The average PSAT/NMSQT score for juniors (11th graders) is approximately 1000-1050, while the average for sophomores (10th graders) is about 920-960. These numbers represent the national midpoint: roughly half of all test takers score above and half score below.
Knowing the average is useful, but what matters more is understanding where your specific score falls relative to everyone else. This guide provides the full PSAT percentile chart, section-by-section averages, and context for how to interpret your score whether you are a sophomore or a junior.
Average PSAT Scores: The Quick Numbers
The PSAT is scored from 320 to 1520. Juniors score higher on average than sophomores because they have completed more coursework (particularly in math) and have more experience with standardized testing. For context on what counts as a good score at each grade level, see What Is a Good PSAT Score?
PSAT Score Percentile Chart
Percentiles tell you the percentage of students who scored at or below your score. A 75th percentile score means you scored higher than 75% of test takers. Here is the full PSAT percentile chart for 11th graders (the primary PSAT/NMSQT population):
These percentiles are approximate and shift slightly each year depending on the test-taking population. The College Board publishes exact percentile tables with each year's score release.
Section Score Percentiles
Looking at section-level percentiles helps you identify whether Reading/Writing or Math is pulling your total score up or down:
Notice that Math percentiles tend to run slightly higher than Reading/Writing percentiles at the same score. This means a 600 in Math is a stronger relative performance than a 600 in Reading/Writing. If your two section scores are lopsided, focus your study time on whichever section is weaker since that is where you have the most room to grow.
How Averages Differ by Grade Level
Sophomores and juniors take slightly different versions of the PSAT, and their average scores reflect different levels of academic preparation:
The ~60 point jump from sophomore to junior year comes from a combination of additional coursework (especially Algebra II and precalculus), greater test familiarity, and natural cognitive development. Students who actively prepare between these years often see gains well above the average increase.
Average PSAT Scores Compared to the SAT
Since the PSAT and SAT test the same content, it is useful to see how PSAT averages compare to SAT averages:
The SAT average is about 50 points higher than the PSAT average, which reflects both the slightly broader SAT score scale and the fact that students typically prepare more before the SAT. Your PSAT score is generally a reliable predictor of your SAT score, with most students improving 50-100 points on the SAT through additional preparation.
Where Key Benchmarks Fall on the Percentile Chart
Understanding where specific milestones land on the percentile curve helps you set realistic targets:
The College Board designates college-ready benchmarks for the PSAT that indicate whether a student is on track for college-level coursework. Meeting these benchmarks (approximately 480+ in each section) suggests you have the foundational skills for the SAT and college preparation. For National Merit details, see the PSAT Score Range guide.
What Factors Affect Average PSAT Scores
PSAT averages are not the same across all student groups. Several factors influence how scores distribute nationally:
Grade Level and Coursework
Students who have completed Algebra II before taking the PSAT score significantly higher on the Math section. If you are a sophomore who has not yet taken Algebra II, a lower Math score is expected and not a cause for concern.
School Resources and Preparation
Students at schools that offer PSAT preparation or integrate test-relevant skills into their curriculum tend to score higher. Access to practice materials and test-taking strategies makes a measurable difference.
Test Familiarity
Students who have taken the PSAT before (as sophomores) typically score higher when they take it again as juniors. The format, timing, and question styles are less surprising the second time around. This is one reason taking the PSAT in 10th grade is valuable even though the score does not count for National Merit.
Reading Habits
Students who read regularly outside of school tend to score higher on the Reading and Writing section. Reading builds vocabulary, comprehension speed, and familiarity with complex sentence structures, all of which the PSAT tests directly.
How to Use the Average as a Benchmark
The average score is a reference point, not a ceiling. Here is how to think about it depending on where you fall:
- Below average (under 950): Focus on building foundational skills. Review core math concepts with the SAT Math Formula Sheet and brush up on grammar with the Digital SAT Grammar Rules guide. Targeted practice over 8-12 weeks can yield 150-250+ points of improvement.
- Average (950-1050): You have a solid foundation. Identify your 2-3 weakest skill areas from your score report and focus there. Use Larry Learns quizzes for targeted practice. Aim for 100-200 points of improvement for the SAT.
- Above average (1050-1200): Strong starting position. Fine-tune your weak spots and practice pacing. See SAT Reading Tips and SAT Math Study Guide for section-specific strategies. Aim for 1250-1400 on the SAT.
- Well above average (1200+): Focus on the hardest question types and eliminating careless errors. Your SAT target should be 1350+. If you are above 1210, check whether you qualify for National Merit Commended status.
Frequently Asked Questions About Average PSAT Scores
What is the average PSAT score?
The average PSAT/NMSQT score for 11th graders is approximately 1000-1050, and for 10th graders it is approximately 920-960. The average section scores for juniors are about 510 for Reading and Writing and 500 for Math.
What percentile is a 1200 on the PSAT?
A PSAT score of 1200 falls at approximately the 81st percentile for 11th graders, meaning you scored higher than about 81% of junior test takers. This is above the national average and near the National Merit Commended Student range.
What percentile is a 1000 on the PSAT?
A PSAT score of 1000 is at approximately the 48th percentile for 11th graders, placing you very close to the national average. About half of all junior test takers score above 1000 and half score below.
Is 1100 on the PSAT above average?
Yes. A PSAT score of 1100 is at approximately the 65th percentile for 11th graders, meaning you scored higher than about 65% of junior test takers. This is solidly above average and suggests a predicted SAT score of about 1150-1250 with preparation.
Do average PSAT scores change from year to year?
Average scores shift slightly each year depending on the test-taking population, but they have remained relatively stable in the 950-1050 range for juniors. The College Board publishes updated percentile tables each fall when scores are released.
Why is my percentile different on the PSAT than on SAT practice tests?
PSAT percentiles are calculated against the PSAT-taking population (mostly sophomores and juniors), while SAT percentiles are calculated against the SAT-taking population (mostly juniors and seniors). The populations overlap but are not identical, which can cause small percentile differences even at similar scores.
Where can I find the official PSAT percentile tables?
The College Board publishes official percentile tables on their website each year when PSAT scores are released (typically December). Your individual score report also shows your exact percentile.
How does the average PSAT score compare to the average SAT score?
The average PSAT score for juniors (~1000) is about 50 points lower than the average SAT score (~1050). This gap reflects the SAT's slightly broader score scale (400-1600 vs. 320-1520) and the additional preparation most students do between the PSAT and SAT.
