The PSAT does not use one universal scale. PSAT 8/9 runs 240–1440; PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT run 320–1520. Map those ranges against the SAT, grade benchmarks, and approximate percentiles so a number on your report actually means something.
Test Ninjas Research · Updated August 6, 2026 · 7 min read
All three PSATs share the digital format, but the College Board scales them differently by age band. Section scores always add to the total.
Official total and section score ranges. Only junior PSAT/NMSQT produces a Selection Index (48–228).
Test
Total
Each section
Who
PSAT 8/9
240–1440
120–720
8th & 9th graders
PSAT 10
320–1520
160–760
10th graders (spring)
PSAT/NMSQT
320–1520
160–760
10th & 11th (fall); juniors → National Merit
SAT
400–1600
200–800
College admissions
Key takeaway: If your report says 1520 is the max, you sat PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQT. If the ceiling is 1440, you sat PSAT 8/9. Do not judge an 8/9 total against an NMSQT total as if they share a ceiling.
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Visual Scale Comparison
Plotted on a shared 0–1600 axis, each test occupies a different band. The PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 sit just below the SAT; PSAT 8/9 sits lower still.
Use the slider for a quick read on a PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 total. Percentiles below are approximate for 11th-grade users (for example, 1000 ≈ 53rd, 1200 ≈ 82nd, 1400 ≈ 96th).
Interactive
Where does my score sit?
Slide along the PSAT/NMSQT & PSAT 10 total scale (320–1520). Percentiles are approximate for 11th-grade users.
College Board grade-level benchmarks mark the section scores associated with being on track for college readiness at that grade. Meeting both section benchmarks is the usual “on track” signal.
College Board section benchmarks by grade. Compare your section scores — not only the total.
Grade
Reading & Writing
Math
Grade 8
390
430
Grade 9
410
450
Grade 10
430
480
Grade 11
460
510
Reading the benchmarks: Falling short of Math while clearing RW (or the reverse) tells you where to spend prep hours before the SAT — more useful than staring at the total alone.
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Score Band Meanings
Bands below are informal framing for PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 totals on the 320–1520 scale — not official College Board labels.
Informal total-score bands for PSAT 10 / PSAT/NMSQT. National Merit uses Selection Index, not total alone.
Total band
Rough read
Typical next step
320–899
Below / approaching average
Skill foundations; retake practice modules
900–999
Around average
Target weaker section; hit grade benchmarks
1000–1199
Above average
SAT timeline planning; stretch goals
1200–1299
Strong
Competitive SAT track; refine timing
1300–1399
Very strong
High SAT ceiling; Index watch for juniors
1400–1520
Exceptional
National Merit territory often nearby via Index
11th-grade user percentiles (selected)
Approximate percentiles among 11th-grade users. Averages and deeper context: average PSAT score guide.
Total
Approx. percentile
1000
53
1100
69
1200
82
1300
91
1400
96
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Selection Index Range
On the PSAT/NMSQT only, the Selection Index runs 48–228. Formula: (2 × RW + Math) ÷ 10. Example: RW 620 + Math 500 → total 1120, Index 174.
PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 totals range from 320–1520 (160–760 per section). PSAT 8/9 totals range from 240–1440 (120–720 per section). The SAT, for comparison, is 400–1600 (200–800 per section).
The PSAT is designed for earlier grade levels and uses a compressed scale so scores can align with later SAT performance without implying a student has already taken a full SAT. The formats are similar; the ceilings differ.
Benchmarks mark college-readiness on track for that grade: Grade 8 RW 390 / Math 430; Grade 9 RW 410 / Math 450; Grade 10 RW 430 / Math 480; Grade 11 RW 460 / Math 510.
The Selection Index ranges from 48–228 and is calculated as (2 × Reading and Writing + Math) ÷ 10. It applies only to the PSAT/NMSQT.
On the 320–1520 scale, 1200 is well above the all-tester mean (~950) and near the ~82nd percentile among 11th-grade users. Whether it is “good” depends on your goals — average readiness vs. National Merit (Index typically 210+ for Commended).
Not as identical numbers. PSAT 8/9 tops out at 1440; NMSQT/10 tops out at 1520. Use grade benchmarks and growth over time rather than raw total-to-total comparisons across test types.
Built for the digital PSAT
Find your range, then climb it.
Practice on the real digital format with adaptive modules and full explanations. Create a free account and establish your baseline on the 320–1520 (or 240–1440) scale.