New SAT to IQ Calculator: The "Redesigned" Era

In March 2016, the College Board introduced the "Redesigned SAT." This overhaul was more than just a facelift; it was a fundamental shift in philosophy. The goal was to align the test more closely with high school curriculums (Common Core) and less with "tricks" or abstract logic.

But for those interested in human intelligence, this raises a major question: Does the new SAT still correlate with IQ?

While the correlation has weakened slightly compared to the 1980s, the modern SAT remains a robust measure of cognitive ability. This guide and calculator will help you understand where your score sits on the general intelligence distribution curve, adjusting for the "score inflation" seen in recent years.

1. The "Redesigned" SAT: What Changed?

If you took the test after March 2016, you experienced a very different exam than the one your older siblings or parents took.

• Obscure Vocabulary Removed: Gone are the infamous "SAT words" like pulchritude or obsequious. The focus is now on "words in context."
• No Penalty for Guessing: Previously, you were penalized for wrong answers. Now, there is no risk in guessing.
• Math Changes: The math section shifted focus to data analysis and "Heart of Algebra," with less emphasis on abstract geometry puzzles.

These changes made the test more "achievement" based (what you learned) rather than "aptitude" based (how you think). However, because high achievement requires high aptitude, the scores still map to the average adult IQ curve.

2. Understanding Score Inflation

One of the most important factors our calculator accounts for is Score Inflation.
On the "Old" SAT (Pre-1995), a score of 1200 was elite.
On the "Recentered" SAT (1995-2016), a 1200 was strong.
On the "New" SAT (2016-Present), a 1200 is good, but statistically more common.

The average score on the modern SAT hovers around 1060, significantly higher than the theoretical average of 1000. This means that to achieve a high IQ estimate (e.g., 130+), you need a higher raw score on the modern test than you did in the past.

3. Calculating Your IQ: The Modern Formula

Our calculator uses the Z-score method adapted for the specific statistical properties of the post-2016 era.

• Modern SAT Mean: ~1060
• Modern SAT Standard Deviation: ~215
• General IQ Mean: 100
• General IQ SD: 15

The "Ceiling" Problem: One criticism of the modern SAT by psychometricians is that the "ceiling" is too low. Because the test is designed to test high school competency rather than outlier genius, it is difficult to distinguish between an IQ of 145 and an IQ of 160. Both individuals might score a perfect 1600. For this reason, our calculator caps the estimate to reflect this statistical reality.

4. High IQ Societies and the Modern SAT

If you are hoping to use your recent SAT score to join Mensa or the Triple Nine Society, you will likely be disappointed. Most high-IQ societies do not accept SAT scores from tests taken after 1994, and certainly not after 2016.

The correlation with g (general intelligence) has dropped from ~0.93 (in the 1980s) to somewhere between 0.5 and 0.8 depending on the study. While this is still a strong correlation, it isn't precise enough for admission to elite societies.

If you want to join, you should take a standard, proctored entrance exam or an official IQ test like the WAIS-IV.

5. Comparison with Other Assessments

How does your SAT score stack up against other modern metrics?

SAT vs ACT

The modern SAT and ACT are more similar than ever. Both are achievement-heavy. If you scored high on the SAT, you will almost certainly score high on the ACT. See our breakdown of IQ vs SAT and ACT.

IQ Tests

While the SAT tests your ability to do math and read essays, an IQ test measures something deeper: Processing Speed and Pattern Recognition. You can have a high SAT score but average processing speed (if you studied hard), or a low SAT score but high processing speed (if you didn't study at all).
Test your raw brain speed with a Reaction Time Test.

6. Is "Test Prep" Cheating Your IQ?

One reason the modern SAT is a weaker proxy for IQ is the prevalence of test prep. If you spent 3 months memorizing grammar rules to boost your score by 150 points, your "SAT IQ" might look higher than your biological IQ.

However, the ability to learn complex rules and apply them is a sign of intelligence. This is where Crystallized Intelligence comes in.
Read more about the difference between Fluid vs Crystallized Intelligence.

7. Improving Your Cognitive Performance

Regardless of your score, your brain is plastic. You can improve your cognitive efficiency through lifestyle and training.

• Working Memory: A key component of both IQ and SAT success. Train it with N-Back Training.
• Physical Health: Cardiovascular health is directly linked to brain performance. Check out Exercise and IQ.
• Sleep: Standardized test scores plummet with sleep deprivation. See the data on IQ and Sleep.

8. Global Context

The US SAT is a specific cultural filter. A 1200 on the SAT puts you well above the global average.

• Average IQ UK: ~100. See Average IQ UK.
• Average IQ Australia: ~99. See Average IQ in Australia.

Check where you stand worldwide with our Average IQ by Country map.

9. Beyond the Number

Your SAT score opens doors to college, but your personality determines what you do when you get there. The most successful people combine intelligence with high Conscientiousness and Emotional Intelligence.

We recommend getting a full picture of your mind:
1. Big 5 Personality Test (Are you disciplined?)
2. Emotional Intelligence Test (Can you work with people?)
3. Quick IQ Check (How fast do you think?)

Conclusion

The 2016 redesign of the SAT made it a better test for high schools, but a slightly "noisier" test for IQ. However, a high score remains a strong indicator of superior cognitive ability. Use this calculator as a fun estimation tool, but remember that your potential is not limited by a bubble sheet.

Disclaimer: This calculator estimates IQ based on statistical correlations for the post-2016 SAT. It is not a clinical diagnostic tool.