 36 | 1590 |
| 36 | 1580 |
| 36 | 1570 |
| 35 | 1560 |
| 35 | 1550 |
| 35 | 1540 |
| 35 | 1530 |
| 34 | 1520 |
| 34 | 1510 |
| 34 | 1500 |
| 34 | 1490 |
| 33 | 1480 |
| 33 | 1470 |
| 33 | 1460 |
| 33 | 1450 |
| 32 | 1440 |
| 32 | 1430 |
| 32 | 1420 |
| 31 | 1410 |
| 31 | 1400 |
| 31 | 1390 |
| 30 | 1380 |
| 30 | 1370 |
| 30 | 1360 |
| 29 | 1350 |
| 29 | 1340 |
| 29 | 1330 |
| 28 | 1320 |
| 28 | 1310 |
| 28 | 1300 |
| 27 | 1290 |
| 27 | 1280 |
| 27 | 1270 |
| 27 | 1260 |
| 26 | 1250 |
| 26 | 1240 |
| 26 | 1230 |
| 25 | 1220 |
| 25 | 1210 |
| 25 | 1200 |
| 24 | 1190 |
| 24 | 1180 |
| 24 | 1170 |
| 24 | 1160 |
| 23 | 1150 |
| 23 | 1140 |
| 23 | 1130 |
| 22 | 1120 |
| 22 | 1110 |
| 22 | 1100 |
| 21 | 1090 |
| 21 | 1080 |
| 21 | 1070 |
| 21 | 1060 |
| 20 | 1050 |
| 20 | 1040 |
| 20 | 1030 |
| 19 | 1020 |
| 19 | 1010 |
| 19 | 1000 |
| 19 | 990 |
| 18 | 980 |
| 18 | 970 |
| 18 | 960 |
| 17 | 950 |
| 17 | 940 |
| 17 | 930 |
| 17 | 920 |
| 16 | 910 |
| 16 | 900 |
| 16 | 890 |
| 16 | 880 |
| 15 | 870 |
| 15 | 860 |
| 15 | 850 |
| 15 | 840 |
| 15 | 830 |
| 14 | 820 |
| 14 | 810 |
| 14 | 800 |
| 14 | 790 |
| 14 | 780 |
| 13 | 770 |
| 13 | 760 |
| 13 | 750 |
| 13 | 740 |
| 13 | 730 |
| 12 | 720 |
| 12 | 710 |
| 12 | 700 |
| 12 | 690 |
| 11 | 680 |
| 11 | 670 |
| 11 | 660 |
| 11 | 650 |
| 10 | 640 |
| 10 | 630 |
| 10 | 620 |
| 9 | 610 |
| 9 | 600 |
| 9 | 590 |
Concordance tables like this SAT to ACT conversion chart help to convert the ACT to the SAT. It’s not an exact calculation from one test to the other, however. These conversions are just an approximation based on solid statistical relationships.
How to Use the ACT to SAT Conversion Chart
The chart is most useful when you treat it as a planning tool rather than a verdict. Here is a simple way to put it to work:
- Take one full, timed practice test of each exam. Use official materials from ACT and College Board so your results reflect the real format.
- Convert your results to the same scale. Find your SAT total in the chart and note the ACT Composite it matches, or the reverse.
- Compare the converted scores. If one result is clearly higher, that test is likely the better fit. If they are within a point or two on the ACT scale, think about pacing, content, and which format felt more comfortable.
- Check your target colleges. Look at the middle 50% score ranges your colleges publish, then set a goal score on the test you choose.
Keep one recent change in mind when you compare scores. The ACT Composite is now the average of your English, math, and reading scores, and science no longer counts toward it. Students who take the optional science section also receive a separate STEM score, which averages math and science.[6] Since the concordance tables were published in 2018, use them as a close estimate rather than an exact match for today’s tests.
How Accurate Is the ACT to SAT Conversion?
The concordance tables are statistically valid based on large-scale student testing data. However, the accuracy depends on individual performance. Some students may perform better on one test versus the other based on test format preferences, time management skills, and abilities in math or verbal portions.
For example, the SAT gives more time per question and emphasizes vocabulary, while the ACT is faster-paced and offers an optional science section. To see where your converted score falls, read What’s the Best SAT Score?
Do Colleges Prefer ACT or SAT?
Nearly all U.S. colleges accept both ACT and SAT scores equally. However, if you’re better in one format, it may be best to focus your energy there. Use the conversion chart to help compare practice test results and decide your best course of action.
Superscoring and Sending Scores
Once you know which test suits you, look at how your colleges treat multiple test dates. Some colleges superscore, meaning they combine your highest section scores across dates. Others consider your highest single sitting, and a few ask you to send every score. These policies vary by school, so check each college’s admissions website before you register for another test date.
It also helps to review the standardized testing policies for the top U.S. universities, since several highly selective colleges now require scores again. If a college on your list is test-optional, our guide on whether to submit your SAT score to test-optional schools can help you decide.
Preparing for Standardized Tests
ACT to SAT conversions can help you determine which score is best to submit to colleges. Once you pick a test, a clear study plan matters more than extra practice volume, so start with our tips on how to study for the SAT. If you’re not sure which test is the better choice for you, or you need some help with your test prep for either test, InGenius Prep can help with specific strategies to support your success.
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