PreACT® Score Calculator

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What is PreACT®?

The PreACT® is a practice version of the ACT®, designed to help 10th graders prepare for the real thing. It mirrors the format and content of the ACT® but has fewer questions and a slightly shorter testing time.

The PreACT® tests you in four main areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Just like the ACT®, all questions are multiple-choice. It’s meant to give you a sneak peek at what to expect on the full ACT® and help you identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Another bonus? Your PreACT® results can help you estimate your future ACT® score. That’s why learning how to calculate your PreACT® score is so useful—it gives you a head start on ACT® prep and college planning.

How many questions are on the PreACT®?

The PreACT® has a total of 144 questions spread across four sections:

• English – 45 questions
• Math – 36 questions
• Reading – 25 questions
• Science – 38 questions

These sections follow the same structure as the ACT®, just with fewer questions overall. The shorter format helps students build confidence while still getting a feel for the real exam.

Each correct answer counts toward your raw score—and since there’s no penalty for guessing, it’s always worth answering every question.

How long does the PreACT® take?

The PreACT® takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete. Here’s how the timing breaks down for each section:

• English – 30 minutes
• Math – 40 minutes
• Reading – 30 minutes
• Science – 30 minutes

There’s also time built in for instructions and breaks, so you’ll want to plan for a bit more than two hours overall.

Because it’s shorter than the ACT®, the PreACT® is a great way to ease into the experience of a timed standardized test—without the full pressure of the real thing.

What is the PreACT® out of?

The PreACT® is scored on a 1–35 scale, slightly different from the ACT®, which goes up to 36. After you take the test, each of your four section scores—English, Math, Reading, and Science—is converted from a raw score (how many questions you got right) into a scale score between 1 and 35.

Your composite score is calculated by averaging those four scale scores. For example, if you scored a 28 in English, 25 in Math, 30 in Reading, and 27 in Science, your PreACT® composite score would be:

(28+25+30+27)÷4=27.5→Rounded to 28

So while the PreACT® is shorter, the scoring system works just like the ACT®. That makes it a useful tool for estimating how you might perform on the actual test.

What is a good PreACT® score?

A good PreACT® score depends on your goals, but here’s a general breakdown:

• Above 30 – Excellent! You’re in great shape for the ACT®.
• 25–29 – Strong score, with room to grow even more.
• 20–24 – About average and a solid starting point.
• Below 20 – Totally okay! Think of it as a benchmark to guide your study.

Since the PreACT® is designed to predict your future ACT® score, think of your composite score as a snapshot of where you are now. It helps you spot your strengths and figure out which subjects need more practice.

Colleges don’t see your PreACT® score, so use it as a low-stakes way to prepare, set goals, and make your future ACT® score even better.

What is a good PreACT® score for a freshman?

If you’re taking the PreACT® as a freshman, first of all—nice work! You’re ahead of the game.

For 9th graders, a “good” score might look a little different than it does for sophomores. Most students haven’t covered all the material yet, so the average tends to be lower. In general:

1. 22 or higher – Great start for a freshman
2. 18–21 – Solid, with plenty of time to improve
3. Below 18 – Totally normal! Use it as a learning tool

Freshman-year PreACT® scores are all about building a foundation. The goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to get familiar with the test format and start developing your skills early. With time and practice, you’ll be in a great spot for the ACT® down the road.

Why should I use this PreACT® score calculator?

This PreACT® score calculator makes it easy to figure out where you stand. Instead of guessing or waiting for official results, you can quickly convert your raw scores into scale scores to estimate your composite score.

Here’s why it’s helpful:

✅ Instant feedback – Get a sense of your performance right after practice tests

🎯 Goal setting – See how close you are to your target ACT® score

📈 Track progress – Compare scores over time as you prep

📚 Smart studying – Focus your energy on the subjects that need the most work

Whether you’re using an official practice test or a classroom version of the PreACT®, this calculator helps you understand your results—and take the next step with confidence.

Looking for extra PreACT® practice?

Albert provides extensive PreACT® practice with detailed explanations and full-length practice tests.