PSAT to SAT Conversion Chart: Predict Your SAT Score

The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is a test taken during the sophomore or junior year that enables students to practice for the SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test. Many colleges in the United States require an SAT score as part of the college application, making it important that students score well. Anything you can do to practice for the SAT will improve your score. That’s why students are encouraged to take the PSAT, the most realistic practice test for the SAT.

PSAT to SAT Score Conversion Chart

Because the PSAT and SAT are similar in nature, you can estimate your SAT score based on how you performed on the PSAT. While many resources have a score-by-score conversion charge, below is an abbreviated version that provides a range for conversion:

PSAT Score Range	Predicted SAT Score Range
400 – 490	630 – 700
500 – 590	710 – 790
600 – 690	800 – 870
700 – 790	880 – 960
800 – 890	970 – 1040
900 – 990	1050 – 1130
1000 – 1090	1140 – 1210
1100 – 1190	1200 – 1390
1200 – 1290	1300 – 1380
1300 – 1390	1390 – 1460
1400 – 1490	1470 – 1550
1500 – 1520	1560 – 1570

For a more detailed look, score-by-score, check out Empowerly.com. You can also download a PDF of the PSAT to SAT conversion chart above for your records.

Understanding the Link Between the PSAT and SAT

The formats and subjects covered are similar because the PSAT is a kind of practice test for the SAT. Each exam has the following sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (no calculator), and Math (with calculator). A conversion chart enables you to easily predict your SAT score. Using this as a benchmark, as well as and individual scores on each section, you can determine what you need to give special attention to in your SAT prep. Taking the PSAT and utilizing a conversion chart will allow you to perform well on subsequent standardized tests and ultimately present the best test score possible to admissions committees.

How Accurate are PSAT to SAT Conversions?

It’s important to understand that a PSAT to SAT conversion chart is just an estimate. There may be other factors that determine whether you perform better or worse on SAT test day. If using these conversion charts, you should consider that your PSAT score puts you in a range for your predicted SAT score, rather than an actual number score. With this mindset, you won’t be tied to getting a specific score. Furthermore, the SAT maximum score does not have a PSAT equivalent. The maximum score you can receive on the PSAT is 1520, whereas a perfect score on the SAT is 1600.

Differences Between the PSAT and SAT

While the PSAT and SAT have many similarities, they also have quite a few differences. This is why the PSAT can’t be an exact predictor of your SAT score. One of the greatest differences is that there are multiple versions of the PSAT, while the SAT is generally the same test each time you take it. You can take the PSAT up to three times during high school, but only once per school year. First, there is the PSAT 8/9, which is available to eighth and ninth-grade students. This will help establish a benchmark for their progress as they move through the testing cycle. The PSAT 10 is for sophomores. Finally, students can take the PSAT/NMSQT during October of their sophomore or junior year. This test is specific to students hoping to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT must score in the top 1% to move on as semifinalists. By contrast, students can take the SAT multiple times each year. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test. Generally, students score better each time they take the test, so high school juniors and seniors should plan to take the test multiple times.

Format and Timing Differences

Both tests cover the same subjects, but the timing and number of questions differ. The following chart from BestColleges compares the two:

Subject	PSAT Timing + Questions	SAT Timing + Questions
Reading	60 minutes, 47 questions	65 minutes, 52 questions
Writing and Language	35 minutes, 44 questions	35 minutes, 44 questions
Math (no calculator)	25 minutes, 17 questions	25 minutes, 20 questions
Math (with calculator)	45 minutes, 31 questions	55 minutes, 38 questions
Total	2 hours 45 minutes, 139 questions	3 hours, 154 questions

Scoring Differences

There are scoring differences between the two tests. The PSAT is scored between 320 and 1520, whereas the SAT is scored from 400 –between 400 and 1600. A perfect score on the PSAT does not equal a perfect score on the SAT. BestColleges predicts that you must score 50 – 70 points higher on the SAT to remain in the same percentile you fell into on the PSAT.

Improving Your SAT After the PSAT

Ultimately, the SAT and PSAT are meant to test college readiness. Your SAT score will show admissions committees how you will perform in a college setting. Likewise, the PSAT estimates where students fall in their college readiness. Students will receive a total score and see their Math and Evidence-Based Reading Writing (EBRW) scores. These two sections will be color-coded to indicate college readiness. Green means that you exceed or meet college-readiness benchmarks, yellow indicates that you are close to meeting benchmarks, and red specifies that you must make significant progress. These benchmarks will also signal where you need to improve your understanding of the subject matter before taking the SAT. If you’re a college-bound high school student, your coursework helps to prepare you for the SAT, and therefore college, but there are also steps you can take to better prepare for the standardized test after receiving your PSAT score. The most effective form of SAT prep is private tutoring. These can be found locally, so ask your school counselor. While this is highly effective, it’s also expensive. You can opt for paid online SAT test prep as well. There is a plethora of options you can explore, like Kaplan, The Princeton Review, and PrepScholar. This avenue is for more budget-conscious students and their families. Finally, prepping for the SAT does not require splurging on paid practice tests and online courses. There are several free options available. These include Khan Academy and CollegeBoard. Your school may also provide free test prep after school or during study hall. Whichever bucket you can afford, SAT prep is available to all students. Like your scholarship search and college applications, PSAT and SAT test prep require initiative and perseverance on your part. If you do the work, you’ll see the results.