Are you confused about SAT to ACT conversion? If you have an SAT score and want to know its ACT equivalent, an official concordance table can help you compare the two scores.
For example, a 1400 SAT score corresponds to a 31 ACT score in the official SAT-to-ACT concordance table.
What Is SAT to ACT Conversion?
The SAT is scored on a 400–1600 scale, while the ACT composite score is reported on a 1–36 scale.
SAT to ACT conversion means comparing a score from one test with a comparable score on the other test. College Board and ACT provide official concordance tables for this purpose.
The official tables are based on statistical relationships between SAT and ACT scores. They help compare scores, but a concorded score does not perfectly predict how a student would perform on the other test.
You should use the official concordance table instead of trying to create your own formula.
Official SAT to ACT Conversion Chart 2026
Use this quick SAT to ACT conversion chart to find the approximate ACT equivalent of common SAT scores.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1600 | 36 |
| 1550 | 35 |
| 1500 | 34 |
| 1450 | 33 |
| 1400 | 31 |
| 1350 | 29 |
| 1300 | 28 |
| 1250 | 26 |
| 1200 | 25 |
| 1150 | 23 |
| 1100 | 22 |
| 1050 | 20 |
| 1000 | 19 |
| 950 | 17 |
| 900 | 16 |
| 850 | 15 |
| 800 | 14 |
These scores are based on the official SAT-to-ACT concordance tables from College Board and ACT. Use the official table rather than a simple formula to compare SAT and ACT scores.
What Is 1200 SAT to ACT?
A 1200 SAT score corresponds to 25 ACT according to the official concordance table.
What Is 1250 SAT to ACT?
A 1250 SAT score corresponds to 26 ACT.
What Is 1300 SAT to ACT?
A 1300 SAT score corresponds to 28 ACT.
What Is 1400 SAT to ACT?
A 1400 SAT score corresponds to 31 ACT.
What Is 1500 SAT to ACT?
A 1500 SAT score corresponds to 34 ACT.
How Does SAT to ACT Conversion Work?
SAT and ACT scores are compared using concordance tables. These tables establish a statistical relationship between scores on the two tests.
For example, the official table lists:
- 1200 SAT = 25 ACT
- 1250 SAT = 26 ACT
- 1300 SAT = 28 ACT
- 1400 SAT = 31 ACT
- 1500 SAT = 34 ACT
The concordance is designed to compare scores with similar standing among students. However, College Board notes that a concorded score is not a perfect prediction of how a student would perform on the other test.
SAT vs ACT: Which Test Is Easier?
There is no test that is officially easier for every student. Your performance can depend on your strengths, pacing, and familiarity with the test format.
Choose SAT If:
- You prefer the SAT format.
- You perform well on SAT Math.
- You prefer the Digital SAT testing experience.
Choose ACT If:
- You are comfortable with the ACT format.
- You work well under time pressure.
- You perform better on ACT practice tests.
If you are unsure, taking a practice test for both exams can help you decide which test suits you better.
Should You Submit SAT or ACT to Colleges?
If a college accepts both SAT and ACT scores, you can compare your results and follow that college’s current testing policy.
If you have taken both tests, compare your scores using an official concordance table. Then check the admission requirements of each college before deciding which score to submit.
Common SAT to ACT Conversion Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using a Simple Formula
Do not rely on formulas such as dividing your SAT score by 44. SAT and ACT concordance is based on statistical analysis, not a simple mathematical formula.
Mistake 2: Converting the Wrong Scores
For SAT-to-ACT composite comparisons, use your total SAT score and compare it with the ACT composite score. The official concordance tables also provide separate section-level comparisons.
Mistake 3: Using an Old SAT Scale
The current SAT is scored from 400 to 1600. Make sure you are using a current SAT score and the appropriate official concordance table.
FAQs – SAT to ACT Conversion
1. What is a 1200 SAT score equivalent to on the ACT?
A 1200 SAT score corresponds to a 25 ACT score according to the official concordance table.
2. What is a 1250 SAT score equivalent to on the ACT?
A 1250 SAT score corresponds to a 26 ACT score.
3. What is a 1300 SAT score equivalent to on the ACT?
A 1300 SAT score corresponds to a 28 ACT score.
4. What is a 1400 SAT score equivalent to on the ACT?
A 1400 SAT score corresponds to a 31 ACT score.
5. What is a 1500 SAT score equivalent to on the ACT?
A 1500 SAT score corresponds to a 34 ACT score.
6. Is SAT to ACT conversion exact?
No. Concordance provides a statistical comparison between scores. College Board explains that a concorded score does not perfectly predict performance on the other test.
7. Is there an official SAT to ACT conversion chart?
Yes. College Board and ACT provide official SAT-to-ACT concordance tables for comparing scores.
8. Can I convert my SAT score using a formula?
It is better to use the official concordance table rather than a simple formula. SAT and ACT scores do not follow a simple mathematical conversion.
9. Should I submit my SAT or ACT score?
If a college accepts both tests, compare your scores and check the college’s current testing policy. You can use the official concordance table to understand how the scores compare.
10. Does SAT to ACT concordance guarantee the same performance?
No. Concordance helps compare scores from the two tests, but it does not guarantee that a student would receive the same result if they took the other test.