The ultimate tool is here to calculate your ACT scaled scores as preparing for the ACT exam can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure how your performance will stack up. With our ACT Score Calculator, you can take the guesswork out of your preparation and get a clear prediction of your potential score. Whether you want to evaluate your overall score or calculate your ACT superscore, our easy-to-use ACT calculator helps you understand how your raw scores translate into the ACT scale. Not only this but you can pinpoint your strengths and areas for improvement, and set realistic target scores to guide your study plan. Keep reading to know what is the ACT composite score, ACT raw scores, ACT superscore calculator and ACT score scales in the article below. 

ACT® Score Calculator 2025

To calculate your ACT score, start by following a step by step process given below:

• Determine Your Raw Score: For the four sections which include English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Your raw score is simply the number of correct answers you gave in each section. 
• Use a Conversion Table: This to see how these raw scores translate into scale scores, ranging from 1 to 36. Importantly, there’s no penalty for incorrect answers, so only correct responses count. 
• Calculate Your Overall Score: Once you have the scale scores for each section, you can calculate your overall ACT score by averaging the four section scores. The result will give you a composite score between 1 and 36.

ACT Composite Score vs Percentile

The ACT Composite is the general score you get on the ACT exam based on your four sections, namely, English, Math, Reading, and Science. The four section scores are averaged together to create the Composite Score. Moreover, this is calculated through the average of scores on each of these parts, rounded to the nearest whole number. The ACT Composite is scored between 1 and 36, where 36 is the highest score possible. The Composite Score is the most important factor that colleges and universities consider during the admissions process in a bid to gauge the overall academic potential. The brief explanation of how it works is given below: 

ACT Raw Score to Scaled Score

The ACT Raw Score represents the number of correct answers you provide on each section of the test. This score is straightforward and is simply the total number of questions you answer correctly. However, an ACT Superscore calculator allows you to combine your highest scores from each section of multiple test attempts, giving you the best possible composite score by considering your top scores across different test dates.

• For example, if you correctly answer 70 out of 75 questions in the ACT English section, your raw score would be 70. Similarly, for the ACT Math section, which contains 60 questions, if you correctly answer 43 questions, your raw score would be 43. 
• When it comes to ACT Reading and ACT Science, these sections are scored similarly to other parts. In the ACT Reading section, you are evaluated on your ability to comprehend and analyze passages, with a total of 40 questions. Your raw score here is based on how many of these you answer correctly. 

• Similarly, the ACT Science section tests your interpretation and analysis skills in scientific contexts, with 40 questions.

Once your raw scores are calculated, they are converted into ACT Scale Scores. Your performance in the ACT exam reflects you standardized as the 1-36 point. Each different test format applied converts and assigns it its particular scale score value. The scale scores are used to compare performance across different test dates and help colleges and universities evaluate your academic ability as per the criteria of ACT test calculator.

What ACT Score is Good?

Generally, a "Good ACT score” will depend on your college goals. On average, scores between 20-24 are considered average, while scores above 24 are competitive for many schools. Top universities typically seek scores above 30, with selective institutions looking for scores in the 32-36 range as per the ACT score calculator criteria. To be in the top 10% of test takers, aim for 28 or higher. High 20s scores are competitive for state schools like University of Texas, Austin and University of California, Irvine, while 30s scores target schools like University of Virginia and Duke. Scores in the 34-36 range are ideal for elite universities like Harvard and Yale.

Is 20 a Good ACT Score?

A 20 on the ACT is considered average. It’s near the national average, but depending on the schools you're targeting, it may not be competitive. Many state schools or less selective colleges may accept a 20, but for more competitive schools, aiming for a higher score would be beneficial.

Is 23 a Good ACT Score?

23 is a decent score and competitive for many public colleges. It’s above the national average, and some schools will see it as an acceptable score as per the ACT score calculator. However, more competitive colleges and universities will look for scores in the 25-30 range. If you're targeting highly selective schools, you may want to aim for a higher score.

Is 26 a Good ACT Score?

According to the ACT score calculator, 26 is a strong score and is considered above average. It places you in a competitive position for many public universities and mid-tier colleges. While not necessarily at the level of top-tier schools, a 26 can still be acceptable for selective schools and may make you eligible for scholarships. If you're aiming for elite schools, a higher score may increase your chances.

Is 30 a Good ACT Score?

A 30 is a great score and places you well above average. This score is highly competitive for many selective schools and would make you a strong applicant at a range of prestigious universities. While not in the "elite" range like 32-36, a 30 still positions you favorably for top public universities and many private institutions.

Conclusion 

Sometimes the best resource provided to students within their preparation may be an ACT score calculator, where they would monitor their performances and set specific realistic goals while ensuring appropriate study material adjustment. At any rate, a score estimator, though by no means perfect for predicting success, is indispensable for knowing to what extent they have reached towards attaining what is expected or aimed for within that score of a student's performance. Finally, using an ACT score calculator with regular practice, targeted studying, and test-taking strategies can make all the difference for a student, helping him or her meet the outcomes he or she wants to achieve.

Note: ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc., which is not affiliated with or does not endorse Testbook