1480 SAT score
A 1480 SAT is a high score: at the 97th percentile of SAT takers (the 99th nationally representative), and 435 points above the class-of-2026 average of 1045. One valid split is 740 Reading and Writing plus 740 Math. Whether it is enough depends on each college's range and testing policy.
What the 97th percentile means
A percentile is the percentage of the comparison group with scores equal to or lower than yours. College Board publishes two for every total: SAT takers who graduated in the past three school years, and a nationally representative sample of all U.S. 11th and 12th graders, including students who never take the SAT. Name the group when you quote the number.
| Comparison group for 1480 | Percentile |
|---|---|
| SAT takers (user group) | 97th |
| All U.S. 11th and 12th graders (nationally representative) | 99th |
| Class of 2026 average total | 1045 |
Percentile is not percent correct or an admission probability. Read the official total and section tables, checked October 5, 2026. The 2026 average is from College Board's September 29, 2026 release.
1480, 740/740 and a superscore
740 Reading and Writing + 740 Math is a valid 1480 split, but it is not the only one. 680 + 800 also totals 1480. The section combination determines whether your next sessions should emphasize one section or both.
If 1480 is a superscore from separate sittings, label it that way. The total-score percentile is reference context; it does not describe a separately measured national population of superscorers. Also, 1480 does not reveal exactly how many questions you missed.
Use the 1550 preparation guide to compare a possible next total with your actual section scores.
Valid combinations for a 1480 total
Each section must be a 10-point score from 200 to 800. Move Reading and Writing to see how Math must change while the total stays 1480. These examples do not identify your actual scores.
740 Reading and Writing + 740 Math = 1480
At this balanced split, choose the next skill from repeated misses rather than dividing practice automatically.
These are valid combinations, not estimated scores or a claim about your actual split. Use the arrow keys on the slider to change Reading and Writing by 10 points.
For practice, preserve the stronger section while repairing specific misses in the weaker one. If both are equal, compare the error types and confidence in your solutions rather than assuming the same workload in each.
Compare college ranges before deciding to retake
For a 1480 total, the table below shows matches in our College Scorecard snapshot imported April 25, 2026. These are historical reported ranges, not current admission requirements. Check each college's official admissions page for the application year and policy.
| College | Reported SAT middle 50% |
|---|---|
| Boston University | 1420–1530 |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | 1410–1540 |
| Grinnell College | 1410–1540 |
| Rhode Island School of Design | 1396–1530 |
| William & Mary | 1400–1530 |
| Davidson College | 1400–1530 |
A score within a reported range does not predict acceptance. A school may report only enrolled students who submitted scores. Read the population and date before comparing.
Retake when a higher score has a concrete purpose and fresh practice supports the change. If a college accepts superscores, separate best section scores can matter; verify that policy. Do not treat another test date as a guarantee of improvement.
Compare your college targets or work through the submit-or-retake decision.
Score questions
Is 1480 a good SAT score?
As a total, 1480 is a high score: at the 97th percentile of SAT takers and 435 points above the class-of-2026 average of 1045. For admission or scholarships, compare it with the actual institution's current requirements, score ranges and reporting population.
How many questions can I miss for 1480?
There is no universal correct- or wrong-answer count for that score. College Board explains that which questions you answer correctly matters, so identical counts can produce different scores. A scaled total cannot reconstruct your misses.
Should I retake after 1480?
Consider a retake when a higher score has a specific use, such as a college or scholarship threshold, and fresh timed practice supports a repairable gain. Confirm registration and score deadlines. Another sitting does not guarantee a higher result.