Understanding how the SAT® exam is scored helps you set a realistic target and read your results correctly once they arrive. This page draws together the scoring details covered across Happi’s SAT® guide into one place.
The scoring scale
Each section of the SAT® exam is scored on a scale from 200 to 800 in 10-point increments. The Math and Reading and Writing sections are equally weighted, resulting in a total score ranging from 400 to 1600 points.
Why your score depends on the adaptive module
The SAT® is structured as two modules per section. Your performance in the first module determines the difficulty level of the second module: your second module will either be easier or harder than the first. This way, the exam adapts to your level in real time, rather than scoring everyone against one fixed set of questions — a strong first module opens the door to a higher possible score in the second.
What your score report shows
Your score report gives you a total score, a score for each section, and context for how those scores compare to other test-takers. Colleges use this alongside their own admissions criteria to evaluate your application — many publish the average scores and score ranges of admitted students, which is a useful way to set your own target.
Score Choice® and sending your scores
Some colleges require all your scores to be sent, while others allow Score Choice®, where you select which scores to send. Some colleges also use superscoring, combining your best section scores from different test dates rather than just looking at one attempt’s total. Knowing a college’s policy in advance helps you decide how many times to take the SAT® exam, and how to prepare between attempts — see our retake strategy guide for that decision.
See where your score stands today, section by section.