ACT to SAT Conversion: Official Concordance Tables & Score Calculator

Convert ACT scores to SAT equivalents instantly using the official College Board and ACT concordance tables. Whether you're comparing test results, planning which test to take, or understanding college admissions requirements, this comprehensive conversion tool provides accurate score translations based on the 2018 official concordance study. Our calculator includes composite score conversion, section-specific comparisons, and detailed analysis to help you make informed decisions about standardized testing.

Interactive ACT SAT Score Converter

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ACT to SAT Conversion

ACT Composite Score (9-36)

SAT to ACT Conversion

SAT Total Score (400-1600)

Understanding ACT and SAT Conversion

The ACT and SAT conversion process uses official concordance tables developed jointly by ACT Inc. and the College Board through comprehensive research studies. These conversions allow students, educators, and college admissions officers to compare scores across both standardized tests accurately. The most recent concordance study, published in 2018, analyzed data from over 500,000 students who took both tests to establish reliable score relationships.

Concordance Methodology

The concordance relationship is established through statistical equipercentile linking, which matches scores that represent the same percentile rank:

$$ C_{SAT}(s_{ACT}) = F^{-1}_{SAT}(F_{ACT}(s_{ACT})) $$

Where:

$$ C_{SAT} $$ = SAT concordance function
$$ s_{ACT} $$ = ACT score
$$ F_{ACT} $$ = Cumulative distribution function of ACT scores
$$ F^{-1}_{SAT} $$ = Inverse cumulative distribution function of SAT scores

This ensures concorded scores represent equivalent percentile rankings in their respective distributions.

ACT SAT Concordance Table: Complete Composite Scores

The ACT SAT concordance table provides the foundation for all score conversions. This official table, jointly developed by both testing organizations, shows equivalent scores that represent the same level of college readiness and academic achievement.

ACT Composite	SAT Total (Midpoint)	SAT Total Range	ACT Composite	SAT Total (Midpoint)	SAT Total Range
36	1590	1570-1600	22	1110	1100-1120
35	1540	1530-1560	21	1080	1060-1090
34	1500	1490-1520	20	1040	1030-1050
33	1460	1450-1480	19	1010	990-1020
32	1430	1420-1440	18	970	960-980
31	1400	1390-1410	17	930	920-950
30	1370	1360-1380	16	890	880-910
29	1340	1330-1350	15	850	830-870
28	1310	1300-1320	14	800	780-820
27	1280	1260-1290	13	760	730-770
26	1240	1230-1250	12	710	690-720
25	1210	1200-1220	11	670	650-680
24	1180	1160-1190	10	630	620-640
23	1140	1130-1150	9	590	590-610

ACT 34 Equivalent to SAT and Popular Conversions

One of the most frequently searched conversions is ACT 34 equivalent to SAT scores. An ACT composite score of 34 corresponds to an SAT score range of 1490-1520, with a midpoint of 1500. This places students in approximately the 99th percentile of all test-takers, making it highly competitive for selective college admissions.

High ACT Scores to SAT

ACT 36 → SAT 1570-1600

ACT 35 → SAT 1530-1560

ACT 34 → SAT 1490-1520

ACT 33 → SAT 1450-1480

ACT 32 → SAT 1420-1440

Mid-Range ACT Scores to SAT

ACT 30 → SAT 1360-1380

ACT 28 → SAT 1300-1320

ACT 26 → SAT 1230-1250

ACT 24 → SAT 1160-1190

ACT 22 → SAT 1100-1120

SAT to ACT Conversion Chart

The SAT to ACT conversion chart works in reverse, allowing students with SAT scores to understand their equivalent ACT performance. This is particularly useful when colleges list admission statistics using only one test's scores.

SAT Total Score	ACT Composite	SAT Total Score	ACT Composite	SAT Total Score	ACT Composite
1600	36	1280	27	960	18
1590	36	1270	27	950	17
1580	36	1260	27	940	17
1570	36	1250	26	930	17
1560	35	1240	26	920	17
1550	35	1230	26	910	16
1540	35	1220	25	900	16
1530	35	1210	25	890	16
1520	34	1200	25	880	16
1510	34	1190	24	870	15
1500	34	1180	24	860	15
1490	34	1170	24	850	15
1480	33	1160	24	840	15
1470	33	1150	23	830	15
1460	33	1140	23	820	14
1450	33	1130	23	810	14
1440	32	1120	22	800	14
1430	32	1110	22	790	14
1420	32	1100	22	780	14
1410	31	1090	21	770	13
1400	31	1080	21	760	13
1390	31	1070	21	750	13
1380	30	1060	21	740	13
1370	30	1050	20	730	13
1360	30	1040	20	720	12
1350	29	1030	20	710	12
1340	29	1020	19	700	12
1330	29	1010	19	690	12
1320	28	1000	19	680	11
1310	28	990	19	670	11
1300	28	980	18	660	11
1290	27	970	18	650	11

Convert SAT to ACT Score: Section Analysis

When you convert SAT to ACT score, it's important to understand that conversions extend beyond composite scores to individual sections. The concordance includes separate tables for Math, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and combined English plus Reading scores.

Math Section Conversion

ACT Math	SAT Math	ACT Math	SAT Math	ACT Math	SAT Math
36	800	25	590	14	360
35	780	24	580	13	330
34	760	23	560	12	310
33	740	22	540	11	280
32	720	21	530	10	260
31	710	20	520	-	-
30	700	19	510	-	-
29	680	18	500	-	-
28	660	17	470	-	-
27	640	16	430	-	-
26	610	15	400	-	-

Reading and Writing Section Conversion

The SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section converts to the combined ACT English and Reading scores. Since each ACT section is scored out of 36, the combined score ranges from 2 to 72.

ACT English + Reading	SAT Reading & Writing	ACT English + Reading	SAT Reading & Writing
72	790	44	560
71	770	43	550
70	750	42	540
69	740	41	540
68	730	40	520
67	720	39	520
66	710	38	510
65	700	37	500
64	700	36	500
63	690	35	490
62	680	34	480
61	680	33	470
60	670	32	460
55	640	31	450
50	610	30	440
49	600	25	390
48	590	20	340
47	580	15	290
46	580	-	-
45	570	-	-

ACT Score Conversion to SAT: Methodology and Accuracy

Understanding how ACT score conversion to SAT works helps students interpret their results accurately. The concordance process uses equipercentile linking, which means converted scores represent equivalent percentile ranks rather than identical ability levels.

Key Principles of Score Conversion

Percentile Equivalence: Concorded scores represent the same percentile ranking in each test's distribution
Statistical Modeling: Conversions derive from analyzing hundreds of thousands of students who took both tests
Not Predictions: A concorded score doesn't predict how you would score on the other test
Score Ranges: Most ACT scores convert to a range of SAT scores (typically 20-30 point span)
Midpoint Values: The midpoint provides the best single-point estimate for comparison
Section Specificity: Section-level conversions may differ from composite conversions

Percentile Rank Calculation

Both tests use percentile ranks to show relative standing:

$$ PR = \frac{N_{below} + 0.5N_{equal}}{N_{total}} \times 100 $$

Where:

$$ PR $$ = Percentile Rank
$$ N_{below} $$ = Number of scores below yours
$$ N_{equal} $$ = Number of scores equal to yours
$$ N_{total} $$ = Total number of scores in distribution

SAT Equivalent to ACT: College Admissions Context

When determining the SAT equivalent to ACT for college admissions purposes, it's crucial to understand that colleges view these scores as interchangeable. No institution prefers one test over the other, and admission decisions treat equivalent scores identically.

College Admissions Insight

Test-Optional Policies: Many colleges have adopted test-optional admissions, but for students submitting scores, the ACT-SAT equivalence ensures fair evaluation regardless of which test was taken.

Superscore Consideration: Some institutions superscore within a single test (combining best sections across multiple test dates) but do not combine ACT and SAT section scores into a hybrid superscore.

Scholarship Thresholds: Merit scholarships often list requirements using both tests' scores. For example, "ACT 32+ or SAT 1430+" represents the same competitiveness level.

ACT SAT Conversion Chart: Test Structure Differences

While the ACT SAT conversion chart shows score equivalencies, understanding structural differences between the tests helps explain why direct conversion isn't always perfect.

Feature	ACT	SAT
Test Format	Paper or Computer	Digital Only (2024+)
Total Time	2h 55m (with Writing: 3h 35m)	2h 14m
Sections	4 (English, Math, Reading, Science)	2 (Reading & Writing, Math)
Total Questions	215 questions	98 questions
Score Scale	1-36 composite	400-1600 total
Math Coverage	Through Pre-Calculus	Through Algebra II
Calculator Policy	Only on Math section	Entire Math section
Science Section	Dedicated 35-minute section	Integrated into other sections
Reading Passages	4 long passages (700+ words)	Multiple shorter passages
Wrong Answer Penalty	No penalty	No penalty

ACT Score to SAT Score Conversion: Strategic Considerations

Using ACT score to SAT score conversion strategically can inform important test-taking decisions. Students often take both tests to determine which yields higher equivalent scores.

When to Use Conversion Tables

Initial Test Selection: Compare practice test results to decide which exam to focus on
Score Reporting Decisions: Determine which scores to send when you have results from both tests
Retake Planning: Decide whether to retake one test or try the alternative
Scholarship Applications: Understand if you meet requirements listed in different test formats
College Research: Interpret admission statistics published using the other test's scores
Score Goal Setting: Establish equivalent target scores for test preparation

Which Test Should You Take?

The conversion tables help you understand equivalencies, but choosing which test to take depends on individual strengths and preferences:

Consider the ACT if you:

✓ Excel at science data interpretation
✓ Prefer straightforward question formats
✓ Work well under time pressure
✓ Are comfortable with trigonometry
✓ Like having a dedicated science section

Consider the SAT if you:

✓ Excel at vocabulary in context
✓ Prefer evidence-based reading
✓ Want more time per question
✓ Like using calculator throughout math
✓ Prefer shorter, adaptive testing

ACT SAT Score Conversion: Percentile Analysis

Understanding percentile rankings alongside ACT SAT score conversion provides crucial context for college admissions competitiveness.

ACT Composite	SAT Total	Percentile	College Competitiveness
36	1570-1600	99+	Ivy League / Top 10 Universities
35	1530-1560	99	Top 10-20 Universities
34	1490-1520	99	Top 20-30 Universities
33	1450-1480	98	Top 30-50 Universities
32	1420-1440	97	Top 50-75 Universities
30	1360-1380	93	Competitive State Flagships
28	1300-1320	88	Strong Regional Universities
26	1230-1250	82	Most State Universities
24	1160-1190	74	Mid-Tier Colleges
21	1060-1090	55	Less Selective Institutions

Convert SAT to ACT Score: Common Questions

Why are there score ranges instead of exact conversions?

Score ranges exist because the ACT and SAT measure slightly different skills and use different statistical distributions. The range represents the uncertainty inherent in comparing across different assessment instruments. The midpoint value serves as the best single-point estimate when exact comparison is necessary.

Can I combine my best ACT and SAT section scores?

No. Colleges do not create hybrid superscores combining ACT and SAT sections. Superscoring only occurs within the same test across multiple dates. You must submit either ACT scores or SAT scores for consideration.

Do colleges prefer one test over the other?

No college in the United States expresses preference for the ACT or SAT. Admissions offices use concordance tables to evaluate scores equivalently, meaning an ACT 32 receives identical consideration as SAT 1420-1440.

How accurate are these conversions?

The official concordance tables represent the best available score comparisons based on extensive empirical research. However, they indicate equivalent percentile rankings rather than predicting actual performance. Individual students might score differently on each test due to format differences, personal strengths, and test-taking conditions.

Should I report both ACT and SAT scores if I have them?

Generally, report whichever score is higher when converted to equivalent scales. If both scores fall within the same concordance range and represent your strongest performance, reporting both can demonstrate consistency. However, if one score significantly outperforms the other, report only the stronger result.

ACT SAT Conversion Table: Historical Context

The current ACT SAT conversion table was established in 2018 following the SAT's redesign in 2016. Previous concordance tables from 2008 became outdated when the SAT changed from a 2400-point scale to the current 1600-point scale.

2018 Concordance Study Methodology

The concordance research analyzed data from over 500,000 students who took both the ACT and SAT during 2016-2017. This unprecedented sample size ensured statistical reliability across all score ranges and demographic groups.

Key Findings: The study confirmed that the relationship between ACT and SAT scores remained stable across different student populations, geographic regions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This stability validates the concordance tables for universal application in college admissions.

SAT to ACT Conversion: Advanced Applications

Score Improvement Analysis

Using conversion tables to analyze score improvement potential helps students make strategic retake decisions:

Cross-Test Improvement Calculation

To determine if switching tests might yield better results:

$$ \Delta_{effective} = C_{new}(S_{practice}) - S_{current} $$

Where:

$$ \Delta_{effective} $$ = Effective score improvement
$$ C_{new} $$ = Conversion function for new test
$$ S_{practice} $$ = Practice score on alternative test
$$ S_{current} $$ = Current official score

Example: If you scored SAT 1300 officially but ACT 30 on practice (≈ SAT 1360-1380), the effective improvement is 60-80 points, suggesting the ACT may be advantageous.

ACT SAT Concordance Table: State Testing Programs

Many states mandate standardized testing for high school students, with some requiring the ACT and others the SAT. The concordance tables enable states to compare educational outcomes regardless of which test is administered.

States Requiring ACT vs SAT (2025)

ACT States: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming
SAT States: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, West Virginia
Choice or Neither: Remaining states allow choice or don't mandate either test

Comprehensive Score Comparison Reference

Quick Conversion Reference Table

This condensed table provides at-a-glance conversion for the most common score ranges:

ACT	SAT	%ile	ACT	SAT	%ile	ACT	SAT	%ile
36	1590	99+	29	1340	91	22	1110	64
35	1540	99	28	1310	88	21	1080	55
34	1500	99	27	1280	85	20	1040	48
33	1460	98	26	1240	82	19	1010	40
32	1430	97	25	1210	78	18	970	33
31	1400	95	24	1180	74	17	930	27
30	1370	93	23	1140	69	16	890	21

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Score Conversion Strategy

Understanding ACT and SAT conversion empowers students to make strategic decisions about test selection, score reporting, and college applications. The official concordance tables provide reliable equivalencies based on extensive research, ensuring fair comparison across different testing instruments.

Whether you're determining which test to take, comparing scores for college admissions, or planning retake strategies, these conversion tools offer invaluable guidance. Remember that while conversions provide percentile equivalence, individual test-taking experiences vary based on personal strengths, preparation quality, and test format preferences.

For optimal results, take full-length practice tests of both the ACT and SAT under realistic conditions, then use conversion tables to identify which exam yields higher equivalent scores. Focus your preparation efforts on the test that best aligns with your academic strengths and testing style, maximizing your college admissions competitiveness.

Author: Standardized Test Conversion Specialist

Last Updated: October 2025

Reviewed By: College Admissions Counselors & Test Prep Experts

Sources: Official ACT-SAT Concordance Tables (2018), College Board Research, ACT Inc. Documentation