How to Calculate Your ACT Score: A Complete Guide

The ACT (American College Testing) is one of the most critical standardized tests for students aiming to gain admission to colleges and universities in the United States. Understanding how to calculate your ACT score is essential for evaluating your performance and improving your chances of getting into your desired institution. 

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of calculating your ACT score, covering the ACT score range, how to read ACT scores, and interpreting your final composite score.

• ACT Structure
• ACT Scoring Process
• ACT Score Calculation
• How to Improve Your ACT Score
• ACT Scores Release Date in 2025
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

ACT Structure

Before diving into the scoring process, it’s essential to understand the structure of the ACT. The test consists of four mandatory sections:

Additionally, there is an optional Writing section, which does not contribute to the composite ACT score but is scored separately.

ACT Scoring Process

The ACT is evaluated through a series of steps to determine your final score. Here’s a breakdown of how the scoring process works:

Raw scores

The first step in learning how to calculate ACT score is understanding raw scores. A raw score represents the total number of correct answers in each section—English, Math, Reading, and Science.

Since incorrect answers do not result in penalties, it’s always a good strategy to attempt every question, even if you’re unsure of the correct response.

Scaled scores

Raw scores are then converted into scaled scores ranging from 1 to 36. This adjustment accounts for variations in difficulty across different test versions.

For example, two test-takers with slightly different raw scores may still receive the same scaled score if one version of the test was more challenging than another.

Subscores

ACT subscores provide a more detailed analysis of your performance within each section. For example, the English section includes subscores for Usage/Mechanics and Rhetorical Skills, while the Math section is divided into Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry, and Plane Geometry/Trigonometry.

Although subscores do not impact your overall ACT score directly, they can help you pinpoint specific strengths and weaknesses.

Composite score

The final score in how to calculate ACT score is determining the composite score. This is the average of your four scaled section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. The composite score, which ranges from 1 to 36, is the primary score that colleges consider during the admissions process.

ACT Score Calculation

It takes just a few minutes to understand how to calculate your ACT score. To begin, locate the ACT scoring chart that came with your practice test. This chart offers the most precise conversion of raw scores into scaled scores.

If you don’t have access to your practice test’s scoring chart, you can refer to the sample chart below for an estimated conversion of your scores:

Step 1: Calculate raw scores.

Your raw score for each section is simply the number of questions you answered correctly. For example:

• If you answered 60 out of 75 English questions correctly, your raw score for English is 60.
• If you answered 45 out of 60 Math questions correctly, your raw score for Math is 45.
• If you answered 35 out of 40 Reading questions correctly, your raw score for Reading is 35.
• If you answered 30 out of 40 Science questions correctly, your raw score for Science is 30.

Step 2: Convert raw scores to scale scores.

The ACT uses a scale score ranging from 1 to 36 for each of the four sections. Since the raw scores vary based on the difficulty of each test, the ACT provides a conversion table to standardize scores.

Although conversion tables vary slightly for each test administration, a general example is:

You can find official ACT raw-to-scale score conversion tables on the ACT website or in your official score report.

Step 3: Calculate your composite ACT score.

Once you have your scale scores for all four sections, the composite ACT score is calculated by averaging these scores and rounding to the nearest whole number. For example:

• English: 26
• Math: 28
• Reading: 30
• Science: 25

Composite Score = (26 + 28 + 30 + 25) / 4 = 27.25 → Rounded to 27

Thus, the final ACT composite score is 27.

Step 4: Understand your ACT score.

The ACT score range varies from 1 to 36, with the national average typically falling around 20-21. However, understanding your ACT score is all about understanding the score range and its percentiles. This will determine how you stand compared to other students in the country.

For example, if a student scores in the 90th percentile, they performed better than 90% of test-takers. Percentiles are based on the distribution of scores from recent test-takers and can vary slightly each year. Higher scores (such as 30-36) place students in the top percentiles, while mid-range scores (around 20-24) represent the national average.

Here’s a breakdown of ACT scores and their interpretation:

As you can see, having the highest ACT scores will make you desirable to some of the best institutions in the country, especially Ivy League schools. However, if you aren’t aiming for these universities, a good ACT score is always enough.

How to Improve Your ACT Score

Achieving your target ACT score can be a crucial factor in college admissions, scholarships, and personal academic goals. However, if your score falls short of your expectations, don’t be discouraged since retaking the ACT is a common and effective strategy to improve your results.

With the right approach, you can boost your score and enhance your college application. Here are some key strategies to help you prepare effectively for a retake.

1. Identify weak areas by reviewing subscores.

One of the most effective ways to improve your ACT score is to analyze your previous test performance. The ACT provides subscores for different sections, which can help you pinpoint specific areas that need improvement. These subscores break down your performance into smaller skill sets within English, Math, Reading, and Science.

• In the English section, subscores cover Usage/Mechanics and Rhetorical Skills. If you struggle with grammar, punctuation, or sentence structure, focus on refining these mechanics. If organization and clarity in writing are challenging, work on rhetorical strategies.
• The Math section provides subscores in areas such as Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, and Geometry. Identifying weak spots in these categories can help you focus your study efforts more effectively.
• The Reading section assesses comprehension and reasoning. If you scored lower in this area, practice reading passages with a focus on identifying main ideas, making inferences, and understanding author intent.
• The Science section evaluates interpretation, analysis, and reasoning skills. If this was a weaker area for you, practice analyzing scientific data, graphs, and research summaries.

Learning how to calculate ACT score from your subscores can also help you estimate the improvements you need.

2. Use official ACT practice tests.

Practicing with official ACT tests is one of the most reliable ways to improve your score. Using real ACT exams allows you to familiarize yourself with question formats and difficulty levels, making you more comfortable on test day.

The ACT releases past exams that mimic the actual test format and difficulty level. Here’s how to use them effectively:

• Take a full-length, timed practice test to simulate test-day conditions. This helps you build endurance and improve focus.
• Analyze your incorrect answers carefully. Determine if your mistakes were due to content gaps, misreading questions, or running out of time.
• Take multiple practice tests to track your progress and identify patterns in your mistakes.

Understanding how to calculate ACT score from your practice tests can also give you a clearer picture of your potential performance.

3. Work on time management strategies.

Time constraints can be a significant challenge on the ACT, and even well-prepared students can struggle to finish sections on time. Here are some time management strategies to practice:

• Use a timer to improve your pacing. While completing practice questions, using a timer can help you simulate the time pressure of the real exam.
• Prioritize easier questions first to save time. By securing quick points early on, you can reserve more time for challenging questions.
• Use the process of elimination to narrow down your options. Eliminating incorrect answer choices quickly can improve your chances of selecting the right answer.
• Don’t spend too much time on one question. If you’re stuck, make an educated guess and move on to avoid wasting valuable time.

Practicing these techniques during your preparation will help you develop a comfortable pace for each section of the ACT. Additionally, knowing how to calculate ACT score based on the number of correct answers can guide your pacing strategy.

4. Consider tutoring or prep courses.

If self-study isn’t yielding the improvements you need, you may benefit from professional guidance. Consider enrolling in a prep course or hiring a tutor to provide personalized instruction.

• ACT prep courses. These programs offer structured lessons, practice tests, and test-taking strategies led by experienced instructors. Many test prep companies, such as Kaplan and Princeton Review, provide online and in-person courses tailored to different skill levels.
• Private tutoring. A tutor can provide customized lessons that focus on your weakest areas. They can also help with time management strategies and offer valuable test-taking tips.
• Online resources. Websites like ACT Academy, and other online learning platforms provide free or low-cost test prep materials that can supplement your study plan.

Investing in professional test prep can be a worthwhile strategy if you struggle with particular concepts or need additional motivation and guidance. Many tutors also teach how to calculate ACT score, helping students set realistic goals and track progress effectively.

ACT Scores Release Date in 2025

Understanding the timeline for ACT score releases in 2025 is crucial for students planning their test schedules, college applications, and scholarship submissions. Here’s a breakdown of the anticipated test dates and corresponding score release periods for 2025:

*Note: No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.

Score release details:

• Multiple-choice scores are typically available online within 10 days after the test date, though they can take up to eight weeks in some cases.
• Writing test scores (for those who take the optional Writing Test) are posted online separately, usually about two weeks after multiple-choice scores.

Students can access their scores through their MyACT accounts. It’s essential to check your account regularly during the score release window, as scores are posted as they become available.

When scheduling your ACT test date, consider the score release window, especially if you’re aligning your test scores with college application deadlines or scholarship opportunities. Planning ahead ensures that your scores are available when needed for your academic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is the ACT scored?

The ACT score is based on the number of correct answers in English, Math, Reading, and Science, with no penalty for wrong answers. Your raw scores are converted into scaled scores (1-36), and the average of these determines your composite score. Understanding how to calculate ACT score helps in estimating your performance accurately.

2. What is a good ACT score?

A good ACT score depends on your college goals. The national average is around 20-21, while competitive colleges prefer 26 or higher. Top-tier universities often look for scores above 31. Learning how to calculate ACT score can help set realistic targets for your desired schools.

3. How can I calculate my ACT score using a practice test?

To determine your ACT score from a practice test, count correct answers for each section (raw score), convert them using a scoring chart, and average the scaled scores. Knowing how to calculate ACT score allows you to track progress effectively.

4. How long does it take to get ACT scores?

ACT scores are usually available online within 10 days, though some may take up to eight weeks. Writing scores, if taken, are posted about two weeks later. Learning the steps how to calculate ACT score ensures you can interpret results once released.

5. How can I improve my ACT score?

Boost your ACT score by identifying weak areas, practicing with official tests, and improving time management. Prep courses or tutoring can provide additional support. Mastering how to calculate ACT score lets you set clear improvement goals.

Takeaways

• The ACT is scored based on correct answers, with no penalties for incorrect responses, making it essential to learn how to calculate ACT score.
• A competitive ACT score varies by school, with top universities requiring higher scores, usually between 34 and 36.
• Raw scores must be converted into scaled scores, so mastering how to calculate ACT score is crucial for accurate score interpretation.
• ACT scores are typically available within 10 days, while Writing scores take longer.
• Improving your ACT score requires targeted practice, time management, and strategic preparation. To make the most out of it, consider getting a college admissions consultant.