LSAT Raw Score Converter: Transform Your Raw Score to Scaled Score
The LSAT raw score converter translates the number of questions you answered correctly into the familiar 120-180 scaled score that law schools use for admissions decisions. Understanding this conversion helps you set realistic score goals, track your improvement during LSAT prep, and gauge your competitiveness for target law schools. This comprehensive guide explains LSAT scoring mechanics, provides an interactive converter based on current test formats, and delivers strategic insights to maximize your performance.
🎯 Interactive LSAT Score Calculator
Enter your raw score to calculate your scaled LSAT score and percentile rank
Modern LSAT: 75-76 questions total (3 scored sections)
Understanding LSAT Score Types
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) uses three distinct score types, each serving a specific purpose in the evaluation and comparison of test-taker performance. Understanding these score types is essential for effective LSAT preparation and law school application strategy.
Raw Score: The Foundation
Your LSAT raw score is simply the total number of questions you answered correctly across all scored sections. The LSAT does not penalize incorrect answers, meaning wrong answers and unanswered questions are treated identically—they simply don't contribute to your raw score.
Raw Score Calculation:
\[ \text{Raw Score} = \sum \text{Correct Answers} \]
\[ \text{Raw Score} = \text{Total Questions} - \text{Incorrect Answers} - \text{Blank Answers} \]
For example, if you answer 68 questions correctly out of 75 total:
\[ \text{Raw Score} = 68 \]
📊 Current LSAT Format (2020-Present)
- Total Questions: Approximately 75-76 scored questions
- Scored Sections: 3 sections (Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Logic Games)
- Questions per Section: Approximately 25-27 questions
- Unscored Section: 1 experimental section (not counted toward score)
- Total Test Time: Approximately 3 hours including breaks
Scaled Score: The Universal Standard
The scaled score is the 120-180 number that appears on your official LSAT score report and is what law schools use to evaluate applicants. This conversion from raw to scaled score accounts for difficulty variations between different LSAT administrations, ensuring fairness across test dates.
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) uses a process called equating to adjust the conversion table for each LSAT administration. A more difficult test receives a more generous conversion scale, while an easier test has a stricter scale. This ensures that a 160 earned on any LSAT administration represents the same level of ability.
Scaled Score Range:
\[ 120 \leq \text{Scaled Score} \leq 180 \]
\[ \text{Total Possible Scores} = 180 - 120 + 1 = 61 \text{ distinct scores} \]
Each scaled score represents a specific performance level
Percentile Rank: Your Competitive Position
The percentile rank indicates what percentage of test-takers scored lower than you over the previous three testing years. For example, a 160 at the 80th percentile means you scored higher than 80% of test-takers who took the LSAT during that three-year period.
Percentile Calculation:
\[ \text{Percentile} = \frac{\text{Number of Scores Below Yours}}{\text{Total Number of Test Takers}} \times 100\% \]
Example: If 40,000 out of 50,000 test-takers scored below 160:
\[ \text{Percentile} = \frac{40,000}{50,000} \times 100\% = 80\% \]
Current LSAT Conversion Chart (Modern Format)
The table below presents the conversion from raw score to scaled score based on the current LSAT format with approximately 75-76 questions. This conversion chart is derived from recent LSAT administrations and represents typical conversions, though specific test conversions may vary slightly.
| Raw Score | Scaled Score | Percentile Rank | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74-76 | 180 | 99.9% | Elite Top 0.1% |
| 73 | 179 | 99.9% | Elite |
| 72 | 177 | 99.8% | Elite |
| 70-71 | 175-176 | 99.5-99.7% | Elite |
| 68-69 | 172-174 | 98.5-99.3% | Elite T14 Competitive |
| 67 | 170-171 | 97.5-98.0% | Excellent T20 Target |
| 65-66 | 168-169 | 95.5-96.5% | Excellent |
| 63-64 | 165-167 | 91.0-94.5% | Excellent T50 Strong |
| 60-62 | 162-164 | 85.0-90.0% | Very Good |
| 57-59 | 159-161 | 77.0-83.0% | Good T100 Competitive |
| 54-56 | 156-158 | 67.0-75.0% | Good |
| 51-53 | 153-155 | 56.0-65.0% | Average Median Range |
| 48-50 | 150-152 | 45.0-53.0% | Average |
| 45-47 | 147-149 | 33.0-42.0% | Below Average |
| 42-44 | 144-146 | 24.0-31.0% | Below Average |
| 0-41 | 120-143 | 0.0-22.0% | Low |
⚠️ Important Scoring Notes
- Conversion Variability: Exact raw-to-scaled conversions vary by 1-2 points between LSAT administrations based on test difficulty
- No Guessing Penalty: Wrong answers don't subtract points, so always answer every question even if you're guessing
- Equal Weighting: All questions are worth exactly the same—a difficult Logic Games question equals an easy Reading Comprehension question
- Percentile Updates: LSAC updates percentile rankings annually based on a rolling three-year window of test-taker data
The Mathematics Behind LSAT Equating
LSAC's equating process ensures score comparability across different test administrations despite variations in test difficulty. This statistical procedure is crucial for maintaining the integrity and fairness of the LSAT as a standardized admissions criterion.
Score Equating Formula
Simplified Equating Relationship:
\[ \text{Scaled Score} = f(\text{Raw Score}, \text{Test Difficulty}, \text{Population Performance}) \]
Where the function adjusts raw scores based on:
\[ \text{Difficulty Factor} = \frac{\text{Expected Item Response Theory Score}}{\text{Actual Item Response Theory Score}} \]
Understanding Score Compression
At the extremes of the scoring scale, small changes in raw score produce larger percentile movements, while in the middle of the scale, the same raw score change produces smaller percentile shifts. This reflects the bell-curve distribution of test-taker ability.
Percentile Movement Analysis:
\[ \text{At 170 (top 2.5%): } +1 \text{ raw score} \approx 0.5\text{-}1.0 \text{ percentile points} \]
\[ \text{At 150 (median): } +1 \text{ raw score} \approx 3\text{-}4 \text{ percentile points} \]
This demonstrates why improvement matters most in the middle ranges
What Constitutes a "Good" LSAT Score?
Defining a "good" LSAT score depends entirely on your law school aspirations, target schools' median scores, and your overall application profile including GPA, work experience, and personal statement.
Score Ranges by Law School Tier
| Score Range | Percentile | Law School Tier | Notable Schools (Examples) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 175-180 | 99.5-99.9% | Elite T14 (Highly Competitive) | Yale, Stanford, Harvard, Columbia |
| 170-174 | 97.5-99.4% | T14 (Competitive) | NYU, UVA, Michigan, Duke |
| 165-169 | 91.0-96.5% | T20-T30 | UCLA, USC, UT Austin, Vanderbilt |
| 160-164 | 80.0-90.0% | T30-T50 | Boston University, Emory, Washington |
| 155-159 | 63.0-77.0% | T50-T100 | Regional schools, state universities |
| 150-154 | 44.0-60.0% | T100+ | Many accredited programs |
Competitive Score Targets
🎯 Score Goals by Admission Competitiveness
- 175+: Harvard, Yale, Stanford (99th+ percentile required for strong consideration)
- 170+: Most T14 schools (97th+ percentile positions you competitively)
- 165+: T20-T30 schools (90th+ percentile creates solid candidacy)
- 160+: T50 schools (80th+ percentile demonstrates strong aptitude)
- 155+: T100 schools (65th+ percentile meets most median requirements)
- 150+: Admission possible at many ABA-accredited schools
Strategic Implications of LSAT Scoring
Understanding how the LSAT is scored reveals critical test-taking strategies that can improve your performance beyond simply knowing more content.
Strategy 1: Answer Every Question
Since there's no guessing penalty, leaving questions blank guarantees zero points while guessing gives you a probability of earning points. Even random guessing on a five-choice question provides expected value.
Expected Value of Guessing:
\[ E(\text{Random Guess}) = P(\text{Correct}) \times 1 + P(\text{Incorrect}) \times 0 \]
\[ E(\text{Random Guess}) = \frac{1}{5} \times 1 + \frac{4}{5} \times 0 = 0.2 \text{ points} \]
Educated guessing (eliminating 2-3 wrong answers) increases expected value:
\[ E(\text{Educated Guess, 3 choices}) = \frac{1}{3} \approx 0.33 \text{ points} \]
Strategy 2: Prioritize High-Value Questions
All questions carry equal weight regardless of difficulty. This means spending 3 minutes on an extremely difficult question has the same potential payoff as spending 1 minute on an easy question.
Time Management Strategy:
Target answering 70-75% of questions with high confidence, then guess strategically on remaining questions. For most test-takers, this approach yields higher scores than attempting every question with less accuracy.
Strategy 3: Leverage the Scoring Curve
Small improvements in raw score produce significant percentile gains in the middle ranges. Focus improvement efforts where they have maximum impact.
Impact of Improvement:
\[ \text{From 150 to 153 (3 raw points): } +11 \text{ percentile points} \]
\[ \text{From 160 to 163 (3 raw points): } +7 \text{ percentile points} \]
\[ \text{From 170 to 173 (3 raw points): } +1.5 \text{ percentile points} \]
Historical vs. Modern LSAT Scoring
The LSAT underwent a significant format change in 2020-2021, transitioning from four scored sections to three scored sections. Understanding this change is important when reviewing older practice tests and conversion charts.
Format Comparison
| Feature | Historic LSAT (Pre-2020) | Modern LSAT (2020-Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Scored Questions | ~100-101 questions | ~75-76 questions |
| Scored Sections | 4 sections | 3 sections |
| Logical Reasoning | 2 sections (~25 questions each) | 1 section (~25-27 questions) |
| Reading Comprehension | 1 section (~27 questions) | 1 section (~27 questions) |
| Logic Games | 1 section (~23 questions) | 1 section (~23 questions) |
| Test Duration | ~3.5 hours | ~3 hours |
⚠️ Using Older Practice Tests
When using PrepTests 1-89 (pre-2020 format) for practice:
- These tests contain 4 scored sections instead of 3
- Calculate your raw score by excluding one Logical Reasoning section
- Historic conversion charts may not perfectly match current conversions
- Focus on question types and logic patterns rather than exact score conversions
- Use official LSAC scoring tables when available for the most accurate conversions
LSAT Score Distribution and Bell Curve
LSAT scores follow an approximately normal distribution (bell curve) with a median around 151-152. Understanding this distribution provides context for your performance relative to all test-takers.
Score Distribution Statistics
LSAT Score Distribution (Approximate):
\[ \text{Mean (Average)} \approx 151 \]
\[ \text{Median (50th Percentile)} \approx 152 \]
\[ \text{Standard Deviation} \approx 10 \text{ points} \]
Score Range Distribution:
\[ 68\% \text{ of test-takers score between } 141 \text{ and } 161 \text{ (within 1 SD)} \]
\[ 95\% \text{ of test-takers score between } 131 \text{ and } 171 \text{ (within 2 SD)} \]
Concentration by Score Range
- 145-155 (Median Range): Approximately 37% of all test-takers fall within this 10-point band
- 140-160 (One Standard Deviation): Over 65% of test-takers score in this range
- 170+ (Elite Range): Only 2.5% of test-takers achieve this level
- 175+ (Supreme Elite): Less than 1% reach this threshold
- 180 (Perfect Score): Approximately 0.1% or roughly 30 test-takers per administration
How to Improve Your Raw Score
Increasing your raw score by even a few points can translate into significant percentile gains and improved law school admission prospects.
Targeted Improvement Strategies
1. Master Logical Reasoning (Largest Impact)
With approximately 25-27 questions, Logical Reasoning represents about 35% of your total score on the modern LSAT. Improving accuracy here has the most significant impact.
- Identify argument components: Practice distinguishing premises, conclusions, and assumptions
- Learn question types: Master the 15+ question type patterns that repeat on every LSAT
- Time allocation: Target 1:20 per question, saving extra time for difficult stimuli
2. Build Reading Comprehension Efficiency
Reading Comprehension tests not just comprehension but also speed and retention. Strategic reading techniques separate high scorers from average performers.
- Active reading: Annotate main points, tone, and structural elements while reading
- Comparative passages: Note similarities and differences between paired texts
- Question anticipation: Predict likely questions as you read each paragraph
3. Systematize Logic Games
Logic Games are the most learnable section. With proper diagramming systems and sufficient practice, most test-takers can achieve near-perfect accuracy.
- Game types mastery: Learn the 8-10 recurring game types and their setups
- Diagramming consistency: Develop a personal notation system you use reliably
- Inference hunting: Make all possible deductions before attempting questions
Practice Test Strategy
Effective Practice Test Protocol:
- Take full-length tests: Complete practice tests under timed, realistic conditions
- Review thoroughly: Spend 2-3 hours reviewing every question, including those answered correctly
- Identify patterns: Track question types that consistently cause difficulty
- Blind review: Re-attempt missed questions untimed before checking answers
- Statistical tracking: Monitor raw score improvements across multiple tests
Score Improvement Timeline
Realistic LSAT score improvement requires sustained, strategic study over several months. Understanding typical improvement trajectories helps set appropriate expectations.
Typical Improvement Formula:
\[ \text{Expected Improvement} = \text{Study Hours} \times \text{Efficiency Factor} \times \text{Starting Score Factor} \]
General improvement guidelines:
\[ \text{100-150 hours: } +5\text{-}10 \text{ point improvement (starting 140-155)} \]
\[ \text{150-300 hours: } +10\text{-}15 \text{ point improvement (with proper strategy)} \]
\[ \text{300+ hours: } +15\text{-}20 \text{ point improvement (diminishing returns)} \]
Study Duration Recommendations
| Starting Score | Target Score | Recommended Study Period | Study Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 145 | 155 (+10 points) | 3-4 months | 150-200 hours |
| 150 | 160 (+10 points) | 3-5 months | 200-250 hours |
| 155 | 165 (+10 points) | 4-6 months | 250-350 hours |
| 160 | 170 (+10 points) | 5-8 months | 300-450 hours |
| 165 | 175 (+10 points) | 6-12 months | 400-600 hours |
Law School Admissions Context
Your LSAT score combines with your undergraduate GPA to form the primary numerical components of your law school application. Understanding how admissions committees evaluate these metrics helps you position your application strategically.
The LSAT-GPA Index Formula
Many law schools use an index number that weights LSAT score and GPA to create a single numerical ranking for initial application review.
Simplified Admissions Index:
\[ \text{Index} = (a \times \text{LSAT}) + (b \times \text{GPA} \times 10) \]
Where weights typically favor LSAT:
\[ a \approx 0.6\text{-}0.7, \quad b \approx 0.3\text{-}0.4 \]
Example: LSAT 165, GPA 3.5
\[ \text{Index} = (0.65 \times 165) + (0.35 \times 35) = 107.25 + 12.25 = 119.5 \]
Median Score Importance
Law schools report median (not average) LSAT scores to US News and other ranking organizations. Scoring at or above a school's median LSAT significantly strengthens your application.
- Above both medians (LSAT and GPA): Strong presumptive admit in most cases
- Above one median: Competitive applicant requiring strong holistic profile
- Below both medians: Uphill battle requiring exceptional soft factors or diversity contributions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retake the LSAT to improve my score?
Yes, you can retake the LSAT multiple times, though LSAC imposes limits: three times in a single testing year, five times within five years, and seven times total over a lifetime. Most law schools consider your highest score, though all scores remain visible on your report.
How much can I realistically improve my LSAT score?
With dedicated study, most test-takers can improve 10-15 points over 3-6 months. Larger improvements (15-20+ points) are possible but require longer study periods (6-12 months) and exceptional dedication. Improvements beyond 20 points are rare and typically occur when initial diagnostic scores underrepresent true ability.
Is a 150 LSAT score good enough for law school?
A 150 is approximately the median LSAT score, making it sufficient for admission to many ABA-accredited law schools, particularly outside the top 50 rankings. However, scholarship opportunities and employment outcomes vary significantly by school ranking, making higher scores advantageous even when 150 meets minimum admissions standards.
Do all questions count equally toward my raw score?
Yes, every correctly answered question adds exactly one point to your raw score regardless of difficulty level or question type. A challenging Logic Games question is worth the same as an easy Logical Reasoning question. This equal weighting has important strategic implications for time management during the test.
How often do LSAT conversion charts change?
Every LSAT administration receives its own unique conversion chart created through LSAC's equating process. These charts typically vary by 1-2 scaled points for any given raw score depending on test difficulty. Harder tests receive more generous conversions while easier tests have stricter conversions to maintain score comparability.
Key Takeaways
Understanding LSAT raw score conversion empowers you to set realistic goals, track meaningful progress, and develop strategic approaches to test preparation and law school applications.
Essential points to remember:
- Raw scores convert to 120-180 scaled scores through test-specific equating tables
- The modern LSAT contains approximately 75-76 scored questions across three sections
- No guessing penalty exists—always answer every question even if you're uncertain
- All questions carry equal weight regardless of difficulty or section
- Small raw score improvements in the middle ranges (145-160) produce significant percentile gains
- A 170+ score positions you competitively for T14 law schools (97.5+ percentile)
- Realistic improvement of 10-15 points requires 3-6 months of strategic, focused study
- Most law schools emphasize your highest LSAT score rather than averaging multiple attempts
Next Steps: Take an official LSAT practice test under timed conditions to establish your diagnostic raw score. Use this converter to understand your current standing and set a target score based on your law school goals. Develop a structured study plan that allocates time proportionally across all three sections, with emphasis on your weakest areas.