Quick answer: LSAT scores form a bell curve centered near 152 to 154. About 49.6% of test takers score between 145 and 159. Only about 5.5% score 170 or higher, and only about 11% score below 140. For what each band means for law schools, see the LSAT score range guide. See what it takes to reach the top LSAT score of 180.
Here is the full LSAT score distribution, worked out from LSAC percentile data for the 2023 to 2026 testing years.
LSAT Score Distribution by Range
| Score range | Share of test takers | Chart |
|---|---|---|
| 175 to 180 | 1.3% | |
| 170 to 174 | 4.2% | |
| 165 to 169 | 9.3% | |
| 160 to 164 | 14.1% | |
| 155 to 159 | 17.1% | |
| 150 to 154 | 17.4% | |
| 145 to 149 | 15.1% | |
| 140 to 144 | 10.5% | |
| 135 to 139 | 6% | |
| 130 to 134 | 2.8% | |
| 120 to 129 | 2.2% |
These shares are rounded and come from the gaps between percentiles, so they are close estimates. For every single score, see the LSAT percentile chart.
How to Read the Distribution
- The middle is crowded. Around 154, each extra point passes about 3.5% of test takers.
- The top is thin. Above 175, each extra point passes less than half a percent.
- Small gains matter most in the middle. Going from 150 to 155 moves you from about the 37th to the 54th percentile. Going from 170 to 175 moves you from about the 94th to the 99th.
Test Takers vs Law School Medians
| Score range | Test takers | ABA schools with a median here |
|---|---|---|
| 170 to 180 | 5.5% | 22 |
| 165 to 169 | 9.3% | 26 |
| 160 to 164 | 14.1% | 43 |
| 155 to 159 | 17.1% | 56 |
| 150 to 154 | 17.4% | 41 |
| 145 to 149 | 15.1% | 6 |
| 140 to 144 | 10.5% | 1 |
| 120 to 139 | 11% | 1 |
About 46% of test takers score 155 or higher, but 147 of the 196 ABA schools have a median of 155 or higher. That is why a score that looks average can still be below many schools’ medians. See the average LSAT score page.
LSAT Score Distribution FAQ
Is the LSAT scored on a curve?
Not in the usual sense. Your score does not depend on who else tested with you. Each test is equated, so a 160 means about the same on any test. Read how the LSAT curve works.
What percent of people score above 170?
About 4.2% score above a 170, and about 5.5% score a 170 or higher.
What percent of people score above 160?
About 25.8% score above a 160.
Sources
Percentiles come from LSAC data for the 2023 to 2026 testing years. School numbers come from each school’s 2025 ABA 509 disclosure, shown on its page on this site. Raw score conversions are typical values, and each test has its own chart. See LSAC on LSAT scoring.