The SAT consists of three sections: Math, Reading, and Writing. Each section is scored out of a total 800 points possible. Therefore, the total possible score is 2400. Students actually receive 200 points on each section by default, so the score range for each section is really 200 - 800 points.
The national average SAT score tends to hover around 500 on each section, or a total score of 1500.
The following is the way scores are calculated on the test:
Each correct answer = +1 point
Each incorrect answer = -.25 points
Each answer left blank = 0 points
These points are tallied up to determine a student's "Raw Score" on the section. The raw score is then converted to a real SAT score (200 - 800) by using a chart like the one below.
