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: ACT Composite Score vs. SAT Total Score
- 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. Both the ACT and SAT are long tests, and to succeed at either you’ll need to build endurance and learn to answer questions quickly.
Note that the SAT is now offered only as a digital exam.
SAT Timing Breakdown
SAT Section | Number of Questions/Tasks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
Reading and Writing | 54 questions/tasks | 64 minutes (two 32-minute modules) |
Break | --- | 10 minutes |
Math | 44 questions/tasks | 70 minutes (two 35-minute modules) |
Total Time | --- | 134 minutes |
ACT Timing Breakdown
ACT Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
English | 75 questions | 45 minutes |
Math | 60 questions | 60 minutes |
Break | --- | 15 minutes |
Reading | 40 questions | 35 minutes |
Science | 40 questions | 35 minutes |
Break* | --- | 5 minutes |
Writing* | 1 essay | 40 minutes |
Total (without Writing) | – | 175 minutes |
Total (with Writing) | – | 215 minutes |
*Since the writing section of the ACT is optional, you will only complete this section and its preceding break if you opted in during registration.
ACT Test Changes
Beginning in spring 2025, the ACT will begin gradually introducing a revised, shorter version of the exam with the following changes: 44 fewer questions overall, total testing time will be closer to 2 hours, 4 instead of 5 answer choices on Math questions, the Science section will be optional, and a choice of taking the exam digitally or as a paper-and-pencil test.
These changes are scheduled to take place April 2025 for National tests taken digitally, September 2025 for International tests and for National tests taken with paper-and-pencil, and spring 2026 for State & District tests. See ACT’s website for continued updates.
SAT vs. ACT Scoring
Scoring 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.
Scoring | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
Score | You will receive a composite score on a 1–36 scale. This score is an average of your scores on the multiple-choice test sections (each section is scored on 1–36 scale). The optional Writing Test is not included in the composite score. You will receive 5 scores for the Writing Test: one overall score on a 2–12 scale and 4 domain scores, also 2–12, that are based on an analytic scoring rubric. | You will receive an overall score from 400 to 1600. This score is calculated by adding your score on the Math section with your score on the Reading & Writing section (each section is scored on a 200–800 scale). |
Wrong Answer Penalty | No penalty for wrong answers. | No penalty for wrong answers. |
Sending Score History to Colleges | You can decide which score is sent to colleges. Note: If students have taken the ACT multiple times, ACT allows students to share their Superscore, which is the calculated average of their best score in each subject from all the times they took the ACT. | You can decide which score is sent to colleges. Note: All scores from your selected test date are sent. |
Score Equivalence Chart: ACT Composite Score vs. SAT Total Score
Although ACT and SAT scores aren’t perfectly comparable, since the tests have slightly different sections, knowing your score on one can give you an idea of how you’d score on the other. ACT provides the ACT Composite Score vs. SAT Total Score conversion chart below, as well as an SAT Total Score vs. ACT Composite Score chart on their website.
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 English:
|
ACT Reading | Key Ideas & Details Craft & Structure Integration of Knowledge & Issues |
ACT Math | Preparing for Higher Math:
Integrating Essential Skills Modeling |
ACT Science | Interpretation of Data Scientific Investigation Evaluation of Models, Inferences & Experimental Results:
|
Optional ACT Essay | Idea & Analysis Development & Support Organization Language Use & Conventions |
SAT vs. ACT Comparison Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ACT or SAT harder?
Neither test is harder than the other. However, depending on where your individual strengths lie, you might be naturally suited to one exam over the other. The ACT has a Science section that the SAT does not. The ACT also has an optional Writing section with a timed essay, while there is no essay on the SAT. The ACT tests more math topics than the SAT, such as matrices and logarithms, but the questions are more straightforward than those you’ll find on the SAT. The differences between exams are fairly balanced, so you should take practice exams to determine in which test your strengths lie.
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 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 a Science section (which will eventually become optional), while the SAT does not. The ACT also has an optional essay, while there is no essay on the SAT. The ACT tests on a wider variety of math subjects than does the SAT, such as matrices, logarithms, and graphs of trigonometric functions. You’ll also see significantly more geometry on the ACT than you will on the SAT.
Lastly, the SAT and ACT are scored differently: the SAT from 400-1600, and the ACT from 1-36. Learn more about SAT vs. ACT scoring from the score equivalence chart above.
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 Test? What about the ACT Science Test, once it becomes optional?
Although some portions of the ACT are becoming 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 | ACT (no Writing): $65 Writing add-on: $25 Science add-on (once Science becomes optional): $4 |
Late Registration | $34 | $38 |
Change Fee (Includes Test Date or Test Center changes) | $29 | $44 |
Cancel Fee | $29 or $39, depending on when canceled | Nonrefundable |
Waitlist/Standby Fee (Charged only if admitted to the test center on test day) | Currently unavailable | $69 |
First 4 Score Reports | Free | Free |
Additional Score Reports | $14 each | $19 each |
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.