ACT to SAT Conversion Chart | Compare and Choose Your Test

Jul 18, 2025

ACT to SAT Score Conversion Chart (+ How to Use It to Your Advantage)

If you've taken the ACT and are wondering how your score compares to the SAT, you're not alone. Many students want to understand how their results translate between these two major college admissions tests. In this blog, we provide an official ACT to SAT conversion chart and share how to use it strategically to guide your prep and college application decisions.

What SAT Score is a 34 ACT?

A 34 on the ACT translates to approximately 1500–1530 on the SAT. This makes it a competitive score for many top-tier schools, although each college has its own expectations.

Here are a few more specific conversions students often search:

35 ACT to SAT score = ~1540–1580
33 ACT to SAT score = ~1460–1490
32 ACT to SAT score = ~1430–1450
31 ACT to SAT score = ~1390–1420
30 ACT to SAT score = ~1360–1380
29 ACT to SAT score = ~1330–1350
28 ACT to SAT score = ~1300–1320

These estimates help you compare where you stand if you're trying to decide which test better highlights your academic strengths.
Below is a table with all scores and conversions.

ACT to SAT Conversion Table (Official Concordance)

The following chart is based on the official concordance released jointly by the College Board and ACT. It helps students, colleges, and educators interpret scores across the two exams.

ACT Score	SAT Equivalent
36	1590–1600
35	1540–1580
34	1500–1530
33	1460–1490
32	1430–1450
31	1390–1420
30	1360–1380
29	1330–1350
28	1300–1320
27	1260–1290
26	1230–1250
25	1200–1220
24	1160–1190
23	1130–1150
22	1100–1120
21	1060–1090
20	1030–1050
19	990–1020
18	960–980
17	920–940
16	880’910
15	830–860
14	780–810
13	740–760
12	700–720
11	670–680

Note: These conversions are based on percentile equivalence, not a one-to-one content match.

How to Interpret Your ACT to SAT Conversion Range

If your ACT score converts to a range of SAT scores (e.g. a 32 ACT = 1430–1450 SAT), you might be wondering where exactly you fall within that spread. Here's how to make sense of it:

Low end of the range: Your subscores may show slight weaknesses in one area (e.g., Math vs. English). This means your overall percentile is still strong, but not quite top-tier across the board.
High end of the range: You likely performed well across all sections and are closer to matching SAT test-takers with similar percentile rankings.
Mid-range: This is a balanced performance — no major weaknesses, but also not highly exceptional in any single area.

Tip: Use your ACT section scores to better estimate where you'd land on the SAT. For example:

Strong in ACT Math? You’d likely score higher on SAT Math.
Struggled with ACT Reading? Expect a slightly lower SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing score.

Why this matters: If you’re trying to decide whether to switch tests, understanding where you sit in the conversion range can help you assess which test better showcases your strengths. You may also want to try a full-length SAT practice test to see how your actual score compares.

Should You Switch Tests Based on Your Conversion?

Score conversion can be a useful first step in deciding whether to switch tests. For example:

If your ACT score doesn’t reflect your academic potential, trying the SAT could help.
If your SAT score seems low compared to your ACT score (or vice versa), it may be worth exploring the other exam.

But remember, test structure and timing matter too. The ACT has a faster pace and a science section, while the SAT is more algebra-focused with slightly more time per question.

Understanding how your ACT score converts to the SAT is helpful for college planning, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Whether you stick with your current test or switch, the key is smart prep, realistic goals, and the right support.

🔗 Compare the full SAT vs ACT experience in our SAT vs ACT Guide

🎯 Want to know what SAT score you’ll need for Ivy League schools?
Read our Ivy League SAT Score Guide to see score requirements for top colleges.

How North American Tutors Helps You Reach Your Target Score

At North American Tutors, we use score conversions to help students map out the best strategy for their goals. Whether you scored a 32 on the ACT or are aiming for a 1500 on the SAT, we personalize your tutoring plan based on your performance and strengths.

What makes us different: