Your ACT science raw score is the number of questions you answered correctly out of 40. That raw score then gets converted to a scaled score from 1 to 36. But the conversion is not identical on every test date. The ACT adjusts its scoring curve based on the difficulty of the specific test form, which means getting 32 correct might be a 28 on one administration and a 29 on another.
This guide gives you the complete ACT science score conversion chart, explains how the curve works, breaks down percentile rankings, and covers the 2025 changes that made the science section optional. If you are looking for strategy and study tips instead, see our ACT science tips guide.
ACT Science Score Conversion Chart: Full Raw-to-Scaled Table
The table below maps every raw score (0 to 40) to its approximate scaled score (1 to 36). These values represent typical conversions and may shift by one to two points depending on the difficulty of the specific test form you take.
A few things to note. First, there is no penalty for wrong answers on the ACT. Your raw score only counts correct answers, so you should always guess rather than leave a question blank. Second, the conversion curve is steepest at the top: missing just two or three questions can drop you from a 36 to a 33. At the middle of the scale the curve is more forgiving, with each raw point worth roughly half a scaled point.
How ACT Science Scoring Works
The ACT science section has 40 multiple-choice questions and a 35-minute time limit. Every question has four answer choices. Your raw score is simply the number you got right, and that raw score is then mapped to a scaled score from 1 to 36 using the conversion table above.
The exact conversion changes from test to test because the ACT equates each form for difficulty. A slightly harder test will have a more generous curve, and a slightly easier test will have a tighter one. The differences are usually small, typically one to two scaled points at most, but they are real. That is why the table above shows ranges for some raw scores.
The science section tests three question types across its 40 questions:
For a full breakdown of format and strategy, read our complete ACT science section guide.
ACT Science Score Percentiles
Your scaled score tells you how you did, but your percentile tells you how you compare to other test-takers. The ACT publishes national percentile ranks each year based on recent graduating classes. Here are the key benchmarks for the science section:
The average ACT science score is about 20, which places you near the 50th percentile. The ACT College Readiness Benchmark for science is 23, meaning a score of 23 or higher indicates you are likely prepared for introductory college science courses. If you are aiming for competitive STEM programs, target 28 or above to land in the top 10 percent.
2025 Changes: Science Is Now Optional
Starting in spring 2025, the ACT made its science section optional. This is one of the biggest changes to the test in years, and it directly affects how your science score is used.
What changed:
- The ACT composite score is now calculated from English, Math, and Reading only. Science no longer factors into the composite.
- If you choose to take Science, you receive a separate science scaled score (1 to 36) and a STEM score that combines your Math and Science results.
- Taking the science section costs an additional fee on top of the base ACT registration.
Should you still take it? If you are applying to STEM programs, the answer is almost certainly yes. Many science-focused colleges and scholarships still want to see a science score. Even for non-STEM applicants, a strong science score can strengthen your application. Check the admission requirements for your target schools before deciding to skip it.
For a broader look at the ACT and all its sections, see our complete ACT guide.
What Score Do You Need? College Targets
While the science score no longer affects your composite, it still matters for college admissions, especially at STEM-focused programs. Here is what different tiers of colleges typically look for:
Use our score calculator to see how your science score fits into your overall ACT profile.
How to Improve Your ACT Science Score
The ACT science section is less about memorizing biology or chemistry and more about interpreting data quickly. Most questions can be answered by reading graphs, tables, and experiment descriptions carefully. Here are the highest-impact ways to move your score up.
Master data interpretation first. About 15 of the 40 questions are pure data representation. These are the easiest points on the section because they just require you to read a chart accurately. Practice with our ACT science practice questions until you can nail these in under 30 seconds each.
Learn to skim passages. You do not need to read every word of the science passages. Focus on the figures, tables, and labels first. Only read the text when a question specifically asks about experimental design or reasoning. This saves enormous time.
Practice under real time pressure. With 40 questions in 35 minutes, you have under 53 seconds per question. That is tight. Take timed practice quizzes regularly to build speed without sacrificing accuracy.
Focus on conflicting viewpoints. These passages are the trickiest because they require you to compare two or more scientists' arguments. They make up about 7 questions, but students miss them at a higher rate. Practice identifying what each viewpoint agrees and disagrees on.
Study the curve. Look at the conversion table above. If you are scoring a 25 and want a 30, you need roughly 5 more raw points, which means getting 5 more questions right. That is a concrete, achievable goal you can work toward with targeted practice.
For more detailed strategies, read our 8 proven ACT science tips.
ACT Science Score Chart Compared to Other Sections
Each ACT section has 36 as the maximum scaled score, but the raw score ranges differ because each section has a different number of questions. Here is how science compares:
Science and Reading have the same number of questions (40) and the same time limit (35 minutes), so their conversion curves are similar. However, the science curve tends to be slightly more generous at the low end and slightly tighter at the top compared to reading.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACT Science Score Charts
How many questions do you need to get right for a 30 on ACT science?
You typically need about 30 correct answers out of 40 to score a 28, and around 33 correct for a 30. The exact number varies by test form, but getting roughly 82 to 83 percent of questions right usually lands you at a 30.
Is the ACT science score chart the same on every test?
No. The ACT adjusts the raw-to-scaled conversion for each test administration based on difficulty. A harder test will have a slightly more generous curve. The differences are usually one to two scaled points at most.
Does the ACT science score still count toward the composite?
Starting in 2025, the science section is optional and no longer factors into the ACT composite score. The composite is now based on English, Math, and Reading only. If you take Science, you receive a separate science score and a STEM score combining Math and Science.
What is a good ACT science score for college?
The national average is about 20. A score of 23 meets the ACT College Readiness Benchmark. For competitive colleges, aim for 27 or higher. For top-tier STEM programs, target 33 or above.
Is there a penalty for guessing on the ACT science section?
No. The ACT does not subtract points for wrong answers. Your raw score is simply the number of correct answers, so you should answer every question even if you have to guess.
How long is the ACT science section?
The ACT science section is 35 minutes long with 40 questions. That gives you about 52 seconds per question, making it one of the most time-pressured sections on the test. See our ACT science tips for pacing strategies.
