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ACT® Scores | A Complete Guide to ACT Scoring

This 1-stop ACT scoring guide has everything you need to know about how all sections impact your overall score, ACT score range, conversion of raw scores to scaled scores, and score release dates.

How is the ACT scored?

The ACT test consists of 3 mandatory sections: English, Math, and Reading, with Science and Writing as optional. Your final ACT score, ranging from 1-36, is the average of your scores from these sections on the test. If you are taking the ACT with an optional Writing or Science test, the scores of these sections will be reported separately; however, they will not affect your overall ACT score. To generate your total ACT score, the raw score from each section is converted to a scaled score.

What are raw scores?

Your ACT raw score is determined by the number of questions you answer correctly on the test. There is no penalty for wrong answers or the questions you leave blank. For example, on your Math test, if you answer 30 questions correctly, leave 5 blank, and answer 10 incorrectly, your raw score for that section would be 30. The raw score for each section depends on the number of questions in each section. Below is a breakdown of each section, its corresponding raw score range, and the number of questions.

English

Questions: 50
Raw Score: 0-50

Math

Questions: 45
Raw Score: 0-45

Reading

Questions: 36
Raw Score: 0-36

Science

Questions: 40
Raw Score: 0-40

What are scaled scores?

ACT English Scoring

The English section has 50 questions, and the highest raw score that you can receive is 50, which is the number of questions you’ve answered correctly. Once your raw score is calculated, it is converted to a scaled score ranging from 1-36.

The following are the 3 reporting categories for ACT English scoring:

In the ACT English section, the questions are either detail, broad-idea, or big-picture-based, and they generally test your rhetorical, usage, and mechanics skills. To learn how you can improve your ACT English score, check out our ACT English Study Guide.

ACT Math Scoring

The maximum raw score you can get for the Math section is 45, as the total number of questions in this section is also 45. After your raw score is calculated, it is then converted to a scaled score of 1-36.

The reporting categories for this section are:

This section assesses mathematical skills that students have acquired up until grade 12. The ability to calculate and understand basic concepts can be a huge advantage on this test. Read our ACT Math Study Guide to learn the strategies to improve your score on the Math test and make an effective study plan.

ACT Reading Scoring

For the reading section, your raw score is first calculated to determine your section score. Given that there are 36 questions in this section, the maximum raw score you can get is 36. Once your raw score is obtained, it is converted to a scaled score of 1-36.

The following are the reporting categories for this section:

The Reading test has various questions to check your understanding of the flow of ideas and spot details in the given passages. You will be assessed on your ability to read intently and evaluate text critically. Plan ahead of time and prepare well for your Reading section with our ACT Reading study guide.

ACT Student Choice Science Scoring

In order to calculate your score for the science section, your raw score must first be calculated. With a total of 40 questions in this section, the maximum raw score you can receive is 40. After your raw score is determined, it is converted to a scaled score of 1-36. Note that the score for this section will not impact your overall ACT score.

Below are the three reporting categories for this section:

This section evaluates the skills required to grasp, examine, weigh, reason, and address issues in the natural sciences. You'll be required to interpret graphs, figures, tables, and charts. For the most efficient way to prepare for your science section, follow our ACT Science study guide.

ACT Student Choice Writing Scoring

For the ACT Writing section, your essay is scored by two graders and assessed on 4 domains. Each domain is scored on a scale of 1-6 by each grader. The scores from the two graders are then added together to get 4 separate domain scores for this section, ranging from 2 to 12. Additionally, the 4 domain scores are averaged to report a single subject-level score for this section, also ranging from 2-12.

The 4 scoring domains for the ACT Writing section are:

Ideas and Analysis
Development and Support
Organization
Language Use and Conventions

You must note that your Writing section score will assess your writing and expression ability only and will not contribute to the ACT composite score.

ACT Score Conversion Table - Scaled Scores

You can learn about raw-to-scaled score conversion with the following ACT score calculator chart. The conversion table for the 2025 ACT exam is expected to be unveiled after the April 2025 changes take effect for the online version.

How to calculate your final ACT score

After getting your scaled scores, the next step is calculating your final ACT score. The ACT score is the average of scaled scores from the English, Math, and Reading sections. You need to add up the scaled scores from these sections and divide the sum by 3. Then, round off the answer to the nearest whole number. That is your total ACT score. The highest ACT score you can get is a perfect 36, while the lowest ACT score is 1.

To learn about the components of your score report, read our blog on How to Interpret the ACT Score Report.

ACT Score Reporting Dates & Delivery Timelines

The ACT scores are generally available within 2 to 8 weeks after the testing date. Following the ACT score release dates is a great way to track when your scores will be ready to view. Refer to the following table to know the time frame in which the scores are processed.

National Test Date	Reporting Timeframe
February 8, 2025	February 18 - April 4
April 5, 2025	April 15 – May 30
June 14, 2025	June 24 – August 8
July 12, 2025	July 22 – September 5

If your results are not available during the stated time frame, it may be due to one of the following issues:

Your test date was changed, or there was a delay in receiving your answer documents from your test center.
The name, birthdate, and match number on the answer document that you provided as "Matching Information" are different from those on your admission ticket.
Your test center has received a report of irregularity.
Any registration costs are due.

Opt for ACT practice tests to build a strong foundation and confidence for exam day. To track your performance, you can even take the PreACT test, which is the official practice version of the ACT. The PreACT scores will help you understand which areas you need to improve. Take our free ACT practice test to check where you stand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to get ACT scores?

It generally takes 2-8 weeks after your test date to get your ACT scores.

How can I check ACT scores?

Your scores are posted online and can be accessed using your MyACT account when they are available.

What is a good ACT score?

Any score above the national average is considered a good score. The average score for 2024 was 19.4, so any score above that will be considered a good ACT score.

What is the highest ACT score?

The highest ACT score that anyone can achieve is 36.

How does ACT superscoring work?

Superscoring is a score interpretation method where you select your best section scores from multiple test dates to get a new composite score. To understand in detail how ACT is superscored, read our blog on superscoring.

How can I verify my ACT score?

If your ACT score is less than what you expected, you can use verification services. ACT provides you the option of getting your MCQs and essays verified to discover any errors in the scoring process. To learn more about the verification services, be sure to read our blog on how to verify your ACT score.

How can I find my old ACT scores?

To get your old score reports, you can access your MyACT account or contact customer service at +1- (319) 337-1270.

How long are ACT scores valid?

ACT scores have no official expiration date. However, if your scores are more than 5 years old, it is recommended that you take the test again.

Do colleges look at ACT subscores?

The primary score that colleges check is your composite score. However, some colleges may review your subscores to further evaluate your aptitude in your chosen field of study.

What ACT score is needed for scholarships?

A score between 20 and 25 is the typical minimum range to be eligible for scholarship consideration. In many cases, the required score depends on the scholarship for which you are applying.

Is it better to have a great GPA or a great ACT score?

For admission purposes, colleges generally require your ACT score. So, there is a chance that a great ACT score may compensate for a poor GPA.

What are ACT percentiles?

The ACT percentile ranges from 1-100 and evaluates your performance on the test compared to other test takers. To learn more about score percentiles, check out our blog on what ACT percentiles mean.

How can I send my ACT scores to colleges?

ACT score reports can be sent directly through your MyACT account. You get four free submissions; after that, each report costs $18 to be sent to colleges. To understand the complete process of sending scores, read our blog on how to send ACT scores to colleges.

Can you send an ACT score without writing?

No, you cannot send your ACT score without writing if you took the ACT with the Writing test.

Do ACT scores matter for transfer students?

It depends on the school you’re interested in and how many credits you have already earned. Different transfer applicants need to meet different requirements. Generally speaking, there is a possibility that you will be required to submit your ACT score if you have completed fewer credits.

How can I cancel my ACT scores?

There are 3 things you can do if you get a bad ACT score: cancel your scores, stop your reports from being sent to colleges, and delete test records. To learn more about them in detail, read our blog on canceling ACT scores.