ACT to SAT Score Converter

This tool converts ACT scores to equivalent SAT scores using official concordance tables. It helps students, academic advisors, and parents compare standardized test results for college applications. Use it to evaluate test performance and plan next steps for admissions.
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ACT to SAT Score Converter

Convert your ACT composite score to the equivalent SAT total score using official concordance tables.

How to Use This Tool

Follow these simple steps to convert your ACT score to SAT equivalent:

  1. Enter your official ACT composite score (1-36) in the required field.
  2. Optionally add your ACT section scores (English, Math, Reading, Science) for more detailed SAT section equivalents.
  3. Select the concordance table year (2018 official is recommended for current college applications).
  4. Click the "Calculate SAT Equivalent" button to view your results.
  5. Use the copy button to save your results to your clipboard for college planning.

Click "Reset" to clear all fields and start a new calculation.

Formula and Logic

This tool uses the official 2018 ACT-SAT Concordance Table jointly developed by ACT Inc. and the College Board, the organization that administers the SAT. The conversion maps ACT composite scores (1-36) to SAT total scores (400-1600) based on performance equivalence across hundreds of thousands of test-takers.

For optional section conversions, we use approximate linear mapping: ACT section scores (1-36) are mapped to SAT section scores (200-800 for ERW and Math) by scaling the 1-36 range to the 200-800 range. Note that section conversions are estimates, as official concordance only covers composite scores.

The progress bar visualizes your SAT total score position on the full 400-1600 SAT range, helping you understand how your score compares to the full scale.

Practical Notes

Keep these education-specific tips in mind when using your converted scores:

  • Most U.S. colleges accept both ACT and SAT scores, but always check individual college admission requirements before submitting scores.
  • The 2018 concordance is the only officially recommended table for current college applications; legacy 2016 data is provided for historical reference only.
  • Converted scores are estimates of equivalence, not exact predictors of performance. Your actual SAT score may vary based on test prep and content differences between the two exams.
  • If you are retaking the ACT, use this tool to track how score improvements would impact your SAT-equivalent standing for admissions or scholarships.
  • Some scholarships use SAT/ACT score cutoffs; convert your score to ensure you meet eligibility requirements for merit aid.

Why This Tool Is Useful

Students, parents, and academic advisors use this tool to:

  • Compare ACT and SAT scores when deciding which test to take or submit to colleges.
  • Evaluate college admission chances by matching converted scores to published SAT score ranges for target schools.
  • Plan test prep by identifying how much you need to improve your ACT score to reach a target SAT equivalent.
  • Simplify score reporting for advisors and parents who may be more familiar with SAT scoring than ACT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ACT to SAT conversion accurate?

The conversion uses the official 2018 concordance table, which is the most accurate available. It is based on data from over 200,000 students who took both exams, ensuring performance-based equivalence. Section score conversions are approximate, as official concordance does not cover individual sections.

Should I use the 2016 or 2018 concordance table?

Always use the 2018 table for current college applications. The 2016 table is outdated and no longer recognized by ACT or the College Board for admission decisions. Legacy data is only provided for comparing old scores to historical SAT ranges.

Can I convert an SAT score to ACT using this tool?

This tool only converts ACT to SAT. To convert SAT to ACT, you would need to reverse the concordance table, but we recommend using a dedicated SAT to ACT converter for accurate results, as reverse mapping may have slight inaccuracies.

Additional Guidance

If your converted SAT score is below your target college's average, consider focused test prep for your weakest ACT sections. For example, if your ACT Math score is low, use SAT Math prep materials to improve, as the content overlaps significantly. Always send your highest score to colleges, whether ACT or SAT, as most schools superscore or accept your best result. For students with score differences between the two tests, take practice exams for both to see which plays to your strengths.