How was the legacy ACT Composite calculated?

The legacy Composite is the rounded average of English, Math, Reading, and Science. Use the legacy setting when checking a score report produced under that four-section method.

Does ACT round the Composite score?

Yes. The average is reported as a whole-number Composite score. This calculator shows both the unrounded average and the rounded result.

Is Science included in the ACT Composite score?

Science is not included in the enhanced ACT Composite. However, older legacy Composites included Science, which is why this calculator provides both methods.

What is the ACT STEM score?

The STEM score combines Math and Science. It is useful when a student takes the optional Science section, but it remains separate from the enhanced ACT Composite.

Can I use this calculator for an ACT superscore?

This page calculates one Composite from the section scores you enter. For a superscore, first identify your highest eligible section scores across test dates, then calculate their Composite using the method required for that superscore.

Should I use the current or legacy ACT method?

Use the method associated with the test administration or official score report you are reviewing. The enhanced method is the default for current testing, while the legacy option supports older four-section Composites.

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ACT Score Calculator

Calculate your ACT Composite from section scores, switch between current and legacy scoring, and check your estimated STEM score.

Calculator

Calculate your ACT Composite

Choose the scoring method shown on the relevant ACT administration.

ACT scoring method

Current Composite: English, Math, and Reading.

Section scores

English1-36

Math1-36

Reading1-36

Science (optional)1-36

Science is excluded from the current Composite but used with Math for the STEM score.

Your estimated ACT result is below

Estimated result

ACT score summary

Composite score

27.00 average rounded to a whole number

Scoring method: Enhanced ACT
Sections averaged: 3
STEM score: 26 (25.5 average)
Strongest section: Reading (29)
Lowest section: Math (25)

About This ACT Score Calculator

This ACT Score Calculator turns English, Math, Reading, and optional Science section scores into an estimated Composite. Because ACT scoring changed, the calculator includes both the current three-section method and the legacy four-section method. As a result, students can check newer tests without losing the ability to understand older score reports.

In addition, the result separates the Composite from the STEM score. That distinction matters because Science can contribute to STEM even when it is not part of the current Composite. Use the estimate for planning, then rely on the official ACT score report when submitting results to a college or scholarship program.

How to Use the ACT Score Calculator

Follow these steps for an accurate ACT Composite result

1Choose the ACT Scoring Method

Select Enhanced ACT for tests using English, Math, and Reading in the Composite. Choose Legacy ACT for an older score report that averages English, Math, Reading, and Science.

2Enter Your Section Scores

Add each section score on the 1 to 36 scale. In the current method, Science is optional and does not change the Composite score.

3Review Your Composite Score

The ACT Score Calculator averages the included sections and rounds the result to the nearest whole number, following the selected scoring method.

4Check Your STEM Score

When you have a Science score, review the estimated STEM score calculated from Math and Science. This is separate from the current Composite score.

Current and Legacy ACT Scoring

Enhanced ACT Composite

Average English, Math, and Reading, then round to the nearest whole number. Science is optional and excluded from the Composite.

Legacy ACT Composite

Average English, Math, Reading, and Science, then round to the nearest whole number. This supports older score reports.

ACT states that Composite scores for tests from September 2025 onward use English, Math, and Reading. See the official ACT enhancement FAQ for current policy details.

ACT Composite Example

Suppose your section scores are English 27, Math 25, and Reading 29.

(27 + 25 + 29) / 3 = 27.00

Your enhanced ACT Composite is 27. If your Science score is 26, your estimated STEM score is also 26 after averaging Math and Science and rounding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about calculating GPA at ACT Score Calculator

For ACT tests using the enhanced scoring method, the Composite is the rounded average of English, Math, and Reading. Science is optional and is not included in that Composite.

Still have questions?

For official GPA rules and academic policies, contact the ACT Score Calculator Registrar's Office or your academic advisor.

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