SAT scoring is based on a scale of 400 to 1600. Your final score is the combined total of scores from the Reading & Writing and Math sections, each including 2 separately timed adaptive modules. Each section score ranges from 200 to 800. These are then added together to form your total score, reflecting your overall exam performance.
If you want to build confidence with a structured learning path, check out our SAT Online Prep Course for in-depth lessons and strategies tailored to your needs.
SAT Raw Score Conversion
A raw SAT score is the number of questions you correctly answered. There is no penalty for an incorrect answer, so making an educated guess can only boost your chance of getting the answer correct by 25 percent. You can sharpen your scoring accuracy by using SAT practice tests and questions to simulate real test conditions.
| SAT Scoring | ||
|---|---|---|
| Section | No. of Questions | Raw Score Range |
| Reading and Writing | 54 | 0-54 |
| Math | 44 | 0-44 |
The difficulty level of each question and the skill types it measures are considered while calculating this score. You will access questions aligned to your proficiency level on module 2 of each section.
What Are Scaled SAT Scores?
After your score for each section is calculated, it is converted to a standardized score ranging between 200 and 800, a process known as scaling. You get 2 scaled scores, 1 each for the Reading & Writing and Math sections.
The College Board® sets this conversion scale, which remains nearly the same every year. However, some changes can depend on the test's difficulty level. For example, a raw score of 42 out of 44 on the Math test can earn you a scaled score of 800 in some test administrations. You might need to answer all 44 questions correctly on other test administrations to receive an 800. This method is called equating and is a standardized statistical process to ensure the fairness and validity of the exam score.
Now that you have a clear idea of what makes up your final SAT score, let's review how the Reading & Writing and Math section scores are calculated. For section-by-section breakdowns, refer to our SAT Study Guide and Prep Book to reinforce these scoring concepts with targeted content.
How Is Each SAT Section Scored?
Each section of the SAT is scored on a range of 200 to 800. Let's break down how the raw scores of the Reading & Writing and Math sections are converted into scaled scores.
Reading and Writing Section Scoring Structure
In SAT scoring, raw scores from Module 1 and Module 2 of the Reading and Writing section are added together, then the total raw score is converted into a scaled score ranging from 200 to 800.
Math Section Scoring Structure
Raw scores from Module 1 and Module 2 of the Math section are added together, then the total number is converted into a scaled score ranging from 200 to 800.
2025-26 SAT Test and Score Release Dates
SAT scores are usually released 2 to 3 weeks after the testing date. If you're interested in learning about SAT score release dates and how to view your score, read our blog on What To Expect on Digital SAT Score Release Day.
| SAT Test Date | SAT Score Release Date |
|---|---|
| May 3, 2025 | May 16, 2025 |
| June 7, 2025 | June 20, 2025 |
| Aug. 23, 2025* | TBD |
| Oct. 4, 2025* | TBD |
| Nov. 8, 2025* | TBD |
| Dec. 6, 2025* | TBD |
| March 14, 2026* | TBD |
| May 2, 2026* | TBD |
| June 6, 2026* | TBD |
* College Board anticipated test dates are subject to change.
How to Get Your Digital SAT Scores
There are 3 ways to get your SAT score:
- Online: The easiest way to access your SAT score is through the College Board website. Simply log in to your My SAT account.
- By mail: If you don't have a College Board account and registered via mail, you will automatically receive your score on paper in the mail.
- By phone: For a fee, you may also receive your score by calling (866) 756-7346.
To learn about the components of the SAT score report, read our blog on How to Interpret the Digital SAT Score Report.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. The SAT is graded on a scale of 400 to 1600.
The SAT percentiles range from 1 to 99 and represent the percentage of students who did better or worse than you on the test. To learn about score percentiles, read our blog on What Digital SAT percentiles mean.
The average SAT score is calculated by adding the total score of all test takers and dividing by the total number of students who took the test in a particular year. The average SAT score in 2024 was 1024 and 1028 in 2023.
A good SAT score depends on the national average for a given year and your college goals. While scoring above average is a solid starting point, a truly “good” score makes you a competitive applicant at the colleges you wish to attend. Take an SAT self-assessment practice test to understand where you stand.
Your score report includes a benchmark displaying your readiness for college-level coursework. Falling in the 25th percentile (870 or lower) is considered below average.
Your SAT score report can be sent directly to a university through the College Board. If you choose to have the report sent before scores are released, you will have 4 free submissions. You must pay a fee if you prefer to send your official report after the SAT score release dates. Learn more about this process by reading our blog on sending Digital SAT scores to colleges.
SAT superscoring is a method that lets you select your best section scores from multiple test dates to get a new composite score. Colleges would take your best Reading and Writing scores and best Math scores from multiple exams to credit you with the highest possible SAT scores. Learn more about superscoring.
SAT scores are valid forever. However, colleges might not consider scores older than 5 years. In such a situation, consider retaking the SAT. Remember to check with your prospective college on their SAT score policies.
Each scholarship program will have different requirements. However, the higher you score on the SAT, the better your chances of being rewarded with a valuable scholarship.
You can cancel SAT scores at the testing location by requesting a cancellation form immediately after finishing your exam or sending it via mail. Get in-depth information about the score cancellation process by reading our blog on canceling the SAT scores.
To learn your SAT score verification options, contact the College Board’s Customer Service team at 866-756-7346 (U.S. and Canada) or 212-713-7789 (all other countries).
Most colleges consider both your high school GPA and SAT score for admission. A high SAT score could balance a low GPA
References
- The Digital SAT® Suite of Assessments Specifications Overview. (2022). satsuite.collegeboard.org. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/digital-sat-test-spec-overview.pdf
- Digital SAT Sample Questions and Explanations. (n.d.). satsuite.collegeboard.org. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/digital-sat-sample-questions.pdf
- Spring 2024 SAT Student Guide for Testing in the U.S. (n.d.). satsuite.collegeboard.org. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/sat-student-guide.pdf
- Understanding Digital SAT Scores. (2023). satsuite.collegeboard.org. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/digital-sat-understanding-scores.pdf
- Your SAT Score Report Explained – SAT Suite | College Board. (n.d.). Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/scores/understanding-scores/your-score-report-explained
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