Short answer: A 1300 SAT converts to roughly a 28 ACT, and a 1200 SAT converts to roughly a 25 ACT, based on the official concordance tables. But conversion isn't the same as prediction: a student's actual score on the other test can land several points above or below the converted equivalent, since the two tests measure somewhat different skills.
Key takeaways
- The SAT and ACT use official concordance tables to compare scores, not a simple proportional formula.
- Conversion estimates a likely range, not an exact predicted score, since pacing and content differ between the two tests.
- The ACT has a Science section the SAT doesn't, and the SAT is adaptive while the ACT is fixed-form.
- The best way to decide which test to take is a full-length practice test of each under real timed conditions.
SAT to ACT conversion chart
| SAT Range | ACT Equivalent | SAT Range | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1570-1600 | 36 | 1130-1150 | 23 |
| 1530-1560 | 35 | 1100-1120 | 22 |
| 1490-1520 | 34 | 1060-1090 | 21 |
| 1450-1480 | 33 | 1030-1050 | 20 |
| 1420-1440 | 32 | 990-1020 | 19 |
| 1390-1410 | 31 | 960-980 | 18 |
| 1360-1380 | 30 | 920-950 | 17 |
| 1330-1350 | 29 | 880-910 | 16 |
| 1300-1320 | 28 | 830-870 | 15 |
| 1260-1290 | 27 | 780-820 | 14 |
| 1230-1250 | 26 | 730-770 | 13 |
| 1200-1220 | 25 | 690-720 | 12 |
| 1160-1190 | 24 | 650-680 | 11 |
How the conversion works
The College Board and ACT jointly developed concordance tables by comparing results from large groups of students who took both tests. This gives a statistically grounded way to compare an SAT score and an ACT score, even though the two tests are structured differently.
Why your child might score differently on each test
Pacing is the biggest difference. The ACT moves faster, at roughly 56 seconds per question on average, compared to the SAT's more relaxed pace. The ACT has a Science section; the SAT does not, which is really a data-interpretation test in disguise, not a content-knowledge test. The SAT is adaptive, adjusting difficulty based on early performance, while the ACT is a fixed-form test, with the same questions in the same order for everyone.
How to decide which test to take
The most reliable way to decide is to take one full-length practice test of each, under real timed conditions, and compare how the student actually performs, not just how they expect to feel about each format. A student who thrives under faster pacing may prefer the ACT; a student who benefits from extra time per question may prefer the SAT.
Using the chart for scholarship planning
Many merit scholarships and programs, like Florida's Bright Futures (1290 SAT or 29 ACT), specify both an SAT and ACT threshold using these same concordance tables. Knowing the conversion helps families compare offers and requirements across schools that use different tests for their benchmarks.
Not sure which test is the better fit for your student?
A free consultation can help compare practice results from both tests side by side.
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