ACT to SAT Converter

The American College Testing (ACT) and the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) are standard assessments for students planning to pursue their undergraduate degree in the US and Canada. These exams test their knowledge and skills and determine their readiness for college. Both exams hold equal importance, so students can attempt either SAT or ACT for college admissions. You can also convert your SAT and ACT scores to have a better chance of applying for admission to multiple educational institutions. Here’s everything you need to know about the ACT to SAT converter.

SAT and ACT exams: An overview

Data updated as of June 2023

ACT and SAT exams: Key highlights

• The SAT and ACT exams evaluate your knowledge and skills through maths, reading and English sections. Both are standard assessments for entrance into educational institutions in the US and Canada.
• The ACT exam pattern consists of four sections: English, maths, reading, and science.

The SAT exam syllabus comprises three sections: reading, writing and language, and maths. Despite the differences in pattern and duration, both exams aim to evaluate the candidate’s readiness for college.

• ACT is conducted four times a year (March, May, October, and December), whereas the SAT exam is held six times annually (February, April, June, July, September, and October).

Also read: ACT exam dates

Why do you need an ACT to SAT converter?

• An ACT to SAT converter helps students and colleges standardise their scores and compares their performances better. Some institutions prefer ACT or SAT, so the score conversion ensures a smooth admission process.
• The conversion also helps educational institutions follow a fair evaluation of international students during admission. There are various ACT to SAT converters, or you can also check your equivalent using an SAT to ACT conversion chart.

ACT to SAT converter

Students can convert their ACT to SAT scores in the table below. It is important to note that the table only provides an approximate equivalent value between the scores.

SAT to ACT conversion chart

Data updated as of June 2023

Also read: ACT score chart

ACT or SAT: Which one should you take?

There are various factors to consider when deciding whether to take ACT or SAT. Before choosing which exam would be best for you, here's what you should consider.

• The test format or pattern is different in the SAT and ACT exams. While ACT has four sections and has a longer duration with the optional writing section, SAT only has three sections and no optional tasks.
• The ACT exam comprises a science section and includes complex maths problems. The SAT exam does not have a science section and focuses more on determining students’ logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Review the pattern and syllabus to determine which exam best aligns with your strengths.
• Educational institutions do not have any preference when it comes to ACT or SAT. Although, in rare cases, some universities might ask for either of the exams. Check your university requirements before registering for any exam.

Also read: SAT vs ACT: Which should you take?

Frequently asked questions

What is a 27 on the ACT in SAT?

The SAT equivalent for an ACT score of 27 ranges between 1260-1290.

What is ACT to SAT conversion?

The ACT to SAT conversion provides equivalent scores between the ACT and SAT marks. This conversion allows educational institutions in the US and Canada to compare students’ performance by having a standard measure of their abilities.

Is ACT math easier than SAT?

The difficulty level of the ACT and SAT maths exams depends on the candidate’s strength in different areas of maths. The ACT maths exam focuses on complex mathematical problems and concepts, like trigonometry, to analyse students’ problem-solving skills. Whereas the SAT exam includes complex word problems, data analysis, and algebra. So the difficulty level varies with each student based on their strengths and weaknesses in maths.

What does a 21 ACT score convert to SAT?

The ACT to SAT converter for an ACT score of 21 for SAT ranges between 1060-1090.

What is a good ACT score for Ivy League?

Ivy League schools prefer an ACT score of at least 34. Students with scores above 34 have a good chance of getting into institutions like Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Princeton Universities.