What Is the Average PSAT Score for 10th Graders?
If you’re a sophomore gearing up for the PSAT, here’s the scoop: the average PSAT score for 10th graders in 2025 hovers around 902. That breaks down to about 462 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and 440 in Math.
So, if you score anywhere above that, you’re doing better than most students your age. And if you’re already chasing that four-digit total, consider this your early bragging rights you’re on track for an even stronger SAT performance down the road.
What Is the PSAT?
The PSAT, short for Preliminary SAT, is kind of the SAT’s chill little sibling. Officially known as the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), it’s a practice run that helps you see how prepared you are for the SAT without the college admission pressure.
There are actually three versions of the PSAT:
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PSAT 8/9: for younger students dipping their toes in — gives a gentle intro to standardized testing.
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PSAT 10: your go-to version in 10th grade, helps you gauge progress but doesn’t count for scholarships.
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PSAT/NMSQT: mostly for 11th graders — this one can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship if you score high enough.
Think of it like a dress rehearsal before the big show the SAT.
What Is The Average PSAT Score?
Here’s a quick peek at how students usually score across all PSAT versions. Each test has a Reading & Writing section and a Math section, both scored from 160 to 760, adding up to a total between 320 and 1520.
|
Test Type |
Mean Total Score |
ERW Score |
Math Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total (Overall) |
930 |
470 |
460 |
|
PSAT/NMSQT |
933 |
470 |
462 |
|
PSAT 10 |
902 |
462 |
440 |
|
PSAT 8/9 |
819 |
412 |
407 |
Notice how scores climb pretty naturally from the 8/9 version up to the full NMSQT. You’d expect that as you move through school, your reading comprehension and math reasoning grow stronger.
Good PSAT Score
Now, what’s considered a good PSAT score? Honestly, it depends on what you’re aiming for.
Here’s the general rule of thumb:
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A 930 is about average.
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1000–1150 means you’re comfortably above average.
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1210–1520? You’re in the top 10% basically PSAT royalty.
And if you’re eyeing scholarships (like the National Merit), you’ll want to be closer to that higher end. Each state’s “cutoff” for National Merit varies, but scoring in the 95th percentile or higher usually gets you in the conversation.
Disclaimer: The PSAT score data and average figures mentioned are based on the latest available information from educational sources and may vary each year. This article is for informational purposes only and not affiliated with the College Board.
