PSAT Score Calculator

What is the PSAT?

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a standardized test administered by the College Board that serves as both practice for the SAT and the qualifying test for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. Typically taken by high school juniors in October, the PSAT measures college readiness in critical reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning skills.

The PSAT uses a total score range of 320-1520, intentionally slightly lower than the SAT's 400-1600 range to reflect the grade-level appropriateness of the content. The test consists of two main sections: Reading and Writing (160-760 points) and Math (160-760 points). Since the SAT redesign in 2016, all SAT Suite assessments—including the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT—share a common score scale, allowing for direct comparison and growth tracking across grade levels.

Starting in fall 2023, the PSAT adopted a digital adaptive format, meaning the difficulty of the second module in each section adjusts based on performance in the first module. This multistage adaptive testing provides more precise measurements while reducing testing time. The digital PSAT consists of 98 total questions: 54 in Reading and Writing (two 27-question modules) and 44 in Math (two 22-question modules), completed in approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes.

Beyond the standard section scores, the PSAT generates a Selection Index score ranging from 48 to 228, calculated specifically for National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) eligibility determination. This Selection Index is the primary metric used to identify approximately 50,000 high-achieving students annually for National Merit recognition, with about 16,000 students becoming semifinalists and 7,500 ultimately earning finalist status and scholarship opportunities.

PSAT Score Calculation Formulae

The PSAT scoring process involves converting raw scores (number of correct answers) into scaled scores through a carefully calibrated equating process. Understanding these formulae helps students set realistic targets and track their progress effectively.

Raw Score Calculation

The raw score is the simplest calculation—it's the total number of questions answered correctly with no penalty for incorrect answers:

For Reading and Writing, the maximum raw score is 54 (27 questions × 2 modules). For Math, the maximum raw score is 44 (22 questions × 2 modules).

Scaled Score Conversion

Raw scores are converted to scaled section scores using an equating process that accounts for slight differences in difficulty between test forms. The general conversion formula approximates:

This formula provides an approximation, but the College Board uses precise conversion tables that vary slightly by test form to maintain fairness across administrations. Each section score ranges from 160 to 760.

Total Score Formula

The total PSAT score is simply the sum of the two section scores:

National Merit Selection Index Formula

The Selection Index, used exclusively for National Merit Scholarship qualification, is calculated using a specific formula that emphasizes the Reading and Writing score:

For example, with a Reading and Writing score of 680 and a Math score of 720:

The Selection Index effectively converts the 320-1520 total score scale into the 48-228 scale used by NMSC for scholarship program eligibility, with cutoff scores varying by state and ranging typically from 207-224 for semifinalist qualification.

How This Calculator Works

This PSAT score calculator implements the official College Board scoring methodology using empirically validated conversion tables. The calculator performs multi-step score conversion that mirrors the process used to generate actual PSAT score reports, providing accurate estimates of your performance.

Step-by-Step Calculation Process

1. Raw Score Input: You enter the number of questions you answered correctly for Reading and Writing (0-54) and Math (0-44). The calculator validates these inputs to ensure they fall within acceptable ranges.
2. Raw-to-Scaled Conversion: The calculator applies conversion tables derived from actual PSAT administrations. These tables account for the adaptive testing format and ensure that scores are comparable across different test forms.
3. Section Score Generation: Each raw score is converted to a scaled section score between 160 and 760. The conversion is nonlinear, meaning each additional correct answer doesn't always add the same number of scaled points.
4. Total Score Calculation: The calculator sums the Reading and Writing scaled score and the Math scaled score to produce your total PSAT score (320-1520).
5. Selection Index Computation: Using the official NMSC formula, the calculator doubles your Reading and Writing score, adds your Math score, and divides by 10 to generate your Selection Index (48-228).

The conversion tables used by this calculator are based on published College Board scoring guides and represent typical score distributions. Because the College Board uses an equating process that adjusts for slight variations in test difficulty, actual scaled scores may differ by 10-30 points from these estimates depending on the specific test form you take.

Important Note: This calculator provides estimates for planning and practice purposes. Your official PSAT scores will be calculated by the College Board using the specific conversion table for your test administration. Use these estimates to set goals and track progress, but rely on official score reports for college planning and National Merit consideration.

Uses of PSAT Scores

PSAT scores serve multiple important purposes beyond simple test practice. Understanding how these scores are used helps students maximize the benefits of taking the PSAT and set appropriate preparation goals.

1. SAT Performance Prediction

The PSAT and SAT share a common score scale, making PSAT scores excellent predictors of future SAT performance. A student who scores 1200 on the PSAT can reasonably expect to score around 1200-1250 on the SAT with similar preparation levels. This predictive power helps students set realistic SAT score goals and develop targeted study plans to address specific skill gaps identified by PSAT subscores.

2. National Merit Scholarship Qualification

The PSAT/NMSQT is the exclusive qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, one of America's most prestigious academic competitions. Approximately 1.5 million juniors take the PSAT annually, with the top 50,000 scorers (based on Selection Index) receiving recognition. About 34,000 students qualify for Commended Scholar or higher distinction, with 16,000 becoming semifinalists and 7,500 advancing to finalist status, competing for $30 million in scholarships.

3. College Recruitment and Outreach

Students who opt into the College Board's Student Search Service allow colleges and universities to access their PSAT scores and contact information. Institutions use PSAT data to identify prospective students who match their academic profiles, sending recruitment materials, campus visit invitations, and application fee waivers. High PSAT scores can result in direct outreach from hundreds of colleges, including highly selective institutions.

4. Academic Skill Assessment

PSAT score reports provide detailed feedback on eight content domains: Information and Ideas, Craft and Structure, Expression of Ideas, and Standard English Conventions for Reading and Writing; plus Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry for Math. This granular feedback helps students identify specific strengths and weaknesses to guide academic coursework selections and tutoring focus areas.

5. Growth Tracking Across Grade Levels

The SAT Suite's common score scale allows students to track academic growth from 8th grade through 12th grade. A student who scores 900 on PSAT 8/9 in 8th grade, 1050 on PSAT 10 in 10th grade, and 1200 on PSAT/NMSQT in 11th grade demonstrates clear academic progression. Schools and districts use this longitudinal data to measure instructional effectiveness and identify students needing additional support.

6. Scholarship Opportunities Beyond National Merit

Many organizations and colleges offer scholarships specifically for strong PSAT performers, independent of the National Merit program. Some colleges automatically award merit scholarships to students who achieve certain PSAT score thresholds, while private foundations and corporations sponsor awards for high scorers in specific states or demographic groups. High PSAT scores can open doors to thousands of dollars in scholarship opportunities beyond the official National Merit prizes.

How to Use This Calculator

Follow these straightforward steps to calculate your PSAT scores and understand your performance relative to college readiness benchmarks and National Merit qualification thresholds:

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources & References

This calculator is based on scoring methodology from the following official sources:

• College Board PSAT/NMSQT Official Page
  Official PSAT/NMSQT Information
• Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Scores (PDF)
  Official Scoring Guide and Methodology
• SAT Suite Scores Information
  Score Reports and Access
• National Merit Scholarship Corporation
  National Merit Scholarship Program Information

About the Author

This calculator was developed by Adam, an educational technology specialist committed to creating accurate, accessible tools for students preparing for standardized tests.