PSAT to SAT Score Conversion

January 9, 2026

When it comes to standardized exams on the road to college, many students may find themselves asking, "You mean there's a pre-test before the real test?" The College Board created the PSAT as a precursor to the SAT, to aid students in preparing for the very important second exam. Maybe you're thinking, "But wait, if the PSAT is just a preliminary exam before the SAT, is it really that important?" In fact, it very much is. Students who perform well on the PSAT end up doing far better on the SAT, as the skills and abilities it tests helps them attain a higher score.

So, how many PSATs have you sat for and what were the results? You'll almost certainly want to know what those results might translate to for the SAT. Most everyone wants to know their projected SAT score as it's a guidepost, indicating a roadmap of what to follow down the line. We'll examine scoring specifics for the PSAT and SAT, and break down what a conversion chart really means.

PSAT: The 101

Before we take a look at scoring and conversion charts, let's review the PSAT's makeup. The chart below shows a breakdown of its sections, testing time, number of questions, time per question, and content. If you aren't already familiar with the exam's format, this is a good time to learn it. The test is the same length as the SAT, 2 hours and 14 minutes with one 10-minute break, and is also structured the same way. That means it has two sections, Reading & Writing and Math, and each has two modules of equal length. As an adaptive test, the second module in each section is harder or easier depending on how you do on the first. Many students take the PSAT more than once, giving them continued insight into its format and what's expected.

PSAT and SAT Scoring

In order to understand the conversion, it's important to understand how the PSAT and SAT are scored. Both exams have the same format with two sections, Reading & Writing and Math, and a total score based on adding their results. The total score scale for the PSAT is 320-1520, with each section scored from 160-760. The SAT is slightly different. Its total score scale is 400-1600, with each section scored from 200-800.

Both exams are adaptive, and as part of that, the difficulty of the questions answered is one of several factors in the model used to calculate scores. That means that even if two people correctly answer the same number of questions, their scores could still be different.

The PSAT and SAT use a common score scale, with their ranges pegged to grade level. That's why the PSAT, which is usually taken about a year earlier than the SAT, has a lower total score range of 320-1520 compared to the SAT's 400-1600. It also means if you got a 700 on the PSAT, you'd be expected to also get a 700 on the SAT if you took it the same day. Improvement from advancing to the next grade level therefore factors into a projected higher converted SAT score from your PSAT result. Of course, dedicated studying will help you improve your SAT score even more.

PSAT to SAT Conversion

Here we go, what we've all been waiting for—the conversion chart! Below it shows PSAT scores and their projected SAT score conversions. While these projections are estimates based on available sources, they will hopefully give you an idea of how your PSAT score suggests you would do on the SAT.

The Takeaway

Naturally, you want to do the best you can on the PSAT so you can increase your chances of success on the SAT. It's worth mentioning that not all exams come with a "pre"-exam like this, a test that helps you to understand what's to come and sets down some basic foundations. Make use of the PSAT and take it several times in anticipation of what the SAT has in store for you. This conversion chart should give you a sense of what your projected SAT score would be based upon your PSAT results.

Keep in mind as well that a projected SAT score is meant to encourage you to push forward, not discourage you. Many students not only take the PSAT several times, but the SAT too in determined pursuit of a high score for their undergraduate applications. Continue studying and discovering the best exam day strategies that work for you. With hard work and focus—anything is possible!