According to the 2022 to 2025 testing years, the average LSAT score sits around 153. But to be able to get into a T14 school, you’ll need a score closer to 170.
Students receive a scaled score with their test results, but what if you’re deep into prep and want to track your progress? If you have a score from a diagnostic test, you’ll need to use an LSAT score calculator to convert your raw score into an LSAT scaled score.
Sound confusing? I’ll give you a brief overview of how the scoring works—and provide a score calculator too!
Key Takeaways
- Score Conversions: Your raw score is converted to a scaled score using a special LSAT score conversion table.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Taking a practice test under real conditions can help gauge your final score.
- Percentile Matters: Your percentile rank shows how your score stacks up against other test takers.
- Section Variety: The test format includes multiple scored sections and one sneaky unscored section.
- Consistent Timing: LSAT scores are released about three weeks after each test, giving you a predictable timeframe to plan your next steps.
LSAT Score Calculator
How LSAT Scoring Actually Works
About three weeks after you finish the exam, you get a raw score that’s based on the number of questions you answered correctly. Each correct answer adds a point, and there’s no penalty for guessing.
Your raw score is then transformed using an LSAT score conversion table. And while it may seem like it’s a secret code that only the LSAT can crack, it really isn’t. In fact, it’s pretty simple. The scaled score ranges between 120 and 180, and it’s the number schools actually look at (and the one you’ll be sweating over for months).
So… What’s the point of having different scores? Well, each LSAT test offers a variety of questions and difficulty levels. The conversion table is important because it helps to standardize different test formats and LSAT administrations, so an especially difficult test doesn’t punish you unfairly.
Sections and Their Impact: Where Your Points Come From
There are four sections:
- Two scored reading comprehension sections
- One scored logical reasoning section
- An unscored wild card section (also called the ‘experimental section’)
Only three sections (the two RC and one LR) count toward your overall score. The unscored section is there to test potential new questions for future exams, and can be either a logical reasoning or a reading comprehension section. However, you won’t know which section is experimental in advance, so do your best on every question.
How the LSAT Score Calculator Works
This is where the digital magic happens. An LSAT score calculator takes your raw LSAT score and uses an approved score conversion table to spit out a corresponding scaled score. Tables are unique for each test.
For example, let’s say you answered 75 questions correctly. Depending on that particular test’s conversion, the raw score might translate to a scaled score around 160 or 165. On a harder exam, it’ll be closer to 165, but on an easier exam, you may fall toward 160.
As a refresher, here are the main points you need to know:
- Different LSAT administrations may show slight changes in scoring due to the test’s difficulty.
- Your scaled score is the number law schools care about, not your raw score.
- Each LSAT score conversion table is published after each test, and you’ll find them in official resources and online forums.
For the data nerds, you can check the official LSAC site for detailed tables. If data gives you a headache, no worries—just use the LSAT score calculator on this page. All you need to do is plug in your answers from a practice test to see where you land.
And you don’t need to wait until after you take the exam to use the LSAT score calculator. Every time you do a practice test during prep, count the number of correct answers, and use the calculator to see the score you’d get on the real thing.
What’s a “Good” LSAT Score?
Here’s where things get interesting, and a little subjective. The average LSAT score typically falls just above 150. But if you’ve got eyes on a top law school, shooting for a score of at least 170+ is a safer bet.
- A “good” LSAT score for many quality law programs is around 160 (or higher).
- To break into the top 10 law schools, you’ll likely need at least a 170 final score.
- Your percentile rank shows how you compare to other applicants. If your scaled score puts you in the 90th percentile, you did better than 90% of other test takers.
Tips on How to Prepare for the Exam
Now that you’re clear on how your score works and how to calculate it, let me give you a quick rundown on what to do to get the best possible score.
Naturally, solid prep is a must. You can take the DIY path if you want, but investing in one of the best LSAT prep courses can significantly boost your performance. Here’s how to make your study time count:
- Start with a diagnostic test. Make sure you go with a test prep that offers at least one diagnostic test so you have a baseline to start with.
- Set a realistic study schedule. Consistency will be your best friend throughout your prep period. Make sure you have daily or weekly chunks of time set aside.
- Drill weak areas. The diagnostic test will point out the areas you need to work on—so work on them! This is where you’ll see the benefit of choosing a top-tier exam prep course (especially one with customizable quizzes and analytics).
- Review and reflect. After each practice test, review every mistake. Understanding why you got a question wrong is just as important as getting it right the next time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the path to law school, understanding the LSAT score calculator is key. It’s not just about getting questions right; it’s about making sure your performance is measured accurately across different LSAT administrations. Don’t stress about every minor fluctuation in the conversion table or whether the test was harder this month than last. Focus on consistent practice, review your results, and keep your eyes on that final score.
FAQs
Take a reliable practice test, count your correct answers for the raw score, and use an LSAT score calculator or conversion table to find your scaled score.
It depends on the test’s difficulty and the relevant LSAT score conversion table. Usually, missing 8–11 questions will still let you hit a 170.
If there are 75 questions, getting 60 right would be 80%. The corresponding scaled score varies, but it’s typically around 160–165.
Your raw score (the number of correct answers) is converted into a scaled score between 120 and 180 using a special LSAT score conversion table set by the LSAC for each test.
