Quick answer: the LSAT is not graded on a curve in the usual sense. Your score does not depend on how others did on your test date. LSAC converts your raw score to a 120 to 180 score, and that conversion is set for each test so scores stay comparable. The “curve” people talk about is really that conversion chart. For what each score band means, see the LSAT score range guide.
Is the LSAT Curved?
Not like a class curve. In a class, doing better than others can raise your grade. On the LSAT, each question counts the same and wrong answers cost nothing. LSAC then converts your raw score to the scale, so scores from different test dates can be compared. If one test is a little harder, its chart is a little more forgiving.
How Raw Scores Become Scaled Scores
The current LSAT has 77 scored questions: 50 in Logical Reasoning and 27 in Reading Comprehension. Here is a typical conversion:
| Raw score | Scaled score | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | 140 | 11 |
| 35 | 145 | 21.5 |
| 41 | 150 | 36.6 |
| 47 | 155 | 54 |
| 52 | 160 | 71.1 |
| 60 | 165 | 85.2 |
| 66 | 170 | 94.5 |
| 71 | 175 | 98.7 |
| 76 | 180 | 99.8 |
Raw score numbers are our estimate for a typical test, built from published charts. They are not official, and each real test has its own chart. Published charts suggest a given raw score can move by a point or two from test to test. Try it with the raw score calculator, or see the full raw score conversion chart.
The LSAT Bell Curve
There is a real curve in one sense: scores form a bell shape, with most people near the middle.
| Score range | Share of test takers |
|---|---|
| 170 to 180 | 5.5% |
| 160 to 169 | 23.4% |
| 150 to 159 | 34.5% |
| 140 to 149 | 25.6% |
| 120 to 139 | 11% |
See the full LSAT score distribution and percentile chart.
Does Taking a Certain Test Date Help?
You will hear people say some months are easier. Because the conversion is set for each test, no month should give you an easy edge. Pick the date when you are ready. See LSAT dates and deadlines.
LSAT Curve FAQ
Is the LSAT graded on a curve?
Not in the usual way. Your score does not depend on others in your testing group.
Does a harder test mean a lower score?
Not by itself. A harder test usually allows a few more misses for the same score.
Is the LSAT changing?
LSAC plans a new layout in August 2027 with unscored questions mixed into the sections. The scored count stays at 27 Reading Comprehension and 50 Logical Reasoning questions. See LSAC’s notice.
Sources
Percentiles come from LSAC data for the 2023 to 2026 testing years. School numbers come from the 2025 ABA 509 disclosures, shown on each school’s page. Raw score numbers are our estimate for a typical test, built from published charts. They are not official, and each real test has its own chart. See LSAC on LSAT scoring.