Thinking about taking the PSAT soon to Prepare for the SAT Exam? Or maybe you've already taken it and are staring at your score report? Wondering what all those numbers actually mean? Don't worry we've got it covered. The PSAT SAT score range is important to understand: the PSAT total score ranges from 320 to 1520, while the SAT ranges from 400 to 1600. Whether you're aiming for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship or just want to sharpen your skills for the SAT, knowing how your PSAT scores work is key to success.

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Did You Know Facts About PSAT Scores?

• 🎯 The highest possible PSAT score is 1520—not 1600 like the SAT!
• 🏆 Scoring in the top 1% can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
• 📊 According to the 2024 SAT Suite Annual Report, over 3,652,232 students took the PSAT in the year 2024.
• 🚀 The PSAT isn’t just practice—it’s a snapshot of how ready you are for college-level tests.
• 💡 Your PSAT scores can even help you get noticed by colleges early through the Student Search Service.

What are PSAT Scores?

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a standardized test for 10th and 11th graders. It's sometimes referred to as the "SAT practice test," but it's much more than that. Your PSAT score provides a sneak peek at how you'd do on the SAT, identifies areas where you need to improve, and even leads to scholarship opportunities.

PSAT Test Scores Structure

Just like the SAT Sections, the PSAT also consists of two main sections which are the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math. Each section has scores ranging from 160 to 760. Both of the section scores are then added together to calculate your Total PSAT Score, which falls between 320 and 1520. Understanding this structure is key to interpreting your results.

1. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW)
2. Math

PSAT Score Range Table

PSAT scores from initial observation might prove to be confusing but check the PSAT Score range table in order to view the brief summary on total and ERW as well as Maths section scores.

Total PSAT/ NMSQT Score

Your Total PSAT Score is really easy to calculate. It's simply the addition of your Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (ERW) and Math section scores. To understand the total PSAT scores better, take this for instance, if you get 700 in ERW and 650 in Math, you'll have a good 1350 total score. Easy math, huge difference!

PSAT Section-wise Score Breakdown

As we know PSAT has 2 main sections which are ERW and Math. They both test a student's specific skills. These sections have individual scores ranging from 160-760. Look at the table given below for better understanding. 

Each of these parts contributes to your overall section score, which ranges from 160 to 760.

Subscores & Cross-Test Scores

To give you a clearer picture of your strengths and areas to improve, the PSAT also provides detailed Subscores and Cross-Test Scores that highlight specific skills across subjects.

• Subscores (1–15 scale): Measures specific skills like Command of Evidence, Words in Context, etc.
• Cross-Test Scores (8–38 scale): Tests skills across subjects, such as Analysis in Science and History/Social Studies.

PSAT Percentiles

Percentiles show how your scores compare to other students. They’re based on data from the past three years of PSAT/NMSQT test-takers in 10th or 11th grade worldwide. If you’re in 10th grade, you’ll see the 10th-grade percentile. If you’re in 11th grade, you’ll get the 11th-grade percentile. Students testing in other grades receive the percentile closest to their grade—for example, a 7th grader gets the 8th-grade percentile.

How the PSAT/NMSQT Is Scored?

The PSAT/NMSQT uses an adaptive test design and something called Item Response Theory (IRT) pattern scoring. This means the test can ask fewer questions in less time while still accurately measuring your skills. Your score is based on whether you answer questions correctly or incorrectly, plus factors like question difficulty, how well each question distinguishes between students with different knowledge levels, and even the likelihood of guessing. Every student gets the same types of questions covering the same content, ensuring a fair shot to show what they know. Quick tip: it’s usually better to guess than leave a question blank—especially if you can rule out one or two wrong answers!

How is the PSAT Score Calculated?

Curious about how all those PSAT numbers come together? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here’s a quick look at how your PSAT score is calculated step by step:

1. Raw Score: Total of correct answers.
2. Scaled Score: Raw scores are scaled to the scores (160–760 for each section).
3. Total Score: ERW section score plus Math section score.
4. Subscores & Cross-Test Scores: More analysis by skill area and subject area.

PSAT Test Scores Release Dates

PSAT/NMSQT scores are usually available online about 2 to 4 weeks after you take the test. You can easily view your scores by logging into your College Board account. If you need help or have questions, your school counselor is also a great resource to guide you through the process.

How to Check Your PSAT Test Scores?

1. Visit collegeboard.org: Visit the official College Board website at collegeboard.org, where you can access all your test scores and resources.
2. Log in or create a College Board account: Use your existing College Board account credentials to log in. If you don’t have an account yet, you’ll need to create one—it’s quick and free!
3. Navigate to the "PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9 Scores" section: Once logged in, go to the section labeled "PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9 Scores" to find your test results.
4. View your detailed score report and download your results!: Click on your score report to see detailed insights, and download your official results for your records or future planning.

How to Improve Your PSAT Test Scores?

• ✅ Practice Regularly: Use free College Board and TB US resources.
• ✅ Review Your Mistakes: Focus on weak areas shown in your subscores.
• ✅ Know to make use of Test Strategies: Learn time management, eliminate wrong answers, and pace yourself.
• ✅ Take Practice Tests and simulate the real testing environment.
• ✅ Strengthen Vocabulary & Math Skills: Consistently read PSAT Study guides and practice math problems go a long way.

Conclusion

The PSAT is not an ordinary practice test. This test is your opportunity to know where you stand before taking the SAT. This exam will help you improve your skills, and even earn scholarships such as the National Merit. How the PSAT scores are marked is something that you should learn so that you can determine your strengths and weaknesses. So, take time to prep wisely, study your scores thoroughly, and use them to position yourself for SAT success.