Calculate ACT Score

The ACT is a crucial test for students aiming to get into college, but scoring it can be a little confusing, especially with new changes coming in 2025. How are raw scores converted to scaled scores? How do superscores work? And most importantly, how can you quickly estimate your ACT score? 

The ACT Scoring Basics 

Before jumping into calculator and changes, it’s important to understand how the ACT is scored. 

The Current ACT Scoring (Pre-2025) 

The ACT consists of four required sections:

1. English (75 questions) 
2. Math (60 questions) 
3. Reading (40 questions) 
4. Science (40 questions) 

Each section is scored on a scale of 1-36, based on the number of correct answers (raw score). There are no penalties for incorrect answers, so always guess if you’re stuck. 

Your composite score is the average of these four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. For example:

• English: Raw score = 60 → Scaled score ≈ 26 
• Math: Raw score = 50 → Scaled score ≈ 29 
• Reading: Raw score = 30 → Scaled score ≈ 24 
• Science: Raw score = 25 → Scaled score ≈ 22 
• Composite Score = (26 + 29 + 24 + 22) / 4 = 25 

This format has served millions of students well, but big changes are on the way. 

Enhanced ACT Scoring (2025 and Beyond) 

Starting in 2025, the ACT will transition to a digital format, which means shorter testing sessions and updated scoring structures. 

Key Changes in 2025:

1. Digital Test: All tests will be administered on a computer or device. 
2. Optional Science Section: The Science section will no longer be required for calculating the composite score. 
3. Composite Score Changes:

• Post-2025 composite scores will only average three sections (English, Math, Reading), not four. 

4. STEM Score:

• If students opt to take the Science section, they will receive a separate STEM score (average of Math and Science). 

For example:

• English = 60 → Scaled score ≈ 26 
• Math = 45 → Scaled score ≈ 28 
• Reading = 30 → Scaled score ≈ 24 
• Composite Score = (26 + 28 + 24) / 3 = 26 

If Science is taken:

• Science = 25 → Scaled score ≈ 22 
• STEM Score = (28 + 22) / 2 = 25 

These updates aim to make the test more flexible and accessible while maintaining rigor. 

Using Our Free ACT Score Calculator 

Understanding how scores are calculated is great, but doing the math on your own can be tedious. That’s where our free ACT score calculator comes in. 

Features of the Calculator

• Raw to Scaled Score Conversion: Simply input your correct answers for each section, and the calculator does the rest. 
• Composite Score Calculation: Choose between the pre-2025 and 2025 test formats, and get instant results. 
• STEM Score Estimation (for those who use the Science section). 
• Mobile-Friendly Interface for easy access on any device. 

How to Use the Calculator 

1. Select Your Test Format:

• Legacy ACT (pre-2025) 
• Enhanced ACT (2025 onwards) 

2. Enter Your Raw Scores:

• Input your correct answers for English, Math, Reading, and Science (if applicable). 

3. View Your Results:

• See your scaled scores for each section, composite score, and (if applicable) STEM score. 

4. Optional:

• Calculate your superscore (more on this later). 

Example 1 (Pre-2025 ACT Calculator) 

• English = Raw score = 60 → Scaled score ≈ 26 
• Math = Raw score = 45 → Scaled score ≈ 28 
• Reading = Raw score = 30 → Scaled score ≈ 24 
• Science = Raw score = 25 → Scaled score ≈ 22 
• Composite Score = (26 + 28 + 24 + 22) / 4 = 25 

Example 2 (2025 ACT Calculator with Science Optional) 

• English = Raw score = 60 → Scaled score ≈ 26 
• Math = Raw score = 45 → Scaled score ≈ 28 
• Reading = Raw score = 30 → Scaled score ≈ 24 
• Composite Score = (26 + 28 + 24) / 3 = 26 

Interpreting Your ACT Score 

After using the calculator, it’s time to understand what your score means. 

Percentile Rankings and “Good” Scores 

Your ACT percentile rank shows how your score compares to other test takers. 

Composite Score	Percentile
36	100%
30-34	96-99%
25-29	78-92%
21-24	55-74%

A score of 23+ places you in the top 30%, while top schools often require a 30+ score for competitiveness. 

What Is ACT Superscoring? 

Superscoring is when colleges combine your highest section scores from multiple test dates to calculate your best possible composite score. 

How Superscoring Works (Post-2025): 

1. Pull your highest scores from all test dates. 
2. Calculate the average of these best performances.

• If you scored 28 in Math on one test and 30 on another, colleges will take the higher score toward your composite. 

Why Superscoring Matters 

Superscoring can significantly boost your admissions chances without retaking every section, so many students strategically plan their retakes. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How does the calculator handle different test curves? 

Our calculator uses recent ACT data to approximate raw score-to-scale score conversions. 

Can the calculator estimate college acceptance chances? 

No, but paired with school-specific requirements, it can guide your test prep priorities. 

Is the calculator mobile-friendly? 

Yes! Use it on any device for quick calculations. 

How often is the calculator updated? 

We regularly update the tool to reflect ACT changes and scoring data. 

Does the website offer other ACT resources? 

Yes! Check out our SAT score calculator and APUSH score calculator. 

---

Prep Smarter with Our Calculator 

The ACT is more than just four (or three) scores on a piece of paper. It’s a stepping stone to your dream college. With changes coming in 2025, staying informed and prepared is more critical than ever. Use our free ACT score calculator to understand your performance, set goals, and plan smarter.