SAT® vs. ACT®
Both the SAT and the ACT are nationally administered, standardized tests that help schools evaluate your application and see how prepared you are for college courses. Learn about the differences between the SAT and ACT to discover which test is right for you.
Most colleges accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, so you can take the test that plays to your strengths. Your college application journey is likely starting with the question, “Should I take the SAT or the ACT?” Use this handy guide to help you decide.
Table of Contents
- SAT vs. ACT Format and Timing
- SAT vs. ACT Scoring
- Score Equivalence Chart
- SAT vs. ACT Content
- SAT vs. ACT Comparison Frequently Asked Questions
- SAT vs. ACT Costs
SAT vs. ACT Format and Timing
Understanding the timing breakdown of the SAT and ACT will help you practice under realistic testing conditions and know what to expect on test day.
SAT Timing Breakdown
SAT Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
Reading and Writing | 54 | 64 minutes (two 32-minute modules) |
Math | 44 | 70 minutes (two 35-minute modules) |
ACT Timing Breakdown
ACT Section | Number of Questions/Tasks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
English | 50 | 35 minutes |
Math | 45 | 50 minutes |
Reading | 36 | 40 minutes |
Science (Optional) | 40 | 40 minutes |
Writing (Optional) | 1 essay | 40 minutes |
ACT Test Changes
Major updates to the ACT went into effect in 2025-2026, directly reflecting feedback from students and teachers. The updated exam is shorter, less stressful, and gives test-takers greater control over their testing experience. For the latest details, check the official ACT website or explore our updated guide.
SAT vs. ACT Scoring
The scoring systems used on the SAT and ACT are very different. Understanding how your scores are calculated and how to use your scores can help you make the most out of your test prep and ultimately get a better SAT or ACT score.
SAT Scoring | ACT Scoring | |
|---|---|---|
Score Calculation | Both the Reading and Writing section and the Math section of the SAT are divided into two modules. A student’s performance on the first module determines the difficulty of the questions in the second module. The highest scores can be earned by doing well on a more difficult second module. The Reading and Writing section and the Math section of the SAT are each worth 200 to 800 points, combining for a total score of 400 to 1600. | The ACT is scored by assigning a scaled score ranging from 1 to 36 for each required test (English, Math, and Reading). These scores are averaged to calculate the final composite ACT score. A separate score is issued for the optional Science and Writing Tests if a student chooses to take either. |
Score Percentile Rankings | Provided | Provided |
Incorrect Answer Penalties | None | None |
Score Equivalence Chart: ACT Composite Score vs. SAT Total Score
ACT and SAT scores aren’t perfectly comparable since the tests have slightly different sections; however, knowing your score on one can give you an idea of how you’d score on the other. You can view the score equivalence chart below or visit the ACT website for more information.
ACT Composite Score | SAT Total Score Range |
|---|---|
36 | 1570-1600 |
35 | 1530-1560 |
34 | 1490-1520 |
33 | 1450-1480 |
32 | 1420-1440 |
31 | 1390-1410 |
30 | 1360-1380 |
29 | 1330-1350 |
28 | 1300-1320 |
27 | 1260-1290 |
26 | 1230-1250 |
25 | 1200-1220 |
24 | 1160-1190 |
23 | 1130-1150 |
22 | 1100-1120 |
21 | 1060-1090 |
20 | 1030-1050 |
19 | 990-1020 |
18 | 960-980 |
17 | 920-950 |
16 | 880-910 |
15 | 830-870 |
14 | 780-820 |
13 | 730-770 |
12 | 690-720 |
11 | 650-680 |
10 | 620-640 |
9 | 590-610 |
SAT vs. ACT Content Breakdown
The two tests might look similar, but there are some key content differences to keep in mind as you decide which test to take.
Exam Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
SAT Reading & Writing | Information & Ideas Craft & Structure Expression of Ideas Standard English Conventions |
SAT Math | Algebra Advanced Math Problem-Solving & Data Analysis Geometry & Trigonometry |
ACT English | Production of Writing:
Knowledge of Language Conventions of Standard English:
|
ACT Math | Preparing for Higher Math:
Integrating Essential Skills Modeling |
ACT Reading | Key Ideas & Details Craft & Structure Integration of Knowledge & Ideas |
ACT Science (Optional) | Interpretation of Data Scientific Investigation Evaluation of Scientific Arguments and Models with Evidence:
|
ACT Writing (Optional) | Idea & Analysis Development & Support Organization Language Use & Conventions |
SAT vs. ACT Comparison Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ACT or SAT harder?
Neither test is objectively harder than the other; instead, they are designed differently to suit different types of thinkers. Because colleges treat the SAT and ACT completely equally, the harder test is simply the one that plays against your personal strengths.
Do colleges prefer the SAT or ACT?
All universities that accept standardized test scores accept both the SAT and ACT. You can look up admissions statistics of previous freshman classes at the universities you’re interested in to see what percentage of incoming students took the SAT vs. ACT and use that information to help you decide which test you take, but, as a general rule, universities have no preference for one exam over the other.
What is the difference between the ACT and SAT?
Although there is much in common between the ACT and SAT, there are a few significant differences to keep in mind while choosing which test to take and beginning your studies.
The ACT has an optional Science section, while the SAT does not. The ACT also has an optional essay, while there is no essay offered on the SAT. The ACT includes separate English and Reading tests, each consisting of relatively longer passages you must read. The SAT has a combined Reading and Writing section, and each question is accompanied by one relatively shorter passage. The ACT tests a wider variety of math concepts than does the SAT, such as matrices, logarithms, and graphs of trigonometric functions. You also may see more geometry on the ACT than you will on the SAT.
The SAT is an adaptive exam, meaning that your performance on the first module of the Reading and Writing section and the Math section will determine the difficulty of the second module in each section. The ACT does not adapt based on your performance; because it is not adaptive, the ACT is offered in both a paper-and-pencil and a digital version, while the SAT is offered only as a digital exam.
Lastly, the SAT and ACT are scored differently: the SAT from 400–1600, and the ACT from 1–36.
Is it worth taking both the SAT and ACT?
If you have the time and resources, it’s not a bad idea to take both the SAT and ACT. Because of differences in content and strategy between the two tests, you may score better on one than the other.
Should I take the optional ACT Writing and/or Science Test?
Although some sections of the ACT are optional, you should still consider taking the ACT Writing and ACT Science tests as a way to help your scores stand out to colleges. Depending on your intended degree program, it may be especially beneficial to demonstrate a strong score in these sections. For instance, you might want to have an ACT Writing score if you’re applying to an English program, and you might want to have an ACT Science score if applying to a STEM program. A few colleges require an ACT Writing score, so completing the ACT essay may open up more options for you.
SAT vs. ACT Cost Breakdown
The SAT and ACT are comparable in price. Learn about each exam’s price breakdown below.
Type of Fee | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
Registration | $68 | $70 for core exam (English, Math, and Reading) +$5 for Optional Science +$25 for Optional Writing |
Late Registration Fee | $38 | $42 |
Change Fee | $34 | $49 |
Cancel Fee | $34 | Nonrefundable |
Waitlist | Free | $75 |
First 4 Score Reports | Free | Free |
Additional Score Reports | $15 per report | $20 per report |
Upcoming SAT Test Dates
Make your application process go smoothly by deciding which exam you plan to take as early as possible. You’ll want to have enough time to prepare for your test, and you may even want to take the test multiple times to improve your score. With that in mind, the schedule of upcoming SAT test dates may also play an important role in your decision of which test to take. Don’t worry, we’ve compiled all the upcoming test dates to help you plan.