SAT Section Score Chart
Your total SAT score is the sum of Reading & Writing and Math. This chart shows common section splits for target totals.
Balanced section targets
Balanced splits are not required, but they are useful planning baselines.
| Total target | Reading & Writing | Math |
|---|---|---|
| 1500 | 750 | 750 |
| 1450 | 730 | 720 |
| 1400 | 700 | 700 |
| 1350 | 680 | 670 |
| 1300 | 650 | 650 |
| 1200 | 600 | 600 |
Using an uneven split
If one section is stronger, lean into it. A 1400 can be 760 Math and 640 Reading & Writing, or the reverse.
How to use this with your actual prep
Use score pages as decision tools, not reading assignments. Enter a real practice result, compare the section split to your target, then choose the next drill from the weaker section.
The useful next action is always concrete: take a timed module, review missed questions, or model whether a score is high enough for the schools on your list.
- Use the score calculator after every timed module.
- Check whether Math or Reading and Writing is limiting the total score.
- Turn the weakest section into a bank drill before taking another full test.
What decision this page should help you make
A score or admissions page is useful only if it changes your next action. Use it to decide whether to retest, which section is limiting the total, and whether your target colleges need a stronger score.
| If this is true | Do this next |
|---|---|
| Math is 40+ points lower than Reading and Writing | Run two Math domain drills before the next full module. |
| Reading and Writing is 40+ points lower than Math | Split practice between grammar rules and evidence/inference questions. |
| Your score is below the college middle-50% range | Plan a retake and target the weaker section first. |
| Your score is above the 75th percentile for your list | Spend prep time on grades, essays, and application fit instead of chasing small SAT gains. |
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FAQs
Can one SAT section make up for the other?
Yes. Colleges usually evaluate the total score, and many superscore across test dates.
What is the maximum SAT section score?
Each SAT section is scored from 200 to 800.
Keep working
Related SAT resources
- SAT Score Chart
Free SAT score chart with percentile bands, score tiers, college target ranges, and what each Digital SAT score usually means.
- SAT Raw Score Conversion Chart
Digital SAT raw score conversion guide explaining why missed questions convert differently across adaptive modules and test forms.
- SAT Study Plan for 1400
SAT study plan for reaching 1400, including section targets, weekly drills, score checkpoints, and common mistakes to fix.