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 strengths and stand out from 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 60 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 strong in math, while the ACT is better for strong readers.
Question Time Limits
The ACT has longer sections with shorter time intervals, so speed and time management factor into high scores. There are four multiple-choice sections with 215 questions that take 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete.[1] There’s a 15-minute break after the math portion.
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 73 seconds per question, but the questions are reading-intensive. Generally, the SAT has a slower pace than the ACT.
Science Section
The SAT doesn’t have a dedicated science section, whereas the ACT does. This section assesses graph, chart, and research study interpretation and reading comprehension instead of knowledge of science subjects like biology, chemistry, or physics.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should shy away from the ACT if you’re not strong in science. 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 essay section for evidence-based reading. 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
It’s difficult to earn a perfect score on either the ACT or SAT, but it’s much harder on the SAT. About 0.07% of participants score 1600 on the SAT, while about 0.25% of participants score a perfect 36 on the ACT.[3,4]
ACT to SAT Conversion Chart
Here are the latest score comparisons:[5]
| ACT Score | SAT Score |
| 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 |
| 32 | 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 | 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 strong statistical relationships.
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 strengths in math or verbal portions.
For example, the SAT gives more time per question and emphasizes vocabulary, while the ACT is faster-paced and includes a science section.
Do Colleges Prefer ACT or SAT?
Nearly all U.S. colleges accept both ACT and SAT scores equally. However, if you’re stronger 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.
Preparing for Standardized Tests
ACT to SAT conversions can help you determine which score is best to submit to colleges. 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. Contact us today for a free consultation!