Section scores (1–36)
Your Result
About this ACT score calculator
The ACT has four sections — English, Math, Reading and Science — each scored from 1 to 36. Your composite score is simply the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. Colleges also accept a superscore: your best section scores across all test dates combined into one composite.
This tool calculates both. Enter one sitting to see your composite, or switch to Superscore mode and add every test date you have taken — the calculator picks your best section score from each sitting.
How the ACT composite and superscore are calculated
The composite is the mean of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number (the ACT does not report halves). A superscore takes the highest English, Math, Reading and Science scores from different test dates and averages those instead.
Example: 24/26/28/22 on one date and 26/24/27/25 on another give best sections of 26, 26, 28 and 25 — a superscore of 26, one point higher than either sitting alone.
ACT score ranges at a glance
| Composite | What it means | Approx. percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 33–36 | Elite — top-tier and Ivy League range | 98–99 |
| 28–32 | Very competitive — selective colleges, merit aid | 90–97 |
| 24–27 | Competitive — above the national average | 74–89 |
| 21–23 | Slightly above average — solid for many state schools | 58–73 |
| 18–20 | Around the national average | 38–57 |
| 15–17 | Below average — targeted prep pays off fast | 18–37 |
| below 15 | Early stage — fundamentals first, then retake | 1–17 |
How to calculate your ACT score
- Enter the four section scores: Each section is scored 1–36: English, Math, Reading and Science.
- Read the composite: The calculator averages the four scores and rounds to the nearest whole number — that is your composite.
- Add retakes for a superscore: In Superscore mode, add every test date. The tool keeps your best score per section and averages those.
FAQ
What is a good ACT score?
The national average composite is around 20. A score of 24+ is competitive at many colleges, 28+ is strong for selective schools and merit scholarships, and 33+ is elite territory. The 'good' score for you depends on the middle 50% range published by each college.
How is the ACT composite score calculated?
The four section scores (English, Math, Reading, Science) are added, divided by four, and rounded to the nearest whole number. There is no penalty for wrong answers — only correct answers count, so never leave a question blank.
What is a superscore?
A superscore combines your best section scores from different test dates into a single composite. For example, a strong Math from June plus a strong English from September can both count. Most colleges accept superscores.
Should I retake the ACT to raise my superscore?
Usually yes. Even if your composite stays flat, improving just one section raises the superscore. Two to three attempts are typical; beyond that, colleges care less about the extra points.