How Is the LSAT Scored? (And How Many Questions Can You Miss for a 170?)

To beat the LSAT, you must first understand how it works. Surprisingly, many people set a target score without fully understanding how the test is scored or what it takes to reach their goal. Let’s break down the key factors that influence your LSAT score, how you can leverage this knowledge, and specifically how many questions you can afford to miss to hit a top score like 170.

Why Understanding LSAT Scoring Matters

Understanding the LSAT scoring process helps you:

• Set realistic target scores.

• Prioritize studying the sections that impact your score the most.

• Develop strategies to maximize your raw and scaled scores.

The Makeup of the LSAT

The LSAT has two main parts: a multiple-choice section and a writing section.

1. Multiple-Choice Section

   • This includes four sections in no particular order:

     • Two Logical Reasoning

     • One Reading Comprehension

     • One Experimental section

   • The Experimental section is ungraded, and you won’t know which one it is. This section could be either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension, and is intended to test out questions to be used in future LSAT exams.

2. Writing Section (Argumentative Writing)

   • This section is taken separately and is not included in your LSAT score.

Overall, you’ll answer about 100 multiple-choice questions, but only 75 questions are scored, as the experimental section doesn’t count toward your score.

How Is the LSAT Scored?

The Raw Score

Your raw score is simply the number of questions you answer correctly. Here are some key points:

• No penalties for wrong answers. Always guess if you’re unsure!

• Use guessing strategies when necessary. For instance, if you’re running out of time, pick the same answer (e.g., “C”) for remaining questions to increase your chances of getting some correct.

The Scaled Score

The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120 to 180, and this is what law schools see. The scaled score adjusts your raw score to account for test difficulty, ensuring fairness between test administrations.

For example:

• A raw score of 67 correct answers often translates to a scaled score of 170.

• Each LSAT administration comes with a conversion chart to determine your scaled score.

How Many Questions Wrong Can You Miss to Get 170?

To achieve a specific LSAT score, you’ll need to aim for a certain number of correct answers:

• 170: Typically, you can miss about 8 questions.

• 165: You can miss around 13 questions.

• 160: You can miss about 21 questions.

These ranges may vary slightly depending on the specific LSAT administration.

What Is the LSAT Score Band?

Your LSAT score report also includes a Score Band, which accounts for slight variations in test performance. For example:

• If you score a 157, your band may range from 154 to 160, reflecting a margin of error.

Learn More

• For detailed score conversions, visit the LSAC website.