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ACT Score Calculator

Calculate composite, percentile, and SAT equivalent

Enter each section score (1–36)

ACT Composite

25

Average

STEM

25

ELA

26

Score Analysis

Percentile78th
SAT Equivalent1590
Exact Average25.00

Section Scores

English25
Math24
Reading26
Science25

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How is the ACT composite score calculated?

The ACT composite is the average of your four section scores (English, Math, Reading, Science), each scored 1-36, rounded to the nearest whole number. For example, scores of 25, 24, 26, and 25 average to 25.0, giving a composite of 25.

  • Add all four section scores together
  • Divide the sum by 4
  • Round to the nearest whole number (0.5 rounds up)
  • Composite range: 1-36
  • Each section has equal weight in the composite
SectionQuestionsTimeScore Range
English7545 min1-36
Math6060 min1-36
Reading4035 min1-36
Science4035 min1-36
Q

What is a good ACT score?

The national average ACT composite is about 20. A score of 24+ is above average (72nd percentile), 30+ is excellent (95th percentile), and 34+ is exceptional (99th percentile). Top colleges typically want 32+ for competitive admissions.

  • National average: ~20 composite (42nd percentile)
  • 24+: Above average, competitive for state universities
  • 28+: Very good, competitive for top-50 schools
  • 30+: Excellent, competitive for selective universities
  • 34+: Exceptional, competitive for Ivy League admissions
ACT ScorePercentileSAT EquivalentCollege Tier
34-3699-1001540-1590Ivy League / Top 20
30-3395-981420-1510Top 50 universities
25-2978-931260-1390Competitive state schools
20-2442-721080-1220Most state universities
Below 201-41Below 1080Open-admission schools
Q

How do ACT scores convert to SAT scores?

ACT and College Board publish official concordance tables for score conversion. An ACT 30 equals roughly SAT 1420, ACT 25 equals SAT 1260, and ACT 20 equals SAT 1080. These conversions help colleges evaluate applicants who take different tests.

  • ACT 36 = SAT 1590 (near-perfect on both tests)
  • ACT 30 = SAT 1420 (excellent range)
  • ACT 25 = SAT 1260 (above average range)
  • ACT 20 = SAT 1080 (average range)
  • Concordance updated periodically as tests evolve
ACTSATPercentile
361590100
33151098
30142095
27133088
24122072
21111050
Q

What is an ACT superscore?

An ACT superscore takes the highest section score from multiple test dates and averages them for a new composite. If you scored English 28, Math 25 on one test and English 24, Math 30 on another, your superscore uses English 28 and Math 30.

  • Take the best score from each section across all test dates
  • Average the four best section scores for a new composite
  • Superscore is always equal to or higher than any single sitting
  • Over 400 colleges accept ACT superscores
  • Check each school's policy before relying on superscoring
Q

What are STEM and ELA scores on the ACT?

The ACT reports STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and ELA (English Language Arts) subscores. STEM is the average of Math and Science sections. ELA is the average of English and Reading. These help identify academic strengths.

  • STEM = average of Math + Science section scores
  • ELA = average of English + Reading section scores
  • Both range from 1-36 like section scores
  • Useful for identifying academic strengths and weaknesses
  • Some STEM-focused colleges weigh STEM subscore more heavily

Example Calculations

1Above Average Student

Inputs

English25
Math24
Reading26
Science25

Result

ACT Composite25
SAT Equivalent1260
Percentile78th
STEM25
ELA26

Composite = (25 + 24 + 26 + 25) / 4 = 100 / 4 = 25.0, rounds to 25. STEM = (24 + 25) / 2 = 24.5, rounds to 25. ELA = (25 + 26) / 2 = 25.5, rounds to 26.

2Excellent Student

Inputs

English32
Math30
Reading33
Science29

Result

ACT Composite31
SAT Equivalent1450
Percentile96th
STEM30
ELA33

Composite = (32 + 30 + 33 + 29) / 4 = 124 / 4 = 31.0, rounds to 31. STEM = (30 + 29) / 2 = 29.5, rounds to 30. ELA = (32 + 33) / 2 = 32.5, rounds to 33.

3Average Student

Inputs

English19
Math20
Reading21
Science20

Result

ACT Composite20
SAT Equivalent1080
Percentile42nd
STEM20
ELA20

Composite = (19 + 20 + 21 + 20) / 4 = 80 / 4 = 20.0, rounds to 20. STEM = (20 + 20) / 2 = 20. ELA = (19 + 21) / 2 = 20.

Formulas Used

ACT Composite Score

Composite = round((English + Math + Reading + Science) / 4)

The composite is the average of four section scores, each rated 1-36, rounded to the nearest whole number.

Where:

English= English section score (1-36)
Math= Math section score (1-36)
Reading= Reading section score (1-36)
Science= Science section score (1-36)

STEM Score

STEM = round((Math + Science) / 2)

The STEM subscore averages your Math and Science section scores to indicate proficiency in quantitative reasoning.

Where:

Math= Math section score (1-36)
Science= Science section score (1-36)

ELA Score

ELA = round((English + Reading) / 2)

The ELA subscore averages your English and Reading section scores to indicate language arts proficiency.

Where:

English= English section score (1-36)
Reading= Reading section score (1-36)

Understanding ACT Scoring

The ACT composite score is one of the most important metrics in college admissions. Understanding how it is calculated from section scores helps you identify which sections to focus on for the biggest improvement.

Many colleges now accept both ACT and SAT scores interchangeably. The official concordance tables allow admissions officers to compare applicants fairly regardless of which test they took. Some students perform better on one test due to format differences.

Superscoring, where colleges take the best section scores across multiple test dates, can significantly boost your composite. Strategic test retaking focused on weaker sections is an effective way to maximize your superscore.

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Last Updated: Mar 25, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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