LSAT Scores and the LSAT-Flex

We’re here to answer all your questions about LSAT scores and the LSAT-Flex. Let’s dive in!

What does the LSAT test?

Let’s move on to the structure of the LSAT. The LSAT contains three section types: analytical reasoning (more commonly known as logic games), logical reasoning, and reading comprehension.

The traditional LSAT is composed of five 35-minute sections, which can appear in any order:

• 1 analytical reasoning section with 4 logic games and a total of 23-24 questions
• 2 logical reasoning sections with 24-26 questions each
• 1 reading comprehension section with 26-28 questions
• 1 experimental section

The experimental section is unscored, and will cover one of the three section types (analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, or reading comprehension). Unfortunately, you won’t know what section is unscored, so you’ll have to keep those brain cells firing hard on all five sections.

Note: The LSAT-Flex, introduced in 2020, contains only three sections. We’ll cover the LSAT-Flex in more detail in a bit.

All in all, there will be about 100 questions on the test, and the number of questions you get right is known as your raw score.

Friendly Tip: The LSAT does not penalize you for missing questions.

How is my LSAT score calculated?

Your raw score of roughly 0-100 will be calculated into your actual LSAT score, ranging from 120 to 180. The conversion is different for every test, so if you face an especially difficult LSAT, you can at least take comfort in a more friendly score calculation.

LSAC’s website provides one sample score conversion from the June 2007 test. On this particular test, getting 50 answers correct would yield a score of 145. 60 correct answers translated to 150, while you’d need 78 correct answers to hit 160. To hit 165, 170, or 175, you’d need 86, 92, or 96 correct answers, respectively.

What is the LSAT-Flex?

The LSAT-Flex, launched in 2020 due to Covid-19, allows you to take the LSAT from your home with an online proctor. The LSAT-Flex has only three sections: one each of analytical reasoning (logic games), logical reasoning, and reading comprehension.

While this test will have fewer questions than the traditional LSAT (roughly 75 questions instead of roughly 100), your LSAT score will still be calculated between 120 and 180.

Perhaps the biggest complication with LSAT scores and the LSAT-Flex is the percentage each section type makes up of your raw score.

Notice that analytical reasoning and reading comprehension increase from 25% to a full third of your score, while logical reasoning drops dramatically from its 50% share on the traditional LSAT.

As you logical people have deduced, the LSAT-Flex is better for people who struggle with the logical reasoning section, and worse for those who like the logical reasoning section.

Registration for the LSAT-Flex has so far been automatic. If you register for the in-person LSAT and it is canceled, you’ll be automatically signed up for the LSAT-Flex. If you don’t want to take the LSAT-Flex, you can call to receive a voucher for a future in-person test.

What is a good LSAT score?

Let’s start with some encouragement—you don’t need a 175, a 170, or even a 160 to have a successful career in law. A good score for you means a score that will let you accomplish your personal career goals.

However, setting a target score can be a powerful motivator to get you through the slog of LSAT prep. To set a target score, you should consider your target law schools and scholarship amount. Once again, we’ll look at stats from ABA’s required disclosures in 2019.

If your goal is admission, then your chosen school’s 50th percentile score is a good target. If you’re looking for a significant merit scholarship, it’s better to aim for the 75th percentile.

Remember that there are other factors to your application, most notably your undergraduate GPA. Also note that some law schools are much more generous than others with grant money. Again, you can use the ABA’s required disclosures to give you a rough idea of what to expect.

We hope we’ve been able to demystify LSAT scores and the LSAT-Flex for you. Now all you’ve gotta do is knock out that test!

Answering Your LSAT Questions

Create Your LSAT Study Plan

General LSAT Strategies

LSAT Logic Games Tips

LSAT Logical Reasoning Tips

LSAT Reading Comprehension Tips

Preparing for Your LSAT Test Day

LSAT Writing Guide