SAT Score Calculator: How to Convert Raw Scores

The SAT score calculator converts your raw score (the number of questions you answered correctly) into a scaled score between 200 and 800 for each section. You enter your raw scores for Reading, Writing and Language, and Math, and the calculator returns your scaled section scores and total score (400–1600) using the official College Board conversion tables.

Formula

The SAT uses a process called equating to convert raw scores to scaled scores. The exact formula varies by test date, but a common approximation is:

Scaled Score = 10 + (Raw Score × Slope)

Where:

• Raw Score = number of correct answers (no penalty for wrong answers since 2016)
• Slope = a constant that depends on the section and test difficulty (typically between 10 and 14 for Math, and 8–12 for Reading/Writing)

For the current digital SAT (2023 onward), the conversion is even more complex because it uses a computer-adaptive format, but the same principle applies: raw score → scaled score via a table.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator above (raw scores of 30 for each section):

1. Reading/Writing: Scaled = 10 + (30 × 12.5) + (30 × 10) = 10 + 375 + 300 = 685
2. Math: Scaled = 10 + (30 × 13.3) = 10 + 399 = 409 → rounds to 409
3. Total: 685 + 409 = 1094

So with 30 correct in each section, you’d get approximately 1094 out of 1600. Note that this is an approximation—the actual conversion table may give slightly different numbers.

How the SAT Scoring System Works

The SAT has two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each is scored from 200 to 800, and the total is the sum (400–1600).

Since the 2016 redesign, there is no guessing penalty—you get 1 point for each correct answer and 0 for incorrect or blank. Your raw score is simply the number of correct answers. The raw score is then converted to a scaled score using a table that adjusts for the difficulty of that particular test form.

For the digital SAT (introduced internationally in 2023, in the U.S. in 2024), the test is adaptive: the second module of each section is harder or easier based on your performance in the first module. This means the conversion is even more individualized, but the final scaled score still ranges from 200–800 per section.

How to Use the Calculator

To use the calculator, you need your raw scores from a practice test or official score report. If you’re practicing, you can count the number of correct answers in each section. For the paper test, the Reading section has 52 questions, Writing has 44, and Math has 58 (with 20 no-calculator and 38 calculator questions). For the digital test, Reading/Writing has 54 questions per section (two modules of 27), and Math has 44 (two modules of 22).

Enter your raw scores in the three fields, and the calculator will estimate your scaled scores. Remember that this is an approximation—the official conversion tables vary slightly by test date.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

• Assuming the conversion is linear and constant: The conversion table changes with each test form. A raw score of 40 on one test might yield a 650, while on another it might yield a 640. The calculator above uses a typical slope, but it’s not exact.
• Forgetting the no-penalty rule: Some students still think wrong answers subtract points. They don’t. Always answer every question, even if you have to guess.
• Mixing up raw and scaled scores: Raw scores are out of 52, 44, and 58 for the paper test; scaled scores are out of 800. Don’t compare a raw score to a scaled score.
• Using the wrong number of questions: On the digital test, the sections have different totals than the paper test. Make sure you’re using the correct raw score range.

Limitations of This Calculator

This calculator provides an estimate based on a linear approximation of the official conversion tables. The actual College Board tables are non-linear and vary by test date. For the most accurate score prediction, use the official scoring tables provided with your practice test, or use the College Board’s official scoring tools.

Also, the digital SAT’s adaptive format means that the same raw score on different test dates can yield slightly different scaled scores. The calculator is best used as a rough guide to see where you stand, not as a definitive predictor.

Alternatives and Official Resources

If you need a more accurate conversion, consider these options:

• Official SAT Practice Tests: Each practice test includes a scoring table. Use that table directly.
• College Board’s BigFuture: The official website has score calculators for practice tests.
• Khan Academy: Offers free SAT prep and practice tests with scoring.
• Your score report: If you’ve taken the real SAT, your report shows your raw score and scaled score, so you can see the exact conversion for your test date.

Remember that your SAT score is just one part of your college application. Many schools are test-optional, and your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars also matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good SAT score?

A good SAT score depends on your target colleges. The national average is around 1050. For selective schools, you might need 1400 or higher. Check the middle 50% range of scores for the schools you’re applying to.

Is there a penalty for wrong answers?

No. Since 2016, the SAT has no guessing penalty. You get 1 point for each correct answer and 0 for incorrect or blank. Always answer every question.

How many questions can I miss to get a 700 on Math?

On the paper test, Math has 58 questions. To get a 700, you typically need about 52–54 correct answers (missing 4–6). On the digital test, with 44 questions, you’d need about 38–40 correct. These numbers vary by test date.

How do I find my raw score?

Your raw score is the number of questions you answered correctly. For practice tests, count the correct answers in each section. On official score reports, your raw score is usually listed, along with the scaled score.

Can I use this calculator for the digital SAT?

Yes, but with caution. The digital SAT has different raw score ranges (Reading/Writing: 54, Math: 44). The calculator’s approximation should still give a rough estimate, but the adaptive format makes the conversion less predictable.

Why does my calculated score differ from the official one?

The official conversion tables are not linear and change with each test form. This calculator uses a simple linear approximation, so it can be off by 10–30 points. For the most accurate score, use the official scoring table from your practice test or score report.

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in raw_rw | Reading raw score | - | 30 | 0
in raw_w | Writing raw score | - | 30 | 0
in raw_m | Math raw score | - | 30 | 0
out scaled_rw | Reading/Writing scaled | - | round(10 + raw_rw * 12.5 + raw_w * 10) | 0
out scaled_m | Math scaled | - | round(10 + raw_m * 13.3) | 0
out total | Total SAT score | - | scaled_rw + scaled_m | 0