What Is a Good PSAT 8/9 Score?

Short Answer

There isn't one PSAT 8/9 score that's “good” for every student.

The total score ranges from 240 to 1440, but I would pay more attention to where your student is now and what the score shows about where they can improve.

Look Beyond the Total Score

Check the Math and Reading and Writing scores separately. Each ranges from 120 to 720.

For Math, don't stop at the number. Look at which skills are strong and which ones are costing your student points.

Now you know what to work on next.

Want to Know How the Score Compares?

Look at the percentile. It shows how your student's score compares with other students.

That's useful context, but don't let the percentile become the goal. Once you know where your student stands, ask a more useful question:

What is keeping my student from scoring higher?

Bottom Line

Treat the first score as a starting point, not a judgment.

Look at where the points were lost, work on those skills, and see what changes on the next test.