The SAT has two sections, Reading and Writing and Math, each scored 200–800, so the total runs from 400 to 1600. The number colleges look at is the total, but percentiles and target planning work better section by section. This calculator adds your sections, looks up the percentile, and shows where the points for a target score are most likely to come from.
How it is calculated
- Total = Reading and Writing + Math. Scores are reported in steps of 10, so entries are rounded to the nearest 10.
- Percentiles come from the College Board’s nationally representative sample, which estimates how all US 11th and 12th graders would score. A 1200 is about the 78th percentile: higher than roughly three-quarters of students. The "SAT user" percentile that appears on score reports is a little lower because test-takers skew stronger.
- Points to target = target − total. The plan splits the gap evenly and points to the lower section, where score gains usually come faster because the easier questions you are missing are worth the same as hard ones.
Example
Reading and Writing 600, Math 620: total 1220, about the 80th percentile. With a 1400 target, that is 180 points to find: for instance 690 and 710. Math at 620 is the 79th section percentile and Reading and Writing at 600 the 75th, so the plan suggests starting with reading practice.
Raw scores and the digital SAT
Since 2024 the SAT is digital and adaptive: the second module of each section is easier or harder depending on the first. Because of that, there is no fixed raw-to-scaled table; the same number of correct answers can give different scores on different forms. Enter the scaled section scores from your score report or practice test rather than counting correct answers.
What a "good" score is
It depends on where you are applying. The national average total is about 1050. Admissions read the score next to your transcript, so it is worth knowing your grade point average too. Flagship state universities admit most students in the 1200–1400 range; the most selective schools cluster above 1500. Many colleges are now test-optional, so a score below a school’s range is a reason to consider not submitting it, not a closed door.
Frequently asked questions
How is the SAT total score calculated?
By adding the two section scores. Each section is 200–800, so the total is 400–1600. There is no penalty for wrong answers.
What is a good SAT score?
The national average is around 1050. Above 1200 is stronger than about three-quarters of students; above 1400 puts you in the top 5%. Whether it is "good" depends on the colleges on your list.
What percentile is a 1300 SAT?
About the 90th percentile nationally: higher than roughly 9 in 10 US high school students.
How many points can I improve?
Typical gains with several weeks of focused practice are 60–150 points. Gains over 200 happen but usually take months and a retake. Free official practice on Khan Academy is the College Board’s recommended route.
Is 1600 a perfect SAT score?
Yes. Both sections at 800. Fewer than 1 in 1,000 test-takers reach it in a given year.
Sources
- College Board: Understanding SAT Scores (percentile ranks)
- College Board: SAT Suite Annual Report
- Khan Academy: Official Digital SAT Prep
By Calcelate Team. Formula from the sources above.
- 2026-09-14 · Formula and texts checked
- 2026-09-14 · Reference data as of this date