# What is a perfect SAT score? | 1600.now Source: https://1600.now/sat-faq/what-is-a-perfect-sat-score --- Scores and interpretation A perfect SAT total is 1600: 800 in Reading and Writing plus 800 in Math. The total is a scaled score, so it is not a public count of how many questions you answered correctly. Written by [Luke Finigan](https://1600.now/about) 2 min read Updated Oct 2, 2026 ### A perfect total requires both section maximums A 790 in Reading and Writing and an 800 in Math totals 1590. An 800 in one section does not compensate for a lower score in the other beyond ordinary addition. A college that superscores may combine section scores from different test dates. A 1600 superscore and a 1600 earned on one sitting describe different records; check what the college accepts. ### Does 1600 mean every question was correct? Not necessarily. Each module includes unscored pretest questions, and digital SAT scoring depends on item characteristics and responses. College Board does not give a universal rule such as “one wrong answer still allows an 800.” If you are aiming at the top of the scale, review uncertain correct answers as well as misses. A guessed correct answer is useful feedback about what to revisit, even though it did not lower that practice score. ### Choose a target you can explain A perfect score is the scale’s maximum, not an admission guarantee. Compare college requirements and section expectations before deciding how much time to devote to the final score increment. The [1600 preparation guide](https://1600.now/how-to-get-1600-sat) focuses on reviewing specific errors. ### Sources and current rules - [College Board: understanding score reports](https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/scores/what-scores-mean) - [College Board: how scores are calculated](https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/scores/what-scores-mean/how-scores-calculated) ### Related SAT answers - **[How is the SAT scored?](https://1600.now/sat-faq/how-is-the-sat-scored)** SAT Reading and Writing and Math each receive a 200–800 score; adding them gives a 400–1600 total. Digital scoring uses responses across both modules and question characteristics, so a correct-answer count alone cannot determine the score. - **[Is the SAT curved?](https://1600.now/sat-faq/is-the-sat-curved)** The SAT is not graded on a classroom-style curve against the people testing that day. College Board uses statistical scoring and equating to put different test forms on a comparable scale. [Browse SAT resources →](https://1600.now/sat-resources)