Raw correct. Scaled 120 to 180.
How the LSAT is scored.
The LSAT is scored 120 to 180. Raw correct answers convert to a scaled score via an equating table. This guide explains the full conversion, the experimental section, and what each score band means.
On this page
The LSAT produces two numbers: a raw score and a scaled score. Understanding how those numbers relate to each other and to percentile ranks is the foundation for any honest score target or retake decision.
Raw score and scaled score
The raw score is simply a count of correct answers. There is no penalty for incorrect answers. Blank answers and wrong answers are treated identically, so guessing on an uncertain question is always correct strategy.
The scaled score converts the raw score to the 120-180 range. This conversion is not fixed. LSAC applies an equating process for each administration, adjusting for the relative difficulty of that version of the test. A raw score of 75 on a harder form may produce a higher scaled score than a raw score of 75 on an easier form. The conversion table for each specific test form is released after the administration.
Every administration maps raw correct answers to this fixed scale via an equating table. The median is 153 per LSAC 2021-2024 data.
The experimental section
Every LSAT administration includes one experimental section that does not count toward your score. In the current post-2024 format, this section is either a third Logical Reasoning section or a second Reading Comprehension section. Test-takers cannot identify the experimental section during the test. The experimental section is used by LSAC to pre-test new questions for future administrations.
Percentile ranks
LSAC converts every scaled score to a percentile rank. The percentile rank reflects how a score compares to all LSAT scores in the preceding three testing years. A score of 160 is approximately the 80th percentile. A score of 170 is approximately the 97th to 98th percentile. A score of 173 is approximately the 99th percentile.
Percentile ranks matter for law school admissions because schools report 25th and 75th percentile LSAT scores in their ABA 509 disclosures. Admissions committees use these bands to assess how an applicant compares against the existing class. A score above the 75th percentile is above the upper band of the class; a score below the 25th percentile means the applicant is below the lower band.
| Scaled score | Approximate percentile | Tier context |
|---|---|---|
| 173 | ~99th | T14 at or near median |
| 170 | 97th-98th | T14 competitive range |
| 165 | ~91st-92nd | T20 reach, T14 stretch |
| 160 | ~80th | T50 competitive range |
| 153 | ~50th | National median per LSAC 2021-2024 |
| 145 | ~25th | Limited JD options |
Score bands and what they mean
LSAC does not report a single number as final. It also provides a score band, typically plus or minus three points from the scaled score, to convey measurement uncertainty. Most law schools treat the scaled score as the primary input and use the band as context.
For T14 admission, the relevant range is 170 to 175. For T20 schools outside the top 14, the relevant range is typically 165 to 170. Regional schools with less selective admissions may accept strong applicants at 155 to 162. These ranges are targets, not guarantees; LSAC and ABA 509 data show that LSAT is one of several factors weighed in holistic review.
How scoring affects retake decisions
LSAC reports all LSAT scores from the preceding five years. Law schools vary in how they treat multiple scores. Most T14 schools consider the highest score. Some schools average multiple scores. Per LSAC policy as of 2024, test-takers may attempt the LSAT up to three times in a single testing year, five times across five years, and seven times over a lifetime.
- If your score is at or above the 75th percentile at your target school, do not retake. Marginal upside is small; a lower score is possible.
- If your score is between the 25th and 75th percentile of your target school, retake only if you genuinely undershot your practice average.
- If your score is below the 25th percentile at your target school, retake. Expected gain outweighs risk for most students.
- If you have not been studying diagnostically (skill-map-driven), retake regardless of current score. Generic prep often plateaus below ceiling without a diagnostic step.
The role of the unscored writing sample
The LSAT writing component became LSAT Argumentative Writing in July 2024, with an argumentative-essay prompt format and a 50-minute window (15-minute prewriting, 35-minute essay). It is unscored and administered separately from the multiple-choice sections.
Critical: a completed and approved LSAT Argumentative Writing sample must be on file before LSAC releases your score. A test-taker who does not complete the writing sample will have their score withheld from both themselves and the schools to which they have applied.
Law schools receive a copy of the writing sample as part of the application file. LSAC retains writing samples and provides them to schools upon request.
Common questions
Is there a penalty for wrong answers on the LSAT?
No. The LSAT uses rights-only scoring. Each correct answer adds one raw point. Wrong answers and skipped questions both receive zero points. Guessing on uncertain questions is always the correct strategy.
How many questions are on the LSAT?
The scored portion of the current LSAT contains approximately 76 to 78 questions across two Logical Reasoning sections and one Reading Comprehension section. The exact count varies by administration. One additional experimental section appears on every test but does not count toward the score.
What is the highest possible LSAT score?
The highest possible scaled score is 180. Achieving a 180 requires answering every scored question correctly. A small number of test-takers score 180 on each administration.
How long does it take to get LSAT scores?
LSAC typically releases scores approximately three weeks after a test administration. The exact release timeline is published on the LSAC website at the time of registration.
What is the difference between scaled score and percentile rank?
The scaled score is a number from 120 to 180 derived from the count of correct answers. The percentile rank is a comparative measure showing what percentage of test-takers over the preceding three testing years scored at or below that scaled score. A 170 scaled score at the 98th percentile means 98 out of 100 test-takers scored 170 or below.
Do law schools see all my LSAT scores?
Yes. LSAC reports all scores from the preceding five years to law schools. How schools treat multiple scores varies. Most T14 schools consider the highest score. Applicants should verify the policy of each school to which they apply.
How is the LSAT scored?
The LSAT uses a 120-180 scaled score. Your raw correct count converts to a scaled score via an equating table that adjusts for test difficulty. The scale is non-linear: moving from 150 to 160 covers more percentile ground than moving from 170 to 180. A one-point gain at the high end requires more correct answers than a one-point gain in the middle of the range.
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