How Is The LSAT Scored?

What is the LSAT Score Scale?

The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120-180. While the national median score is approximately 153, applicants targeting the top 25 law schools typically need a score of 168 or higher to be competitive, as medians for these elite programs often reach into the mid-170s. LSAC reports one official score on the 120-180 scale, plus your percentile and a score band. 

Following the August 2024 format change, the exam consists of two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section. While you will see four sections total on test day (including one unscored experimental section), your score is based on approximately 75-78 graded questions. Your ‘raw score’ is simply the total number of questions answered correctly within these three scored sections.

How is the LSAT Score Calculated?

Once the raw score is calculated, a score conversion chart is used for each LSAT to convert the raw score into a “scaled LSAT score,” ranging from 120-180 (120 being the lowest possible score and 180 the highest).

This is similar to converting a number grade into a letter grade – translating a raw count into a more meaningful, standardized number. For example, in the current format, a raw score of 75 out of 78 would typically result in a 180 scaled score. Because there are fewer questions now than in previous years, every single question has a greater impact on your final scaled score. Here is an updated model of an LSAT scoring chart:

You also want to know how good your scaled score is, and for that you want a “percentiles chart.” The percentile chart will tell you how many people score at or below that score.

So, for example, if you scored in the 99th percentile (175 or higher), that means 99% of other test-takers scored at or below that level. Due to recent scoring trends, a 172, which used to be the 99th percentile, is now closer to the 97th or 98th percentile

There are 61 different possible score outcomes within the 120-180 range. Each score places a student in a particular relative position compared to other test takers. These relative positions are represented through a percentile that correlates to each score.

The percentile indicates where you fall within the overall group. For example, a score of 163 represents the 82nd percentile, meaning a student with a score of 163 scored better than 82% of the people who have taken the test.

The percentile is crucial since it is an accurate indicator of your positioning compared to other test-takers and law school applicants.

The median LSAT score is around 153. Because the scoring scale is tightly compressed, even small improvements in your raw score can meaningfully raise your scaled score and percentile. One point more in your LSAT score pushes your percentile significantly.

While examining your raw score, remember that law schools are looking at your scaled score. So, be sure to check and use your converted scale score, referring to that instead of your raw score when applying.

Most law schools will release the average scaled scores of their incoming students. While you might range within the average percentile, to stand out, you have to distance yourself from that average scaled score, because law school is exceptionally competitive.

If you remain among the average, that means you are competing with a large pool of students with comparable scores. Reaching above the average percentile will strengthen your chances of being accepted into your target school.

Each law school has its own score expectations, and the most competitive schools tend to be the most prestigious. Be sure to research the score requirements for each school you plan to apply to. You want to be sure to rank within or above your dream school’s expectations for the LSAT.

👉 Related Article: What Is The Average LSAT Score Without Studying?

How Many Questions Can You Get Wrong to Score 170?

If your goal is to reach a score of 170 on the LSAT, your margin for error is very slim. Because there are fewer questions overall in the current format, you generally need a raw score of 68 or 69 correct answers. This means you can typically only afford to miss about 6 to 10 questions total across the entire exam to remain in the 170 range.

If you are aiming for a higher score, keep in mind that even one more correct answer can place you far ahead of other examinees.

Guessing on the LSAT

There is no penalty for providing incorrect answers, so if you find yourself short on time or simply aren’t entirely certain about a particular question, don’t hesitate to take a shot.

Avoid impulse or random guessing. Instead, eliminate unlikely options first. Reducing your number of choices increases the odds of responding correctly.

Once your choices are narrowed, make your best educated guess. It is perfectly fine to go with your gut. In any case, guessing is far better than leaving a question unanswered.

Where To Focus Efforts

To maximize your score on the LSAT, you should focus your efforts on your weakest section. Again, answering even just four more questions correctly on the exam from a raw perspective can have a massive impact on your scaled score.

Thus, if you’re weak in one area, concentrate heavily on that section in your studies. You just need to accumulate as many correct questions as possible, and the greatest opportunity for improvement is always your weakest section.

Specifically, focus on Logical Reasoning. Since there are now two of these scored sections and only one scored Reading Comprehension section, Logical Reasoning accounts for roughly 66% of your total score. If you’re struggling with formal logic, we recommend a solid prep course such as Blueprint. Their analytics-heavy platform is built to bridge the gap between a 160 and a 170+ by targeting your weakest question types.