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PSAT score range, mapped.

The SAT Suite uses a common score scale with different reporting ranges. PSAT 8/9 runs 240–1440; PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT run 320–1520. The same score represents the same achievement level within the shared range, while grade benchmarks and percentile groups differ.

Test Ninjas Research · Updated September 29, 2026 · 7 min read

New to the score report itself? Start with what a PSAT score is. For national means by grade and benchmarks, see what is a good PSAT score. For College Board's percentile for every score and grade, see PSAT percentiles.

01

Score Scales at a Glance

All three PSATs share the digital format and common score scale. College Board reports different ranges for each test’s grade-level coverage. Section scores always add to the total.

Official total and section score ranges. Only junior PSAT/NMSQT produces a Selection Index (48–228).
TestTotalEach sectionWho
PSAT 8/9240–1440120–7208th & 9th graders
PSAT 10320–1520160–76010th graders (spring)
PSAT/NMSQT320–1520160–76010th & 11th (fall); juniors → National Merit
SAT400–1600200–800College admissions
Key takeaway: If your report says 1520 is the max, you sat PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQT. If the ceiling is 1440, you sat PSAT 8/9. Do not judge an 8/9 total against an NMSQT total as if they share a ceiling.
02

Visual Scale Comparison

Plotted on a shared 0–1600 axis, each test occupies a different band. The PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 sit just below the SAT; PSAT 8/9 sits lower still.

Aligned score scales (0–1600 axis)
PSAT 8/9240–1440
PSAT 10 / NMSQT320–1520
SAT400–1600
08001600

Compare PSAT and SAT with our PSAT to SAT score converter. College Board explains the common scale on page 5 of its Understanding Scores guide. For adaptive module mechanics, see PSAT format.

03

Where Your Score Sits

Use the slider for a quick read on a PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 total. Percentiles below are approximate for 11th-grade users (for example, 1000 ≈ 53rd, 1200 ≈ 82nd, 1400 ≈ 96th).

Interactive
Where does my score sit?

Slide along the PSAT/NMSQT & PSAT 10 total scale (320–1520). Percentiles are approximate for 11th-grade users.

1100~69th percentile · Above average
3201520
04

Grade Benchmarks

College Board grade-level benchmarks mark the section scores associated with being on track for college readiness at that grade. Meeting both section benchmarks is the usual “on track” signal.

College Board section benchmarks by grade. Compare your section scores — not only the total.
GradeReading & WritingMath
Grade 8390430
Grade 9410450
Grade 10430480
Grade 11460510
Reading the benchmarks: Falling short of Math while clearing RW (or the reverse) tells you where to spend prep hours before the SAT — more useful than staring at the total alone.
05

Score Band Meanings

Bands below are informal framing for PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 totals on the 320–1520 scale — not official College Board labels.

Informal total-score bands for PSAT 10 / PSAT/NMSQT. National Merit uses Selection Index, not total alone.
Total bandRough readTypical next step
320–899Below / approaching averageSkill foundations; retake practice modules
900–999Around averageTarget weaker section; hit grade benchmarks
1000–1199Above averageSAT timeline planning; stretch goals
1200–1299StrongCompetitive SAT track; refine timing
1300–1399Very strongHigh SAT ceiling; Index watch for juniors
1400–1520ExceptionalNational Merit territory often nearby via Index

11th-grade user percentiles (selected)

Approximate percentiles among 11th-grade users. Averages and deeper context: average PSAT score guide.
TotalApprox. percentile
100053
110069
120082
130091
140096
06

Selection Index Range

On the PSAT/NMSQT only, the Selection Index runs 48–228. Formula: (2 × RW + Math) ÷ 10. Example: RW 620 + Math 500 → total 1120, Index 174.

Commended cutoff for the 2026 program: 210. State Semifinalist cutoffs commonly fall about 210–225. Explore with the Selection Index calculator and National Merit guide. Score anatomy lives in what is a PSAT score.

Index ≠ total: Two students with the same 1300 total can have different Indexes depending on RW vs. Math split. National Merit cares about the Index.

Not sure which PSAT you should sit? See which PSAT to take. Model practice results at the PSAT score calculators hub or the digital PSAT calculator.

07

Frequently Asked Questions

PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 totals range from 320–1520 (160–760 per section). PSAT 8/9 totals range from 240–1440 (120–720 per section). The SAT, for comparison, is 400–1600 (200–800 per section).

The PSAT tests cover knowledge and skills appropriate to earlier grade levels. They report a lower range on the SAT Suite’s common score scale. A score within the shared range represents the same achievement level on the same day.

Benchmarks mark college-readiness on track for that grade: Grade 8 RW 390 / Math 430; Grade 9 RW 410 / Math 450; Grade 10 RW 430 / Math 480; Grade 11 RW 460 / Math 510.

The Selection Index ranges from 48–228 and is calculated as (2 × Reading and Writing + Math) ÷ 10. It applies only to the PSAT/NMSQT.

On the 320–1520 scale, 1200 is well above the all-tester mean (~950) and near the ~82nd percentile among 11th-grade users. Whether it is “good” depends on your goals — average readiness vs. National Merit (Index typically 210+ for Commended).

Yes, within their shared reporting range: the SAT Suite uses a common score scale, so the same section score represents the same achievement level on the same day. PSAT 8/9 tops out at 1440 and PSAT/NMSQT at 1520; grade benchmarks and percentile groups still differ.

Built for the digital PSAT

Find your range, then climb it.

Practice on the real digital format with adaptive modules and full explanations. Create a free account and establish your baseline on the 320–1520 (or 240–1440) scale.

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