The LSAT is the Law School Admission Test. It is a test you take to get into law school in the United States and Canada. Almost every law school looks at your LSAT score when it decides who gets in and who gets scholarship money.
This guide explains what the LSAT is, what is on it, how it is scored, and how to get started. It uses the current format, which LSAC has used since August 2024.
What Is the LSAT in Simple Words?
The LSAT is a test of thinking skills. It does not test what you know about the law. You do not need to study law, history, or any special subject before you take it.
Instead, the LSAT checks how well you can:
- Read hard passages and understand them
- Find the main point of an argument
- Spot weak spots and gaps in an argument
- Decide what must be true based on facts you are given
- Write a clear argument of your own
Law schools care about these skills because lawyers use them every day. A lawyer reads long cases, finds the key facts, and builds arguments. The LSAT is a way to measure that before you start law school.
Who Makes the LSAT?
The LSAT is made by LSAC, the Law School Admission Council. LSAC is a nonprofit group. It runs the test, sends your scores to schools, and runs the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which most law school applications go through.
You sign up for the LSAT, pay for it, and get your score through your LSAC account.
What Is on the LSAT?
The LSAT has two parts: a multiple-choice test and a writing test.
| Part | What It Is | Time | Scored? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning (2 sections) | Short arguments with one question each | 35 minutes each | Yes |
| Reading Comprehension (1 section) | 4 long passages with several questions each | 35 minutes | Yes |
| Variable section (1 section) | An extra Logical Reasoning or Reading section used to test new questions | 35 minutes | No |
| Argumentative Writing | A short essay where you argue for one side | 50 minutes | No, but schools read it |
You will not know which section is the variable one. It looks just like the others. So you should try your best on every section.
Logical Reasoning
Logical Reasoning is two-thirds of your score. Each question gives you a short paragraph, often an argument. Then it asks you something about it. For example, you may need to find the flaw, pick the answer that makes the argument stronger, or find what the author assumes. See our guide to Logical Reasoning question types for every type.
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension gives you four passages. They cover topics like law, science, art, and history. One of them is two shorter passages you compare. You answer questions about the main idea, the author’s view, and details in the text. Our guide to Reading Comprehension question types breaks these down.
Argumentative Writing
The writing part gives you a debate topic and some short sources. You get 15 minutes to plan and 35 minutes to write. It does not change your 120 to 180 score, but law schools get a copy and some do read it. You must finish it before LSAC will release your score. Learn more in our LSAT writing guide.
What Happened to Logic Games?
The LSAT used to have a section called Analytical Reasoning, often called Logic Games. LSAC removed it in August 2024. Now the test has two Logical Reasoning sections instead. If you find old books or videos that teach Logic Games, you can skip that part. Read more about the new LSAT format.
How Is the LSAT Scored?
LSAT scores go from 120 (lowest) to 180 (highest). Here is how it works:
- You get one point for each question you get right. This is your raw score.
- There is no penalty for a wrong answer. So never leave a question blank.
- LSAC turns your raw score into a scaled score from 120 to 180.
- You also get a percentile. It shows what percent of test takers you scored higher than.
The average LSAT score is around 151 to 152. A 160 puts you near the top 20 percent. A 170 puts you near the top 3 percent. To see what your score means, use our LSAT score calculator. To turn practice test results into a scaled score, use the raw score calculator.
Want to know what counts as a strong score? Read what is a good LSAT score and the full LSAT score range guide.
Why Does the LSAT Matter So Much?
Your LSAT score is one of the two biggest numbers in your law school application. The other is your college GPA. Here is why the LSAT carries so much weight:
- Admissions: Schools use it to compare students from different colleges and majors.
- Scholarships: Many schools give merit money based mostly on LSAT and GPA. A few extra points can be worth thousands of dollars. Try our scholarship calculator.
- Rankings: Schools report their LSAT medians, so they want students with strong scores.
Some schools also take the GRE, but the LSAT is still the main test most applicants use.
How Do You Take the LSAT?
You can take the LSAT in one of two ways:
- At home online, with a live remote proctor watching through your webcam
- At a test center, on a computer in a quiet room
Both count the same. Not sure which to pick? Compare them in our guide to remote LSAT vs a test center.
The LSAT is offered several times a year, usually from August to June. Each test runs over a few days, and you pick one day and time. See the current LSAT test dates and how to register.
How Much Does the LSAT Cost?
For the 2026-2027 testing year, the LSAT costs $253. That price includes the writing section. Most students also pay for CAS ($219) and law school reports ($45 each). If money is tight, you can apply for an LSAC fee waiver. See the full breakdown in our LSAT cost guide.
How Long Is the LSAT?
The multiple-choice test takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a 10-minute break. The writing part takes 50 more minutes on a different day if you like. Read the full timing breakdown in how long is the LSAT.
How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT?
You can take the LSAT more than once. LSAC limits how many times you can take it in a set period and over your lifetime. Most schools focus on your highest score. Read the current rules in how many times can you take the LSAT.
How to Get Started
- Take a free practice test. LSAC offers free official tests on LawHub. This shows your starting score.
- Check your score. Put it into our LSAT score calculator to see your percentile and which schools fit.
- Set a goal. Look up the median LSAT at the schools you want. Our top 100 law schools LSAT chart lists them.
- Make a study plan. Most students study for 2 to 4 months. Start with our LSAT study plan for beginners.
- Pick your prep. You can study on your own, take a course, or work with a tutor. Compare options in our best LSAT prep courses guide.
- Register early. Popular dates and times fill up. Sign up once you know your test month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LSAT hard?
Yes, most students find it hard. The questions are tricky and the time is short. But it is a skills test, so you can get much better with practice. Many students raise their score by 10 points or more.
Do I need to know law to take the LSAT?
No. The LSAT does not test any law. Everything you need to answer each question is in the question or passage.
Is there math on the LSAT?
No. There is no math section. Some questions use simple logic like “all,” “some,” and “none,” but you will not do any calculations.
What is a good LSAT score?
It depends on your goals. A score above 160 is strong for many schools. Top law schools usually want 170 or higher. See what is a good LSAT score.
How long is an LSAT score good for?
LSAC keeps scores for about five years, and most schools accept scores in that window. See how long LSAT scores are valid.
The Bottom Line
The LSAT is the main test for getting into law school. It checks reading, reasoning, and writing skills, not legal knowledge. Scores run from 120 to 180, and a higher score can open doors to better schools and more scholarship money. Start with a free practice test, check your score in our calculator, and build a plan from there.
Official Sources to Check
Use this guide for planning, then verify current test rules, score reporting, application requirements, and school disclosures with primary sources before making final decisions.