How Digital SAT Scores Work
Lyceon Team · SAT Basics · Updated October 5, 2026
Your SAT score report gives you three numbers that matter: a total score and two section scores. Here's what each one means.
The scale
Each section, Reading and Writing and Math, is scored from 200 to 800. Your total is the sum of the two, from 400 to 1600.
Two modules per section
Each section is split into two modules of equal length. The second module is easier or harder depending on how you did on the first. The College Board doesn't publish how raw answers convert to a score, so be wary of anyone who claims to know the formula.
Source: College Board: SAT structure
Percentiles
A percentile is the share of students who scored at or below you. On the College Board's table, a total of 1200 is at the 75th user percentile, and 1400 is at the 93rd.
Source: College Board: understanding SAT scores (percentiles)
The average and the benchmarks
The mean total score for the class of 2026 was 1045. The College Board's benchmarks are 480 for Reading and Writing and 530 for Math. Students who meet them have a 75% likelihood of a C or better in a related first-semester college course.
Sources: College Board: 2026 SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report (total group); College Board: Understanding Scores (Fall 2026, students and families)
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