SAT Percentile Calculator
Find your SAT score percentile ranking and see how you compare to millions of test-takers nationwide
You scored better than 74% of all SAT test-takers.
Visual Ranking Comparison
See how your score compares to the national average
Understanding SAT Percentiles
Your SAT percentile tells you what percentage of test-takers you scored better than. For example, if you're in the 75th percentile, you scored better than 75% of all students who took the SAT.
What is a Good SAT Percentile?
Here's how to interpret your SAT percentile ranking:
| SAT Score | Percentile | Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1500-1600 | 99+ | Exceptional | Top 1% - Competitive for Ivy League and elite schools |
| 1400-1490 | 94-98 | Excellent | Top 5% - Strong candidate for top-tier universities |
| 1300-1390 | 87-93 | Very Good | Top 15% - Competitive for selective colleges |
| 1200-1290 | 74-86 | Good | Top 25% - Solid score for many state universities |
| 1050-1060 | ~50 | Average | National Average - Middle of all test-takers |
| 1000-1190 | 39-73 | Average Range | Acceptable for many colleges |
| Below 1000 | Below 39 | Below Average | Consider retaking to improve college options |
How SAT Percentiles Are Calculated
SAT percentiles are based on the performance of all students who took the SAT in a given year. The College Board updates these percentiles annually based on millions of test results.
- 1Percentile Rank:Shows the percentage of test-takers who scored at or below your score
- 2National Norms:Based on data from over 2 million students annually
- 3Score Range:SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, with 1060 being the approximate median
- 4Standard Deviation:About 210 points on the total score scale
Why Percentiles Matter for College Admissions
Colleges use SAT percentiles to evaluate applicants in several ways:
- 🏆Competitive Positioning:Shows how you compare to other applicants
- 💰Merit Scholarships:Many scholarships have percentile thresholds (often 90th+ percentile)
- 🎓Admissions Standards:Top schools typically admit students in the 95th percentile or higher
- 📚Academic Readiness:Higher percentiles indicate stronger college preparedness
SAT Score Percentiles by Section
You can also look at percentiles for individual sections:
- 📖Evidence-Based Reading and Writing:Scored 200-800, with median around 530
- 🔢Math:Scored 200-800, with median around 520
- ⚖️Section Differences:Section percentiles can differ from total score percentile
- 📊Score Variations:Some students score higher in one section, affecting their overall percentile
How to Improve Your Percentile
Want to move up in the percentile rankings? Here are proven strategies:
- 🎯Target Weak Areas:Focus study time on sections where you score lowest
- 📝Take Practice Tests:Consistent practice with official SAT materials
- ⏱️Learn Test Strategies:Time management and process of elimination techniques
- 🔄Consider Retaking:Most students improve their scores on second or third attempts
- 📚Use Quality Resources:Khan Academy (free), official College Board materials
- 📈Track Progress:Use our calculator after each practice test to monitor improvement
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What percentile is a 1200 SAT score?
A: A 1200 SAT score places you in approximately the 74th percentile, meaning you scored better than 74% of all test-takers. This is considered a good score and is competitive for many state universities and mid-tier private colleges.
Q: Is 90th percentile good for SAT?
A: Yes! The 90th percentile (around 1300 SAT score) is considered very good. You scored better than 9 out of 10 students, making you competitive for selective colleges and eligible for many merit-based scholarships.
Q: What SAT score is 50th percentile?
A: The 50th percentile (median) SAT score is approximately 1050-1060. This means half of all test-takers scored above this and half scored below. It's the national average for college-bound students.
Q: Do colleges look at percentiles or raw scores?
A: Colleges primarily look at your actual SAT score (400-1600), but they understand percentiles contextually. Admissions officers know what scores place you in competitive percentiles for their institution. Many publish their admitted student profiles showing 25th-75th percentile ranges.
Q: How is the Digital SAT percentile different from Paper SAT?
A: The percentiles remain comparable because the College Board calibrates scores to ensure fairness. Whether you take the Digital SAT or Paper SAT, the same score (e.g., 1300) represents the same percentile ranking and academic achievement level.
Q: What percentile do I need for Ivy League schools?
A: Ivy League schools typically admit students in the 95th percentile or higher (1450+ SAT). However, admission is holistic, considering GPA, essays, extracurriculars, and other factors. Some admitted students may have lower scores if they excel in other areas.
Q: Can my percentile change after I take the test?
A: Your score doesn't change, but your percentile can shift slightly year-to-year as the College Board updates national norms based on new data. These changes are typically minimal (1-2 percentile points).
Q: Is 1400 a good SAT score percentile-wise?
A: Absolutely! A 1400 SAT score is in the 94th percentile, meaning you scored better than 94% of test-takers. This is an excellent score that makes you competitive for top-tier universities and many merit scholarships.