ACT–SAT concordance tables translate a Composite score into an approximate SAT total so you can compare diagnostics when your teen tries both tests—but the match is approximate, not a guarantee of official results. Use it to spot which exam looks stronger after practice, not to predict admission outcomes on its own.
Official-style ACT to SAT concordance
Below is the widely cited ACT Composite to SAT total mapping (400–1600 scale). Section-level scores do not convert this cleanly—stick to Composite/total when comparing full practice tests.
| ACT Composite | SAT Total (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 36 | 1600 |
| 35 | 1580 |
| 34 | 1540 |
| 33 | 1500 |
| 32 | 1470 |
| 31 | 1440 |
| 30 | 1400 |
| 29 | 1360 |
| 28 | 1320 |
| 27 | 1280 |
| 26 | 1240 |
| 25 | 1200 |
| 24 | 1160 |
| 23 | 1130 |
| 22 | 1100 |
| 21 | 1060 |
| 20 | 1030 |
| 19 | 990 |
| 18 | 960 |
| 17 | 920 |
| 16 | 880 |
| 15 | 830 |
| 14 | 780 |
| 13 | 730 |
| 12 | 690 |
| 11 | 640 |
How parents should use this
After your teen takes one timed ACT practice test and one timed SAT practice test, convert the ACT Composite and compare it to the SAT total. A gap of several points at similar percentiles suggests one exam may be the better focus. If results are close, comfort and pacing matter as much as the chart. The full decision framework is in ACT or SAT: which test.
Concordance does not replace college targets. Once you lean toward one test, tie scores to real schools with what ACT score you need for college and read is the ACT harder than the SAT for format differences the table cannot capture.
What this table cannot tell you
- Which test your teen will prefer on a four-hour Saturday morning
- How section weaknesses (Math vs Reading) will move after prep
- Scholarship cutoffs, which often cite one test explicitly
Treat concordance as a comparison shortcut between diagnostics—not a promise that a 28 ACT and a 1320 SAT will always feel equally easy on test day.
The bottom line
Convert ACT Composite scores to approximate SAT totals to compare practice results, then confirm with official sources and your teen's experience. Pick the test where prep feels sustainable, not just the higher number on paper.
Start practicing
Start with a free diagnostic, then drill your weak spots with 15-question quizzes and track how you're doing across Reading, English, and Math. Compare plans whenever you're ready to go further.
This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.