The DAT is scored on a 200-600 scale in 10-point increments, a system the American Dental Association introduced on March 1, 2025, replacing the old 1-30 scale. Every section, plus your overall Academic Average, is reported on this scale. There was no change to the exam content, only to how scores are reported. This guide explains how the scale works and what the numbers mean.
How the 200-600 scale works
Scores run from 200 at the low end to 600 at the high end, moving in steps of 10 (200, 210, 220, and so on). Your raw number of correct answers is converted into this scaled score through psychometric equating, which adjusts for the difficulty of the specific test form you received. That is why there is no fixed public table saying a certain number correct equals a certain score. The ADA does not release how many questions you must answer correctly to earn a given score.
There is no public raw-to-score table. Scores are equated for form difficulty, not counted from a fixed key.
Approximate score-to-percentile guide
Percentiles shift slightly year to year, but the following is a useful approximate map for the 200-600 scale. Treat it as a guide, not an exact lookup.
| Scaled score | Rough percentile | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 400 | ~50th | National average |
| 430 | ~70th | Above average |
| 440 | ~80th | Good, competitive at most schools |
| 460 | ~90th | Highly competitive |
| 490+ | ~95th and up | Top-tier |
How it maps to the old 1-30 scale
If you have seen older resources using the 1-30 scale, the ADA provides official concordance tables that convert prior scores to the new format, so schools see everyone on the same 200-600 scale. Roughly, the old average of about 17 corresponds to the new average near 400, and old scores in the low-to-mid 20s correspond to the competitive 440-490 range. These are approximate, since the conversion is done by equating rather than simple arithmetic.
Academic Average and section scores
Your report shows a scaled score for each section plus an Academic Average, which combines them. Schools most often quote the Academic Average, so a single weak section pulls down the number admissions officers see. That is why raising your lowest section is usually the most efficient way to improve your reported score. For target numbers, see what is a good DAT score.
How Reading Comprehension is scored
RC is reported on the same 200-600 scale and folded into your Academic Average like any other section. Because RC is the most trainable section, it is often the quickest way to raise your overall average. See how DAT RC is scored and how to practice DAT RC.
Frequently asked
When did the DAT change to 200-600? March 1, 2025.
What is the highest DAT score? 600 on the current scale.
Can I calculate my DAT score from percent correct? Not exactly. Scores are equated for form difficulty, so any predictor is an estimate. See our note on score prediction accuracy.