What IQ is a 1600 SAT?

Using pre-1994 SAT norms, a 1600 SAT composite corresponds to an estimated IQ of approximately 166.

What IQ is a 1500 SAT?

Using pre-1994 SAT norms, a 1500 SAT composite corresponds to an estimated IQ of approximately 150.

What IQ is a 1400 SAT?

Using pre-1994 SAT norms, a 1400 SAT composite corresponds to an estimated IQ of approximately 140.

How accurate is the SAT to IQ conversion?

Research summarized in the CognitiveMetrics wiki suggests the pre-1994 SAT showed strong correlations with general cognitive ability (g), with reported correlations often in the 0.8 to 0.9 range. This makes the old SAT a strong proxy for IQ compared to modern versions.

Why does this conversion only work for SAT scores before 1994?

In 1994, the SAT underwent a major redesign that shifted it from an aptitude-style test toward a scholastic achievement exam. Because of these structural changes, modern SAT scores should not be converted to IQ using pre-1994 norms.

SAT to IQ Calculator

Convert SAT scaled scores to IQ using empirically derived norms. Please note, these norms are only valid for scores on SATs taken before 1994.

SAT to IQ Calculator

Select a section, enter your score, and click Calculate.

Section

Score

Metric	Value
SAT Score	—
Section	—
Full-Scale IQ	—

SAT to IQ conversion chart (pre-1994 SAT)

This SAT to IQ calculator uses IQ norms designed for the pre-1994 SAT. The SAT used to be an aptitude test (not an achievement test) and showed strong relationships with established measures of general cognitive ability (g). These norms are not intended for SAT versions introduced after 1994.

SAT Composite	Estimated IQ	SAT Composite	Estimated IQ
1600	166	1550	155
1500	150	1450	145
1400	140	1350	137
1300	134	1250	130
1200	127	1150	123
1100	120	1050	117
1000	114	950	112
900	109	850	106
800	103	750	100
700	97	650	93
600	89

For the full composite and subtest norms, use the calculator above or refer to the chart on the wiki article.

What IQ is a 1600, 1500, or 1400 SAT?

People commonly search for the “IQ equivalent” of a specific SAT score. Using the pre-1994 SAT norms, the equivalent IQs would be:

1600 SAT ≈ IQ 166
1500 SAT ≈ IQ 150
1400 SAT ≈ IQ 140
1300 SAT ≈ IQ 134
1200 SAT ≈ IQ 127

You can also find verbal or quantitative IQ index scores by switching the calculator to Verbal or Math.

SAT-IQ correlation (how accurate is the conversion?)

The pre-1994 SAT has been reported to show strong relationships with independent measures of general cognitive ability (g), with correlations to g often in the 0.8 to 0.9 range. This makes the old SAT a strong measure of IQ, on par with professional cognitive tests.

The older exam's structure (including items developed from earlier intelligence tests) contributed to its high g-loading. Later updates removed or modified many of these items, which is why this SAT to IQ conversion applies specifically to SAT before it was revised.

Studides show the correlation of the modern SAT with general cognitive ability measures is much lower, often between 0.5 to 0.7. While a decent measure of ability, the modern SAT is not a strong proxy for IQ in the way the old SAT was.

Why does this table only work for SAT scores from before 1994?

In 1994, the SAT underwent a major redesign. The verbal section dropped antonyms, increased passage-based reading, and the math section introduced calculator use and different response formats. These changes shifted the test to a scholastic achievement exam, away from its previous role as an aptitude test.

Because of those structural changes, modern SAT scores should not be converted to IQ using these norms.

To read more about the pre-1994 SAT and its relationship to IQ, check out the following: Read the full Old SAT and IQ wiki article.