How the ACT Composite is calculated
Each ACT section is scored from 1 to 36. On the enhanced ACT (online tests from spring 2025 and paper tests from September 2025), your Composite is the average of English, Math and Reading, rounded to the nearest whole number, with halves rounding up. Science is optional. If you take it, you get a Science score and a STEM score (the average of Math and Science), but Science no longer changes your Composite.
Composite = round((English + Math + Reading) ÷ 3) STEM = round((Math + Science) ÷ 2) Legacy Composite (older tests) = round((English + Math + Reading + Science) ÷ 4)
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| English | 50 | 35 minutes |
| Math | 45 | 50 minutes |
| Reading | 36 | 40 minutes |
| Science (optional) | 40 | 40 minutes |
Worked example
Alex scores 28 English, 32 Math, 26 Reading. (28 + 32 + 26) ÷ 3 = 28.67, which rounds to a Composite of 29. If Alex had scored 25, 25, 26, the average would be 25.33 and round down to 25. One point in one section can be the difference between rounding up and rounding down, which is why students near a .5 boundary often retake.
Superscoring
A superscore takes your best English, best Math and best Reading from any of your test dates and averages them into a new Composite. In the calculator’s default example, the best scores across two tests are English 31, Math 28 and Reading 30, giving a superscore of 30, higher than either single Composite (28 and 29). ACT reports a superscore automatically when you have tested more than once, but each college decides whether to use it. Check each college’s testing policy page.
Mixing old and new tests: ACT says scores from the legacy and enhanced versions can be used together. When you superscore across them, colleges typically use the English, Math and Reading scores, since Science is no longer part of the Composite.
Estimating from questions correct
ACT converts your raw score (number correct) into a 1–36 scale score with a table made for each test form, so a 40 out of 50 in English might be a 29 on one form and a 30 on another. The second tab uses a typical recent curve; your practice test booklet has the exact table for that form. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so never leave a question blank.
Tips
- Find your easiest gains. Raising your weakest section by 3 points lifts your Composite by 1. Check which section has the most questions you miss by careless error.
- Pace for the new timing. The enhanced ACT gives more time per question than the legacy test, so slow down and check work.
- Decide on Science. Some STEM programs and scholarships still ask for Science or STEM scores. Check before you skip it.
- Compare with the SAT. Use the ACT to SAT conversion to see which test suits you, then focus on one.
Questions students ask
Does the ACT round up?
Yes. The Composite is rounded to the nearest whole number and an average ending in .5 rounds up, so 28.5 becomes 29. Averages ending in .33 round down.
Is Science still part of the ACT Composite?
Not on the enhanced ACT. The Composite is the average of English, Math and Reading. Science is optional and reported separately, along with a STEM score.
What is a good ACT score?
The national average Composite is around 19–20. A score of 24 or higher is above average, and the most selective colleges commonly see middle-50% ranges in the low-to-mid 30s. Compare with each college’s published range.
Do all colleges accept ACT superscores?
No. Many do, some consider only single-sitting scores, and some are test-optional or test-blind. Always check the college’s own policy.
How many questions can I miss for a 36?
Very few: usually 0–2 per section, depending on the form’s curve.
Sources
Checked: November 2026
Results are estimates for planning. Your school, college or testing organization calculates your official numbers. UpMyGPA is not affiliated with College Board, ACT, LSAC or the AAMC.