What is a passing GED score?

Each of the four GED sections must reach at least 145 on the 100 to 200 scale to pass. You must pass every section individually, so a strong score in one area cannot make up for a section below 145.

What does college ready mean on the GED?

A section score of 165 to 174 is the GED College Ready level, signalling readiness for entry-level college work without remediation. Scores of 175 to 200 reach College Ready plus Credit, which some colleges accept toward course credit.

What is the highest possible GED score?

Each section tops out at 200, so the maximum total across the four sections is 800. The minimum to pass every section is 145 each, which is a total of 580 when no section falls short.

Do all states use the same thresholds?

The 145 passing and 165 college-ready marks are standard for the GED test itself, but states can add their own equivalency rules. Always check your state's high school equivalency office for any additional requirements.

Can I retake just one section?

Yes. Because each section is scored and passed independently, you can retake only the section that fell below 145 rather than the whole test. The other passing sections stand.

GED Score Breakdown Calculator

Email me this result

Get this tool's output sent to your inbox, plus one useful tool a week. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Reading your GED score

The GED is made up of four subject tests, and each one is reported on the same 100 to 200 scaled-score range. Knowing your total and how each section ranks against the passing and college-ready lines tells you whether you have earned the credential and how competitive your result is for college. This calculator adds your sections and labels each one against the official thresholds.

How it works

The four sections are Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science and Social Studies, each scored from 100 to 200. The tool sums them into a total out of 800 and classifies every section by level: below 145 is not yet passing, 145 to 164 is passing at high school equivalency, 165 to 174 is College Ready, and 175 to 200 is College Ready plus Credit. Crucially, the credential requires every section to reach 145 — passing is judged section by section, not on the total — so the tool flags any section that falls short and confirms when all four clear the line.

Tips and context

If one section sits below 145, you can retake just that section rather than the entire test, since each is passed independently. Aim for 165 or higher per section if you want the college-ready signal, and 175 or higher if you hope to earn college credit by exam where your institution allows it. Remember that states layer their own high school equivalency rules on top of the standard thresholds, so check your state’s requirements before assuming a given total qualifies you locally.