PSAT score calculator for the total and National Merit Selection Index
This PSAT score calculator starts from the two section scores on a PSAT/NMSQT score report, Reading and Writing and Math, and returns the total score and the National Merit Selection Index. The Selection Index is the number National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses to screen entrants, so it is the figure behind most searches for a PSAT score for National Merit.
It also shows your scores on the SAT scale. The tool does not invent a prediction of how much you will improve. College Board says every test in the SAT Suite is reported on one vertical scale, so the same section score means the same level of performance on the PSAT and the SAT. If you want to model growth, you can type your own assumption and it is labelled as yours.
How to use the PSAT Score Calculator
- Type your Reading and Writing section score (160–760, in steps of 10).
- Type your Math section score in the same range.
- Read the total (320–1520) and the Selection Index (48–228).
- Optionally type a cutoff you looked up to see how far above or below it you are.
- Optionally add an assumed growth per section to see a projected SAT total.
PSAT Score Calculator features
Official formula
The index is twice the Reading and Writing score plus the Math score, divided by 10, exactly as College Board describes it.
No guessed cutoffs
State cutoffs change each year, so you enter the one you want rather than trusting a hard-coded table.
SAT-scale reading
Shows the same section scores on the SAT scale, with a note when a score is below the SAT floor of 200.
Honest projection
Growth is only applied if you type a number, and it is clearly marked as your assumption.
How the numbers are built
The digital PSAT/NMSQT reports two section scores from 160 to 760 and a total from 320 to 1520. The SAT reports sections from 200 to 800 and a total from 400 to 1600. The PSAT 10 uses the same ranges as the PSAT/NMSQT; the PSAT 8/9 runs 240 to 1440.
Because Reading and Writing counts twice, a 10-point change there moves the Selection Index by 2 points, while a 10-point change in Math moves it by 1. A student with 640 Reading and Writing and 660 Math has an index of (1280 + 660) ÷ 10 = 194.
| Reading and Writing | Math | Total | Selection Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 760 | 760 | 1520 | 228 |
| 720 | 700 | 1420 | 214 |
| 700 | 650 | 1350 | 205 |
| 640 | 660 | 1300 | 194 |
| 160 | 160 | 320 | 48 |
PSAT score to SAT score
College Board states that with vertical scaling a student who took a PSAT test and the SAT on the same day would be expected to get the same score on both. Its example is a 500 Math score on the PSAT/NMSQT followed by 550 on the SAT, which counts as 50 points of improvement. Real results also depend on preparation, the test form and measurement error, so treat the SAT-scale reading as a starting point, not a forecast. When you are ready to practise, score a full paper test with the SAT score calculator, or compare with the ACT using the ACT to SAT converter.
About National Merit cutoffs
Only the PSAT/NMSQT taken in the qualifying year counts for National Merit. NMSC sets Selection Index cutoffs by state each year after results, and they are not known when you get your scores. Look up the current year on nationalmerit.org, type the number in the cutoff box, and the tool shows the gap. This is informational and does not decide eligibility.
PSAT Score Calculator FAQ
How is the PSAT Selection Index calculated?
Double your Reading and Writing section score, add your Math section score, and divide by 10. The result runs from 48 to 228.
What is a good PSAT score for National Merit?
It depends on your state and year. NMSC publishes cutoffs after the program year, so type the one you want to compare with.
How do I convert a PSAT score to an SAT score?
College Board reports both on one vertical scale, so the section numbers carry across. The tool shows the same scores on the SAT scale, and a growth figure only if you enter one.
What is a perfect PSAT score?
1520 total, from 760 on each section, which gives a Selection Index of 228.
Does the PSAT 10 have a Selection Index?
No. College Board lists the Selection Index as for the PSAT/NMSQT only.
Is this an official score report?
No. Your official scores are in your College Board account. This tool applies published formulas to numbers you type.