How the ACT Composite Score Is Calculated
For the enhanced ACT used for all testers from September 2025, the Composite is the average of English, Math and Reading section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.
Method
- Enter English, Math and Reading scale scores from 1 to 36.
- Add the three section scores.
- Divide the sum by three.
- Round to the nearest whole number using ACT rounding rules.
Worked example
English 30, Math 28 and Reading 31 sum to 89.
89 divided by 3 is 29.67, which rounds to a Composite score of 30.
Notes
- Science is optional and is not part of the enhanced ACT Composite.
- Legacy ACT Composites used English, Math, Reading and Science.
- Raw correct answers are converted to section scale scores by test form before the Composite is calculated.
Use the current ACT composite formula for the test version you took
ACT scoring has changed over time, and the enhanced ACT composite uses English, Math and Reading rather than automatically averaging four legacy section scores. Before calculating anything, confirm which administration format your score report belongs to so you do not apply an older formula to a newer test.
The composite is built from section scores, not directly from a percentage of questions correct. Raw-to-scale conversion can vary by test form, so a generic raw score should not be presented as an exact official section score unless it comes from the matching ACT conversion table.
Treat superscoring and institutional use as separate questions
A calculator can average the relevant section scores, but whether a college accepts superscores, which administrations can be combined and how a program uses the result are separate policy questions. Check the receiving institution rather than assuming one universal admissions rule.
For study planning, compare section-level strengths and weaknesses before focusing on the composite. Raising the lowest included section can have a different effect from improving a section that is already high, especially after rounding.
Authoritative references
Primary or authoritative references for the external standard, scoring rule or identifier convention used on this page.
Editorial review and limitations
Continue with the related tools
Use the linked tools for your own inputs and scenarios.
- SAT Score Calculator — Calculate an SAT total from section scores or estimate a score range from raw correct answers using the official 2026 Practice Test #11 conversion table.
- GPA Calculator — Calculate a college GPA from letter grades and credit hours with an editable 4.0 scale, or enter grade points manually.
- Weighted GPA Calculator — Calculate a weighted GPA with per-course extra weight for honors, AP, IB or other advanced-course systems.