ACT Score Calculator

The ACT Score Calculator turns your four section scores into your official ACT composite score (1–36). The composite is simply the average of your English, Math, Reading, and Science scores, rounded to the nearest whole number — but this tool goes further: it shows you a visual rounding number-line, how many section points stand between you and the next composite, your national percentile, the College Readiness Benchmark for every section, your STEM score, and the equivalent SAT total.

ACT Composite Score Formula Explained

The ACT has four multiple-choice sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — each reported on a scale from 1 to 36. Your composite score is the average of those four numbers, rounded to the nearest whole number. There is no weighting: every section counts equally.

Because the average is rounded, a fractional result of exactly one half or more rounds up. For example, an average of 27.50 becomes a composite of 28, while 27.25 stays at 27. That single rounding step is why two students with very different section scores can land on the same composite — and why a one-point gain in the right section can sometimes lift your whole composite.

The Optional Writing (Essay) Score

If you take the optional ACT Writing test, it is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12. The Writing score is not part of your composite and does not change it. Colleges that require or recommend the essay view it alongside your composite rather than blended into it.

STEM Score

ACT also reports a STEM score, which is the rounded average of your Math and Science section scores. It gives science, technology, engineering, and math programs a quick read on your readiness in those subjects. This calculator computes it for you automatically.

ACT College Readiness Benchmarks

Each ACT section has a College Readiness Benchmark — the score linked to a strong chance of earning a B or C in the matching first-year college course. Meeting a benchmark suggests you are academically ready for college work in that subject.

ACT Composite Score Percentiles

Your percentile rank tells you the percentage of recent test takers who scored at or below your composite. The national average composite sits around 19–20.

ACT to SAT Score Conversion

The official ACT–SAT concordance tables, published jointly by ACT and the College Board, let you compare scores across the two tests. A few common conversions:

What Counts as a Good ACT Score?

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter your section scores: Type your English, Math, Reading, and Science scores, each from 1 to 36. A live composite preview updates as you type.
2. Add a Writing score (optional): If you took the essay, enter your 2–12 Writing score. It is shown separately and does not affect the composite.
3. Click Calculate: The tool averages your four sections and rounds to the nearest whole number for your composite.
4. Review your results: See your composite on the rounding number-line, how many points reach the next composite, your percentile, section benchmarks, STEM score, and SAT equivalent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the ACT composite score calculated?

Your ACT composite score is the average of your four section scores — English, Math, Reading, and Science — each scored from 1 to 36. Add the four scores, divide by four, and round to the nearest whole number. A fractional average of one half or more rounds up.

Does the Writing (essay) score affect my ACT composite?

No. The optional ACT Writing test is scored separately on a 2 to 12 scale and is not part of the composite. The composite is based only on the four multiple-choice sections.

What is a good ACT score?

The national average ACT composite is about 19 to 20. A score of 24 puts you above roughly three quarters of test takers, a 30 is in the top 7 percent, and a 33 or higher is competitive for the most selective universities. A good score is one that meets or exceeds the typical range for the colleges you are targeting.

What is the STEM score on the ACT?

The STEM score is the rounded average of your Math and Science section scores. It is reported on the same 1 to 36 scale and gives colleges a quick read on your strength in math and science.

What are the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks?

They are the section scores associated with a strong chance of earning a B or C in the matching first-year college course: English 18, Math 22, Reading 22, and Science 23. Meeting a benchmark suggests you are academically ready for that subject in college.

How do I convert my ACT score to an SAT score?

Use the official ACT–SAT concordance tables published by ACT and the College Board. For example, an ACT composite of 24 is roughly equal to an SAT total of 1180, and a 30 is roughly equal to 1370. This calculator shows your concorded SAT total automatically.

Additional Resources

• ACT (test) - Wikipedia
• SAT - Wikipedia