Quick answer: an LSAT score band is a range around your score, shown on your score report. LSAC includes it because a score is an estimate of your ability, not a perfect measure. It usually runs about 3 points either side of your score. For example, a 167 has a band of 164 to 170.
What Is an LSAT Score Band?
LSAC says the band shows “a range of scores, including scores slightly higher and slightly lower than the score received.” It comes from a statistic called the standard error of measurement. See LSAC on score bands.
LSAC’s page does not give an exact width. The 3 point figure and the 167 example come from University of Michigan pre-law advising. Near the top and bottom of the scale, a band cannot go past 180 or below 120.
Score Band Examples
| Your score | Approximate band | Percentile range |
|---|---|---|
| 145 | 142 to 148 | 14.6 to 30.1 |
| 150 | 147 to 153 | 27.1 to 46.9 |
| 155 | 152 to 158 | 43.4 to 64.5 |
| 160 | 157 to 163 | 61 to 80 |
| 165 | 162 to 168 | 77.2 to 91.4 |
| 170 | 167 to 173 | 89.5 to 97.6 |
| 175 | 172 to 178 | 96.7 to 99.6 |
These bands use the usual 3 points. Your report shows your own band.
Do Law Schools Use the Score Band?
Schools report and compare your actual score, not your band. The band is useful for you, because it stops you from reading too much into a small change. Going from 160 to 161 may not mean much. Going from 160 to 166 is a real jump.
Should a Score Band Affect a Retake?
Do not retake just because the top of your band looks nice. Look at your practice scores and at what a higher score would unlock. A retake makes the most sense when your practice tests are above your real score and your target schools sit a few points higher. See should I retake the LSAT.
LSAT Score Band FAQ
What is a score band on the LSAT?
A range around your score, usually about 3 points each way.
Is my score band on my report?
Yes. LSAC lists it as part of your score report.
What is the difference between a score band and a score range?
The LSAT score range is the full 120 to 180 scale. A band is the small range around your own score.
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.