How is an ACT composite converted to an SAT total?

The official concordance maps each ACT composite to a band of SAT totals representing equivalent performance. Because the SAT scale is finer, one ACT point spans a range of SAT scores, so the tool reports both a representative midpoint and that range.

Is the conversion exact?

No. The tests overlap but are not identical, so the concordance gives the most likely equivalent rather than a precise value. The midpoint is a reasonable single figure, and the range shows the spread of equivalent SAT scores.

Which concordance is used?

The official 2018 ACT and College Board concordance, the current standard for the 400 to 1600 SAT scale, including the Digital SAT. Both organizations endorse this table.

Should I report my ACT or SAT?

Report whichever places you higher relative to your target schools' admitted ranges. Converting to a common scale with this tool helps you decide which exam to submit.

Why might a college show a different SAT equivalent?

Some colleges maintain their own internal concordance or superscore across sittings. The official table is the most widely accepted reference, but always check a specific school's policy.

ACT to SAT Score Conversion Calculator

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Translate your ACT into SAT terms

If you took the ACT but want to compare against SAT admitted-student ranges, this calculator converts your composite into an equivalent SAT total using the official ACT and College Board concordance. Because the SAT scale is finer than the ACT, each composite maps to a band of SAT scores, so the tool reports a representative midpoint along with that range.

How it works

The 2018 concordance pairs each ACT composite with an SAT range of equivalent performance. The tool stores, for every composite from 1 to 36, the low and high SAT totals that concord to it. It returns the midpoint of that band as a single representative SAT total and also shows the full equivalent range.

Example and notes

An ACT composite of 30 concords to roughly an SAT total of 1390, within an equivalent band of about 1360 to 1420. A 24 maps near 1180. The mapping is statistical, drawn from students who took both exams, so the midpoint is the most likely equivalent rather than an exact translation. Some colleges apply their own concordance, so confirm a school’s policy when it matters.