Converting between ACT and SAT scores is straightforward when you use the official concordance tables. Here's what you need to know.
Concordance establishes a relationship between scores on tests that measure similar, but not identical, skills. When you convert an ACT score to an SAT score (or vice versa), you're finding scores that have the same percentile rank among students who took both tests.
A concorded score is not a prediction of how you would actually perform on the other test. It's simply showing you which scores are comparable based on how other students performed.
ACT and the College Board created concordance tables in 2018 based on 589,753 students who took both tests. These are the only official tables you should use when comparing scores.
You can convert three types of scores:
ACT Composite to SAT Total. Your overall ACT score (1 to 36) converts to your combined SAT score (400 to 1600). For example, an ACT 30 converts to approximately a 1370 SAT, with a range of 1360 to 1380.
ACT Math to SAT Math. Your ACT Math score converts directly to your SAT Math section score. An ACT Math 28 equals approximately a 660 SAT Math.
ACT English + Reading to SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. Your combined ACT English and Reading scores convert to the SAT's ERW section.
Start with the score you have. If you took the ACT and got a composite score of 27, look up that score in the concordance table. You'll find it corresponds to approximately a 1280 SAT, with a typical range of 1260 to 1290.
The tables work in both directions. If you have an SAT score and want to know the ACT equivalent, you can look that up too. A 1400 SAT Total equals about a 31 ACT Composite.
Keep in mind that these conversions come with some natural variability. When converting from SAT Total to ACT Composite, there's a standard error of about 2 points. When going from ACT to SAT, the standard error is roughly 80 points.
You'll most often need to convert scores when colleges accept either the ACT or SAT and you want to compare your performance on both tests.
Some students take both tests to see which one suits their strengths better. If you scored a 1200 on the SAT and a 26 on the ACT, the concordance shows these are roughly equivalent (an ACT 26 converts to approximately a 1240 SAT). You might choose to focus your test preparation efforts on whichever test felt more natural to you.
Scholarship organizations sometimes use concordance tables when they accept scores from either test. If a scholarship requires a minimum 1300 SAT or equivalent ACT score, you can use the tables to confirm that your ACT 28 (which converts to approximately 1310 SAT) meets the threshold.
Colleges don't want you to superscore across both tests. If you took the SAT twice and the ACT once, you can't cherry-pick your best section scores from all three test dates. Stick to superscoring within the same test type.
Converting scores is useful for comparison, but it doesn't tell you how you would actually perform on the other test. The ACT and SAT test similar content in different formats. Your performance depends on factors like pacing comfort, question style preferences, and how many times you've taken each test.
Most colleges that are test-optional don't require conversion at all. Focus on submitting whichever score represents you best.
Whether you're planning your first test or deciding whether to retake for a higher score, understanding score conversion helps you make informed decisions.
Some students benefit from taking both tests to see which format suits them better. Others prefer to focus their energy on one test and take it multiple times. What matters most is finding the approach that helps you perform your best while balancing all your other commitments.
When you work with us at LifeWorks, we help you develop test-taking strategies that go beyond knowing conversion tables. We focus on building the information processing and logical thinking skills that help you succeed on whichever test you choose. Get in touch to learn how we can support your testing journey with a personalized approach that honors who you are as a whole person.
