Average PSAT Score: National Averages and Percentiles (2026)

The average (mean) PSAT/NMSQT score for juniors (11th graders) is 1000, while the average for sophomores (10th graders) is 917, according to College Board's 2026 SAT Suite annual report for the 2025-26 school year. The medians sit slightly lower, at about 980 for juniors and about 900 for sophomores: roughly half of test takers score above those marks 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 the same as or higher than 75% of test takers. Here is the PSAT percentile chart for 11th graders (the primary PSAT/NMSQT population), using College Board's user group percentiles, which are based on students who actually took the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 in the past three school years:

College Board also publishes nationally representative percentiles, which are weighted to represent all U.S. 11th graders, including students who don't usually take the test. They differ from the user group figures: a 1000, for example, is the 59th nationally representative percentile but the 53rd user group percentile. Both tables are on College Board's PSAT/NMSQT percentiles page.

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 run higher than Reading/Writing percentiles at the same score for most scores below 700. 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 83-point gap between the sophomore mean and the junior mean reflects 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 mean for the Class of 2026 (1045) is 45 points higher than the 11th grade PSAT mean (1000). The two tests share a common score scale, so the gap is not a scale effect: it reflects a different group of test takers who are tested later, after more schooling and preparation. College Board says a PSAT score is the score you would be expected to earn on the SAT that same day, and scores usually rise from there with additional schooling and practice.

Where Key Benchmarks Fall on the Percentile Chart

Understanding where specific milestones land on the percentile curve helps you set realistic targets (percentiles are College Board's 11th grade user group figures):

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 (for 11th graders, 460 in Reading and Writing and 510 in Math; for 10th graders, 430 and 480) 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 scored roughly 1320 or higher, check whether your Selection Index reaches National Merit Commended status.

Frequently Asked Questions About Average PSAT Scores

What is the average PSAT score?

The mean PSAT/NMSQT score for 11th graders is 1000, and for 10th graders it is 917 (College Board 2026 SAT Suite annual report, 2025-26 school year). The mean section scores for juniors are 509 for Reading and Writing and 491 for Math.

What percentile is a 1200 on the PSAT?

A PSAT score of 1200 is the 82nd percentile for 11th graders on College Board's user group table (90th on the nationally representative table), meaning you scored the same as or higher than about 82% of junior test takers. This is well above the national average but below the National Merit Commended Student level, which takes roughly 1320 or more.

What percentile is a 1000 on the PSAT?

A PSAT score of 1000 is the 53rd percentile for 11th graders on College Board's user group table (59th on the nationally representative table), placing you right at the national mean for juniors. A little under half of junior test takers score above 1000.

Is 1100 on the PSAT above average?

Yes. A PSAT score of 1100 is the 69th percentile for 11th graders on College Board's user group table (79th on the nationally representative table), meaning you scored the same as or higher than about 69% of junior test takers. This is solidly above average and makes an SAT target of about 1150-1250 realistic with preparation.

Do average PSAT scores change from year to year?

Average scores shift slightly each year depending on the test-taking population. For the 2025-26 school year, the 11th grade mean was 1000. 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?

College Board publishes the official tables, both nationally representative and user group percentiles for 10th and 11th graders, on its PSAT/NMSQT percentiles page. Your individual score report also shows your exact percentile.

How does the average PSAT score compare to the average SAT score?

The mean PSAT score for juniors (1000 in 2025-26) is 45 points lower than the mean SAT score for the Class of 2026 (1045). The two tests share a common score scale, so this gap reflects a different group of test takers and the additional schooling and preparation most students have before the SAT, not a difference in scales.