How SAT to ACT Conversion Works

The SAT to ACT conversion is based on the official concordance study conducted jointly by College Board (SAT) and ACT, Inc. The concordance table maps each SAT composite score (400–1600) to its statistically equivalent ACT composite score (1–36). The conversion is not a precise formula — it's a statistical equivalence based on how similar percentages of test-takers score at each level on both tests.

When you convert your 1400 SAT to ACT, the concordance shows approximately 31. A 1300 SAT to ACT conversion yields approximately 28. A 1200 SAT to ACT conversion gives you approximately 25. These conversions allow colleges to compare applicants who took different standardized tests, and they help you decide which test to focus on in your prep.

The conversion is most useful for two purposes: (1) deciding which test to take if you're choosing between SAT and ACT, and (2) reporting equivalent scores to colleges when they request both. Some colleges explicitly ask for both scores; others accept either. Most selective colleges have no preference between SAT and ACT — they evaluate both tests equally and use concordance for internal comparison when needed.

One important caveat: the concordance is an average equivalence. Individual performance on each test varies based on test-taking strengths. Some students score significantly higher on the ACT than their concordant SAT score would predict (typically students who are strong in science reasoning and timed math). Others score higher on the SAT (typically students who excel at evidence-based reading and strategic elimination). Taking a practice test of each is the most reliable way to find which test suits you better. See our guide on ACT to SAT conversion for the reverse lookup.

Most Common SAT Score Conversions

Here are the most searched SAT-to-ACT conversions and their concordant values: A 1500 SAT to ACT equivalent is approximately 33–34. A 1480 sat to act is approximately 33. A 1450 sat to act converts to approximately 31–32. A 1400 sat to act is approximately 31. A 1390 sat to act is approximately 30. A 1350 sat to act is approximately 30. A 1300 sat to act is approximately 28. A 1250 sat to act is approximately 26. A 1200 sat to act is approximately 25.

These specific score conversions are the ones most frequently needed by college applicants because they correspond to common competitive SAT scores. The 1400 SAT range is particularly relevant for students targeting highly selective schools, where 31+ ACT is the typical competitive threshold. A 1300 SAT (≈28 ACT) is competitive at many selective public universities and mid-tier private colleges.

SAT vs. ACT: Which Test Should You Take?

The concordance table can actually help you answer this question. If you took a full practice SAT and a full practice ACT and your SAT concordant ACT is higher than your actual practice ACT score, the SAT is your stronger test. If your actual ACT practice score is higher than what your SAT practice score would predict, the ACT suits you better.

The structural differences between the tests: the SAT has no dedicated science section (science reasoning is embedded in Reading passages), while the ACT has an explicit 35-minute Science section that tests data interpretation and graph reading. Students with strong natural science reasoning often prefer the ACT. The SAT Math has more complex word problems and a No-Calculator module historically (though the Digital SAT now allows calculators throughout), while the ACT Math is faster-paced and covers more topics including trigonometry. Students who think mathematically and quickly tend to prefer the SAT; students who prefer more traditional multiple-choice math formats often score better on the ACT.

Ultimately, take one full-length practice of each under timed conditions. Your actual score on each practice test is the most reliable indicator of which to focus your prep on. Divide your time efficiently — don't split prep between both tests equally unless your scores are genuinely close. Check our SAT scores guide to understand what your SAT score means nationally, and use the conversion table below to see your ACT equivalent for every possible SAT score.

How to Submit SAT and ACT Scores to Colleges

When you apply to college, each school's application will ask which standardized tests you've taken and what scores you received. Most colleges accept either SAT or ACT — you are not required to submit both. If you took both tests and performed better on one, you can choose to submit only your stronger score. Colleges that are test-optional still accept scores if you want to include them.

Some colleges, particularly highly selective institutions, may request that you self-report your scores on the application and then send official scores only after admission. For self-reporting, use the exact scores from your score report — do not round up or estimate. Sending official scores requires ordering them through College Board (for SAT) or ACT, Inc. (for ACT). Most schools allow you to send scores by the regular decision deadline, not the application deadline, but verify each school's policy on their admissions page.

If you took both tests and both scores are strong, there is no rule against submitting both. A 1480 SAT paired with a 33 ACT (which is concordant) simply reconfirms your performance level. Submitting both can occasionally help if one score is slightly stronger in a specific section a college cares about. However, if one of your scores is meaningfully lower than its concordant equivalent, submitting only the stronger score is the better strategy. Selective colleges use concordance to compare scores internally when needed, but there is no advantage to voluntarily introducing a weaker data point.

Superscoring vs. Cross-Test Concordance

Superscoring is different from concordance. Superscore refers to combining your best section scores from multiple attempts at the same test. Many colleges superscore the SAT (taking your highest Math from one sitting and your highest Evidence-Based Reading and Writing from another) and some superscore the ACT (taking your best composite from any sitting, or best section scores across sittings).

Cross-test concordance, by contrast, converts a score from one test to an equivalent on the other. Colleges do not create a "super-concordance" by superscoring your SAT, converting to ACT, and then comparing that to your actual ACT. They apply concordance only when they need to compare a student who submitted SAT scores to a student who submitted ACT scores — using the conversion as an internal equating tool, not as something that affects your application directly.

The practical implication: if you have a superscored SAT of 1480 (combining scores from two sittings), that 1480 is a valid superscore that colleges accept. Its concordant ACT equivalent is approximately 33. Whether you submit the superscore or took the ACT and scored 33, the college sees equivalent performance. What you should never do is add your ACT score to your application hoping the college will somehow combine it with your SAT superscore — they won't, and it creates confusion rather than adding value.

Using Concordance to Decide Whether to Retake

The concordance table is a practical decision tool for retake planning. If your current SAT score converts to an ACT score that falls below your target school's 75th percentile, a retake is worth considering. For example, if your target school's 75th percentile is a 32 ACT (concordant: approximately 1450 SAT) and you have a 1380 SAT (concordant: approximately 30 ACT), you are below their competitive range and a retake with focused prep has meaningful upside.

However, if your concordant score is already in the middle 50% of your target school's range, the marginal benefit of a retake diminishes quickly. Spending 100 hours of prep time to move from a 1400 to a 1450 SAT (from 31 to 32 ACT) has less impact on selective admissions decisions than investing that same time in essay quality, recommendation letters, or extracurricular depth. Use the concordance to benchmark where you are — then make a strategic decision about how much testing prep is worth relative to your other application levers. See our guide to SAT scores for a full breakdown of score percentiles and competitive benchmarks by school type.

Students who decide to focus on the SAT should familiarize themselves with the official practice materials. Our free sat test section has full-length Digital SAT practice tests. For understanding what scores are competitive nationally, see what is a good sat score. If you're deciding between tests, our how long is the sat guide explains time commitments for each test. Prep resources vary — khan academy sat prep offers free official SAT practice. For a deeper understanding of SAT structure, see what is sat examination. If you need to send scores after deciding, how to send sat scores covers the official process.