Neither PSAT to SAT score conversion nor PSAT-to-SAT predictions are a precise science. However, since the PSAT and SAT are scored on differing scales, it can be helpful to view an approximate PSAT to SAT conversion chart that will assist you in predicting your SAT score based off of a PSAT results.
With the explosion of the test-optional and test-blind movements at the start of the pandemic, teens who are not strong standardized test-takers may feel a sense of relief. Yet, many students applying to selective colleges in 2022-23 should still strongly consider taking the SAT (or ACT) multiple times.
Should I take the PSAT 10 or the PSAT/NMSQT?
Sophomores in high school typically take the PSAT 10. In order to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, you’ll need to take the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior. For more about winning a National Merit Scholarship, give us a call today.
How long does the PSAT take?
Both the PSAT 10 and the PSAT/NMSQT take 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete and are abbreviated versions of the real SAT. These two PSAT tests are formatted in exactly the same way.
Is the PSAT similar to the SAT?
The Verbal and Math sections of the PSAT are each scored on a 160-760 scale. Overall, the PSAT is scored on a scale of 320-1520. In contrast, each section of the SAT is scored on a 200-800 scale. The overall scale is 400-1600.
What’s on the PSAT?
Just like the official SAT the PSAT is made up of two overall sections and three subsections. Under the umbrella of Evidence-Based Reading & Writing are two subsections: Reading and Writing.
Reading
- Number of questions: 47
- Time: 60 minutes
- Primary Content: Reading comprehension, vocabulary in content, command of evidence, and analysis ability.
Writing
- Number of questions: 44
- Time: 35 minutes
- Primary Content: Editing ability, vocabulary in context, and understanding of grammar.
The math section accounts for the other half of a student’s score.
Math
- Number of questions: 48
- Time: 70 minutes
- Primary Content: Concepts from Algebra I & I, Geometry, and Trigonometry.
Will my SAT score be the same as my PSAT score?
Estimated Conversion Chart – PSAT to SAT
Note, these numbers are based on previous figures released by the College Board and can change from year-to-year. Additionally, we want to point out that the percentile column refers to where you would rank in relation to the SAT test-taking population, not the general population.
PSAT Score | Projected SAT Score | SAT Percentile |
1520 | 1600 | 99+ |
1510 | 1590 | 99+ |
1500 | 1580 | 99+ |
1490 | 1560 | 99+ |
1480 | 1540 | 99 |
1470 | 1520 | 99 |
1460 | 1500 | 98 |
1450 | 1480 | 97 |
1440 | 1470 | 97 |
1430 | 1460 | 96 |
1420 | 1450 | 96 |
1410 | 1440 | 95 |
1400 | 1430 | 95 |
1390 | 1420 | 94 |
1380 | 1410 | 94 |
1370 | 1410 | 94 |
1360 | 1400 | 93 |
1350 | 1390 | 93 |
1340 | 1380 | 92 |
1330 | 1370 | 91 |
1320 | 1360 | 91 |
1310 | 1350 | 90 |
1300 | 1350 | 90 |
1290 | 1340 | 89 |
1280 | 1320 | 87 |
1270 | 1310 | 87 |
1260 | 1310 | 87 |
1250 | 1300 | 86 |
1240 | 1290 | 85 |
1230 | 1280 | 84 |
1220 | 1270 | 83 |
1210 | 1260 | 82 |
1200 | 1250 | 81 |
1190 | 1240 | 79 |
1180 | 1230 | 78 |
1170 | 1220 | 77 |
1160 | 1210 | 76 |
1150 | 1200 | 74 |
1140 | 1190 | 73 |
1130 | 1180 | 72 |
1120 | 1170 | 70 |
1110 | 1160 | 69 |
1100 | 1140 | 66 |
1090 | 1130 | 64 |
1080 | 1120 | 63 |
1070 | 1110 | 61 |
1060 | 1100 | 59 |
1050 | 1090 | 58 |
1040 | 1080 | 56 |
1030 | 1070 | 54 |
1020 | 1060 | 52 |
1010 | 1060 | 52 |
1000 | 1050 | 51 |
990 | 1040 | 49 |
980 | 1030 | 47 |
970 | 1020 | 45 |
960 | 1010 | 44 |
950 | 990 | 42 |
940 | 980 | 40 |
930 | 980 | 40 |
920 | 970 | 37 |
910 | 960 | 35 |
900 | 940 | 32 |
890 | 940 | 32 |
880 | 930 | 30 |
870 | 910 | 27 |
860 | 910 | 27 |
850 | 900 | 26 |
840 | 890 | 24 |
830 | 880 | 23 |
820 | 870 | 21 |
810 | 850 | 19 |
800 | 850 | 19 |
790 | 830 | 16 |
780 | 820 | 15 |
770 | 810 | 13 |
760 | 800 | 12 |
750 | 790 | 11 |
740 | 770 | 9 |
730 | 760 | 8 |
720 | 750 | 7 |
710 | 750 | 7 |
700 | 740 | 6 |
690 | 720 | 4 |
680 | 710 | 3 |
670 | 700 | 3 |
660 | 690 | 2 |
650 | 690 | 2 |
If you are scoring under a 650 on the PSAT, your score is likely in the 1st percentile or lower.
PSAT to SAT Score Conversion – Predict Your SAT Score
If you are not happy with your predicted SAT score based on your initial PSAT result, do not fret!
Many teens take their maiden PSAT voyage during their sophomore year or in the first semester of their junior year. They do so right in the middle of learning important academic concepts in the 10th or 11th grade classroom—essential literary and mathematical material that is tested by the College Board. Therefore, it is little surprise that research shows that students tend to improve their score as they take the PSAT/SAT multiple times.
Repeat SAT-takers see an average gain of roughly 40 points. Those who study utilizing free resources see even greater gains. For example, one study found that students who utilized a preparation tutor for 20 hours saw an average SAT gain of 115 points.
Rest assured that no matter what your PSAT score is today, hard work, test prep, and continued learning in the academic classroom can put you on a pathway toward earning the score of your dreams. Schedule a consultation and free diagnostic with IVY’D College Prep today. You’re not on this journey alone!