The ACT composite score is a combination of your sub scores in English, math, reading, and science - each scored on a scale of 1 to 36. ACT scores can range from 1 to 36, and the average composite score is 21.
| ACT Composite Score | Percentile |
| --------- | --------- |
| 36 | 99% |
| 35 | 98% |
| 34 | 97% |
| 33 | 96% |
| 32 | 95% |
| 31 | 94% |
| 30 | 92% |
| 29 | 90% |
| 28 | 88% |
| 27 | 85% |
| 26 | 82% |
| 25 | 79% |
| 24 | 75% |
| 23 | 72% |
| 22 | 68% |
| 21 | 64% |
| 20 | 60% |
| 19 | 56% |
| 18 | 53% |
| 17 | 50% |
| 16 | 47% |
| 15 | 44% |
| 14 | 42% |
| 13 | 40% |
| 12 | 38% |
| 11 | 36% |
| 10 | 34% |
| 9 | 32% |
| 8 | 30% |
| 7 | 28% |
| 6 | 27% |
| 5 | 26% |
| 4 | 25% |
| 3 | 24% |
| 2 | 23% |
| 1 | 22% |
ACT Sub scores
In addition to the composite score, you will also receive sub scores for each of the four sections of the ACT: English, math, reading, and science. These sub scores are also reported on a scale of 1 to 36.
English
The English sub score is based on your performance on the multiple-choice questions in the English section of the ACT. The English section tests your skills in reading comprehension, grammar, and usage.
Math
The math sub score is based on your performance on the multiple-choice questions in the math section of the ACT. The math section tests your skills in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis.
Reading
The reading sub score is based on your performance on the multiple-choice questions in the reading section of the ACT. The reading section tests your skills in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking.
Science
The science sub score is based on your performance on the multiple-choice questions in the science section of the ACT. The science section tests your skills in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science.
ACT Writing
The ACT writing test is an optional essay that you can take in addition to the four multiple-choice sections of the ACT. The writing test is scored on a scale of 2 to 12, and the average score is 6.
Calculating Your ACT Score
Your ACT composite score is calculated by averaging your scores on the four sub scores: English, math, reading, and science. The writing test is not included in the composite score.
To calculate your composite score, you will add up your scores for each of the four sub scores and then divide the total by 4. For example, if you scored a 30 in English, a 28 in math, a 26 in reading, and a 24 in science, your composite score would be 27.
ACT Score Reporting
Your ACT scores will be reported to you approximately two weeks after you take the test. You will receive a score report that includes your composite score, your sub scores, and your percentiles.