We cover everything you need to know about LSAT scores in our guide below.
What you score on the LSAT will be very important when applying to law school. You want to try and get the highest score possible.
Summary: What is a good LSAT score? We will dive into that question in our guide below. Consider LSAT prep classes if you want to ensure that you get a top score.
What is a Good LSAT Score?
The highest score you can get is 180. The average score varies on a yearly basis, but it is typically around 152.
A good LSAT score is different for everyone. Some students may just want a score that is good enough to get them into any law school while other students may want a score that is good enough to get them into a top 10 law school.
If you want to get into a top 5 law school, you will most likely need to score in the 97th percentile or higher (170+).
If you are looking to go to a mid-tier law school, you will most likely need to score in the 155-158 range.
The most important thing to consider when determining if your LSAT score is good is to ask yourself this – “Will this score get me into the law schools I am applying to?”
Average LSAT Score
According to the Law School Admissions Council, the average LSAT score is 152. This does vary from year to year, but it is usually right around there.
The LSAT score range is 120-180, with 180 being the highest score you can get. In order to get a 152, you will need to answer around 60 questions correctly.
If you want some practice, take our free LSAT test to get a better idea of what to expect.
LSAT Percentiles
We can learn more about scores by looking at percentiles.
The LSAC keeps data on LSAT percentiles. These percentiles are taken from the last 3 years of test takers.
| LSAT Scaled Score | Approximate Percentile |
| 180 | 99+% |
| 175 | 99+% |
| 170 | 97% |
| 165 | 92% |
| 160 | 80% |
| 155 | 64% |
| 150 | 44% |
| 145 | 27% |
| 140 | 13% |
| 135 | 5% |
| 130 | 2% |
How is the LSAT Scored?
It is important to understand how the LSAT is scored when trying to understand what a good LSAT score is. You will find that there are 3 different types of scores:
- Raw Score – This is the number of questions answered correctly. If you answered 45 questions correctly, your raw score would be 45. Keep in mind that there are around 100 total questions on the LSAT.
- Scaled Score – This is the most typical score and what people think of. This score ranges from 120 to 180. Law schools will use the scaled score when evaluating your score.
- Percentile Score – This shows how you did when compared to other test takers. If you have a percentile score of 60%, that means you scored better than 60% of other test takers. The percentile score is useful for comparing yourself to others who have taken the LSAT test.
LSAT Score Band
Since LSAT scores are technically estimates of your proficiency in the skills that are tested on the LSAT, you will be placed in a LSAT score band.
LSAT score bands are a range of scores. The score bands will be slightly higher and slightly lower than the score that you received.
If you scored a 155, your LSAT score band would be 152 to 158. The LSAT score band is calculated using the standard error of measurement. The standard error used for the LSAT is about 2.6 scaled score points.
You can find your LSAT score band by adding and subtracting 2.6 to your scaled score. This makes the LSAT score band about 7 scaled-score points. The LSAC uses this method and it provides a 68% confidence level.
When Will I Get My LSAT Score?
Scores have scheduled release dates. This date will be known by you before you take your exam. The score release date is usually about 20 days after the exam.
Learn more about LSAT test dates and score release dates.
LSAT Score FAQs
How long are LSAT scores valid?
A LSAT score is valid for up to 5 years after you have taken the test.
What is the highest LSAT score?
The highest possible LSAT score one can receive is 180. Keep in mind this is very rare.
Students who score a 175 will find themselves in the 99th percentile of LSAT scorers.
Students who receive a score in the 99th percentile should be able to attend any program of their choosing.
What is the average LSAT score?
The average LSAT score will change every year as it based on the different test takers and what they are scoring.
With that being said, anywhere around 152 is usually the average score on the LSAT.
Is a 150 a good LSAT score?
A 150 on the LSAT is slightly below average. A score of 150 puts you in the 44th percentile.
Is a 174 on the LSAT good?
A 174 on the LSAT is very good. This score will give you an opportunity to get into the top law school programs. A score of 174 puts you between the 97th and 98th percentile.
