ACT vs SAT Score Conversion Chart 2026 (Latest)

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In addition to a solid GPA, compelling recommendation letters, and a thoughtful statement of purpose, standardized examinations such as the SAT and ACT are vital components of the admissions process for United States universities. Although these two assessments differ significantly, numerous applicants remain unaware that ACT results can actually be translated into SAT figures for evaluation purposes.

Why Do We Need ACT to SAT Conversion?

Translating ACT scores to SAT figures is necessary because admissions committees evaluate candidates who took distinct tests while still needing to assess them on a standardized metric. Because the SAT and ACT rely on entirely distinct scoring frameworks and testing structures, this translation allows admissions personnel to evaluate results equitably without favoring either test.

It additionally assists candidates in determining the competitiveness of their ACT results at institutions that primarily disclose SAT score intervals.

ACT to SAT Conversion Chart 

The ACT utilizes a composite scale ranging from 1 to 36, whereas the SAT employs a total score span of 400 to 1600; therefore, a direct assessment is unachievable without an authorized translation model.

The chart presented below is derived from the official ACT and SAT concordance research jointly published by the College Board and ACT:

ACT Composite	SAT Equivalent	SAT Score Range
36	1590	1570–1600
35	1540	1530–1560
34	1500	1490–1520
33	1460	1450–1480
32	1430	1420–1440
31	1400	1390–1410
30	1370	1360–1380
29	1340	1330–1350
28	1310	1300–1320
27	1280	1260–1290
26	1240	1230–1250
25	1210	1200–1220
24	1180	1160–1190
23	1140	1130–1150
22	1110	1100–1120
21	1080	1060–1090
20	1040	1030–1050
19	1010	990–1020
18	970	960–980
17	930	920–950
16	890	880–910
15	850	830–870
14	800	780–820
13	760	730–770
12	710	690–720
11	670	650–680
10	630	620–640
9	590	590–610

ACT to SAT Conversion Example

To gain a clearer understanding of how ACT scores translate to SAT figures, let examine a few straightforward scenarios. This will demonstrate how a specific ACT result corresponds to an SAT equivalent using the official translation table.

Scenario 1: Riya earned a 30 on the ACT. Based on the translation chart, an ACT result of 30 corresponds to an SAT figure of approximately 1370, spanning from 1360 to 1380. This indicates that higher education institutions will consider her ACT result comparable to a middle-1300s SAT performance.
Scenario 2: Arjun achieved a 24 on the ACT. When translated, this aligns with an SAT score of roughly 1180, falling within the 1160 to 1190 bracket. Universities that welcome SAT results will evaluate his ACT performance at this equivalent level.

Is ACT to SAT Conversion Official and Accurate?

Indeed, translating ACT scores to SAT figures is both authorized and precise. The College Board and ACT jointly supply a recognized concordance guide that institutions rely on to weigh ACT and SAT metrics impartially.

This translation process does not alter your authentic test results; rather, it assists universities in grasping how an ACT performance measures against an SAT score during the selection phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert my ACT score into an exact SAT score?

Negative. Converting an ACT score to an SAT figure does not yield a single precise number. Instead, it provides a corresponding SAT score interval derived from official statistics, which universities recognize and honor.

Do colleges treat converted ACT scores the same as SAT scores?

Indeed. Institutions rely on the official ACT-to-SAT concordance published by the College Board and ACT. Translated results are fully recognized for both admissions consideration and financial aid awards.

Do I need to convert my ACT score before submitting applications?

Negative. Candidates should submit their ACT results precisely as they are. Admissions offices perform internal conversions when evaluating multiple applicants.

Does ACT to SAT conversion matter for scholarships?

Indeed. Numerous scholarship programs specify SAT score thresholds. Translating your ACT result allows you to verify whether you satisfy those criteria.

Is the ACT to SAT conversion accurate for Math and EBRW separately?

Negative. Section-by-section translation tends to be less dependable than converting the overall score. Most universities prioritize cumulative results rather than individual subsections.

Is the ACT to SAT conversion chart updated every year?

Negative. The authorized concordance table is not revised every year. It stays accurate because it is founded upon extensive data research conducted by the College Board and ACT.

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