How ACT test scores are calculated

What’s on your ACT test score report

Working out your Composite

Add your English, math and reading scores and divide by 3. Fractions of one-half or more round up, and less than one-half round down. For example, English 32, math 28 and reading 30 add to 90, and 90 ÷ 3 = 30.

Your ACT Superscore uses the same method, but takes your best English, best math and best reading from any of your test dates.

To turn raw scores into 1 to 36 scores, use the conversion table that comes with each official practice test. If you tested on an October, December, April or June date, ACT My Answer Key gives you the conversion table for your own test, along with the questions and your answers.

No penalty for guessing

Your score is based only on the number of questions you answer correctly. Wrong answers don’t cost you anything, so answer every question, even if you have to guess in the last minute.

Best calculator for the ACT

You can use a calculator on the math test only, and ACT says every problem can be solved without one. Any four-function, scientific or graphing calculator is fine unless it’s on ACT’s banned list. Bring the one you already know well.

Banned: calculators with a computer algebra system (CAS), like the TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, HP Prime and Casio ClassPad, plus phones, tablets and anything with a QWERTY keyboard. The non-CAS TI-Nspire is allowed. Online testers also get a Desmos graphing calculator built into the test.

A TI-84 is fine, since graphing calculators are allowed unless they’re on the banned list. Delete any stored programs with CAS features, turn off any sound, and remember it’s for math only, not science.

What’s a good ACT score?

There’s no pass mark. A good score is one that fits the colleges you want, so check the score ranges they publish. ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks are 18 in English, 22 in math, 22 in reading and 23 in science. The average Composite for the class of 2025 was 19.4.