LSAT Score Calculator
Calculate LSAT scaled scores and percentile rankings using official LSAC methodology
LSAT Score Calculator
Enter Questions Correct by Section:
What is LSAT Scoring?
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is scored on a 120-180 scale, with your score determining your likelihood of admission to law schools and your eligibility for scholarships. Administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), the LSAT is the primary standardized test used by over 200 law schools in the United States and internationally.
Your LSAT score is calculated from your raw score—the number of questions you answer correctly across approximately 77-80 scored questions. These questions are distributed across three main sections: Logical Reasoning 1 (26 questions), Logical Reasoning 2 (26 questions), and Reading Comprehension (27 questions). Your raw score is then converted to a scaled score (120-180) through a process called equating, which accounts for minor variations in test difficulty across different test administrations.
Importantly, there is no penalty for guessing on the LSAT. Your raw score counts only the questions you answer correctly, so you should attempt every question even if you're unsure of the answer. This differs from some other standardized tests and encourages strategic engagement with all test items.
Your official LSAT score report includes your scaled score, a percentile ranking (showing what percentage of test-takers you performed better than), and a score band—a range designed to reflect measurement error and provide context for your exact score. Median LSAT scores typically fall around 150-151, with 90th percentile scores around 165 and 99th percentile scores around 173-178.
LSAT Scoring Formulae
Raw Score Formula
Raw Score = LR1 Correct + LR2 Correct + RC Correct
Maximum raw score: approximately 79 (26 + 26 + 27)
Scaled Score Conversion
Scaled Score = LSAC Conversion (Raw Score)
Range: 120-180 (varies by test difficulty and equating process)
Percentile Ranking Formula
Percentile = (Test-Takers Below Your Score ÷ Total Test-Takers) × 100
Range: 1-99 (percentage of test-takers you performed better than)
How This Calculator Works
These LSAT calculators implement official LSAC scoring methodology to convert raw scores to scaled scores and estimate percentile rankings.
Score Calculator
1. Input your correct answers for each section (0-26 for LR sections, 0-27 for RC). 2. The calculator sums these to produce your raw score. 3. Using typical LSAC conversion patterns, it estimates your scaled score (120-180). 4. Based on your scaled score, it estimates your percentile ranking.
Percentile Estimator
1. Enter your LSAT scaled score (120-180). 2. The calculator references official LSAC percentile tables. 3. It displays your estimated percentile ranking, showing what percentage of test-takers scored lower than you.
Important: These are estimates based on typical test distributions. Your official percentile from LSAC may vary slightly due to specific test-date variations and exact examinee populations.
Uses of LSAT Scores
Law School Admissions: Your LSAT score is critical to law school admissions decisions. Schools use your score alongside GPA to evaluate academic potential and predict law school success. Top-10 law schools typically have median LSAT scores of 170+.
Merit Scholarships: Law schools award substantial merit scholarships based on LSAT and GPA combinations. Strong scores (165+) often qualify students for partial or full tuition scholarships and other financial awards.
Law School Rankings: Law schools' US News rankings are significantly influenced by their median LSAT scores. Schools compete partly on achieving higher median LSAT scores, making your score relevant to school prestige and employment outcomes.
Career Prospects: Graduates from law schools with higher median LSAT scores (and therefore higher rankings) often have better employment prospects and starting salary potential, making LSAT performance indirectly tied to long-term career success.
How to Use This Calculator
Score Calculator
1. Click the "Score Calculator" tab. 2. Enter the number of questions you answered correctly in Logical Reasoning 1 (0-26), Logical Reasoning 2 (0-26), and Reading Comprehension (0-27). 3. Click "Calculate LSAT Score." 4. Your raw score, estimated scaled score, and percentile are displayed instantly.
Percentile Estimator
1. Click the "Percentile Estimator" tab. 2. Enter your LSAT scaled score (120-180). 3. Click "Calculate Percentile." 4. Your estimated percentile ranking displays, showing your performance relative to other test-takers.
Pro Tips: Use these calculators throughout your LSAT prep to track progress. Set target scores aligned with your law school goals. Remember that actual percentiles vary slightly; LSAC provides official percentiles with your score report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good LSAT score?
Good scores depend on target schools. Competitive range is 160-170. For top-10 schools, aim for 170+. For top-50 schools, 155-165. Research your specific target schools' median scores.
How many questions are on the LSAT?
Approximately 77-80 scored questions: 26 in LR 1, 26 in LR 2, and 27-28 in RC. There's also an unscored experimental section.
Is there penalty for wrong answers?
No penalty exists. Your raw score counts only correct answers. Attempt all questions strategically.
Can I retake the LSAT?
Yes, you can retake the LSAT. Most schools accept your highest score. Multiple attempts (especially more than 3) may be viewed unfavorably by some schools.
How long are scores valid?
LSAT scores are valid for 5 years. Most law schools require scores from the past 5 years. Older scores may be considered with explanations.
Official Sources & References
This calculator uses methodology from official LSAC sources:
-
LSAT Scoring - Official LSAC
Official Scoring Information -
LSAT Percentiles
Official Percentile Data -
Law School Admission Council
LSAC Official Website
About the Author
This calculator was developed by Adam, an educational technology specialist dedicated to creating accurate, accessible tools for law school applicants and test preparation.
Visit Author Profile