How is the ACT scored?

The ACT has four sections: English (75 questions), Math (60), Reading (40), Science (40). Each section is scaled 1–36, and the composite is the average of all four, rounded to the nearest whole number.

What is a good ACT score?

The national average composite is around 20. Scoring 25+ places you in the top 20%. For selective colleges, aim for 29+. For T20/Ivy-range schools, 33+ is competitive.

Can I retake the ACT?

Yes. You can take the ACT up to 12 times. Most students take it 2–3 times. Since 2020, ACT allows section-specific retesting, so you can retake only the sections you want to improve.

What is the ACT Writing test?

The optional Writing section (40 minutes) produces a separate 2–12 score. It does not affect the composite. Some colleges require it — check individual school requirements.

ACT Score Calculator

Calculate your ACT composite score from section raw scores. See your percentile rank, STEM and ELA sub-scores, and equivalent SAT score for college planning.

English Raw (0–75) ?

Math Raw (0–60) ?

Reading Raw (0–40) ?

Science Raw (0–40) ?

ACT Composite (1–36)

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English Section —

Math Section —

Reading Section —

Science Section —

Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown ▾

English (0–75)

Math (0–60)

Reading (0–40)

Science (0–40)

ACT Composite (1–36)

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English —

Math —

Reading —

Science —

Professional Full parameters & maximum detail ▾

ACT Composite (1–36)

English Section Score

Math Section Score

Reading Section Score

Science Section Score

Writing Score (2–12, optional) ?

Score Summary

Composite Score —

STEM Score (Math + Science avg) —

ELA Score (English + Reading + Writing avg) —

Context

Percentile —

Admission Benchmark —

Guidance

Retake Guidance —

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the number of questions you answered correctly in each section.
The calculator scales each section to 1–36 and averages for composite.
Use the Extended tab to compare ACT vs SAT or see percentile benchmarks.

Formula

Each section: Scaled Score = 1 + (Raw / Max Raw) × 35, rounded
Composite = Average of 4 section scores, rounded to nearest whole number

Example

English 60/75, Math 48/60, Reading 32/40, Science 30/40 → scores ~29, 29, 29, 27 → composite = 29 (~95th percentile)

Frequently Asked Questions

The ACT has four sections: English (75 questions), Math (60), Reading (40), Science (40). Each section is scaled 1–36, and the composite is the average of all four, rounded to the nearest whole number.
The national average composite is around 20. Scoring 25+ places you in the top 20%. For selective colleges, aim for 29+. For T20/Ivy-range schools, 33+ is competitive.
Yes. You can take the ACT up to 12 times. Most students take it 2–3 times. Since 2020, ACT allows section-specific retesting, so you can retake only the sections you want to improve.
The optional Writing section (40 minutes) produces a separate 2–12 score. It does not affect the composite. Some colleges require it — check individual school requirements.

Related Calculators

Sources & References (5) ▾

ACT.org — Understanding Your Scores — ACT.org
Compass Education Group — ACT Score Analysis — Compass Education Group
US News — ACT Score Ranges for Colleges — US News
IECA — Test Score Guidance — IECA
College Board — ACT-SAT Concordance Tables — College Board