Last Updated: March 28, 2026
The new enhanced ACT consists of four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored on a scale of 1–36. Under the new scoring system, the composite score is the average of English, Math, and Reading only, rounded to the nearest whole number. Science is still reported when taken, but it does not factor into the composite.
Use the sliders below to enter the number of correct answers for each section. Scores are estimated based on recent exam curves — the real scoring curve varies slightly from test to test.
Composite is the average of English, Math, and Reading. Science is reported separately and does not affect the composite.
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The charts below show how raw scores convert to scaled scores (1–36) for each section. The curves are slightly different for each section, but the general trend is the same.
75 questions · 45 min
60 questions · 60 min
40 questions · 35 min
40 questions · 35 min
Four sections, each scored independently on a 1–36 scale.
| Section | Questions | Time | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 75 | 45 min | Grammar, usage, punctuation, style |
| Mathematics | 60 | 60 min | Pre-algebra through trigonometry |
| Reading | 40 | 35 min | Reading comprehension, inference |
| Science | 40 | 35 min | Data analysis, scientific reasoning |
| Total | 215 | 175 min |
From raw answers to your final composite score:
Score benchmarks and what they mean for college admissions:
| Tier | Score | Percentile | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 21 | National average | A composite of 21 represents the national average. Meets minimum requirements for most colleges but may not be competitive at selective schools. |
| Above Average | 24+ | Top ~30% | A score of 24 or above places you in roughly the top 30% of test takers. Competitive for many universities and qualifies for merit scholarships at some schools. |
| Competitive | 28+ | Top ~10% | A 28+ puts you in the top 10% of test takers. Competitive for most selective universities. Combined with a strong GPA and extracurriculars, this score significantly strengthens applications. |
| Elite | 33+ | Top ~3% | For admission to highly selective schools, scores of 33+ are common among admitted students. A 35 or 36 is what the most competitive applicants aim for. |
Unlike the GRE, the ACT is not adaptive — every test-taker gets the same questions.
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