How it works: the reverse calculator searches for the single score that, entered in every subject you chose, reaches your target ATAR under your state's 2025 rules. Because subjects scale differently, the same score gives different scaled results, and the breakdown shows each one. Real results are never equal across subjects, so treat the answer as a target and then test your own mix in your state's calculator.
Targets from the 2025 tables
- VCE ATAR 90: a study score of 36 in each of English, Methods, Chemistry, Biology and Psychology.
- HSC ATAR 90: an HSC mark of 85 in each of English Advanced, Mathematics Advanced, Chemistry, Biology and Economics.
- SACE ATAR 90: a scaled score of 17 out of 20 in each subject (aggregate 76.45).
- WACE ATAR 90: a scaled score of about 65.8 in English, Methods, Chemistry and Human Biology, including the Methods bonus.
How to use it
- Pick your state. VCE, HSC, QCE, SACE and WACE are supported.
- Enter your target ATAR. If you are aiming for a course, use its recent lowest selection rank as a guide. What ATAR do I need explains where to find it.
- Choose your subjects. For VCE and HSC include an English. For QCE choose General subjects.
- Read the result. You get the score needed in every subject and the scaled result each one gives.
What the number means in each state
| State | The result is |
|---|---|
| VCE | A study score out of 50 |
| HSC | An HSC mark out of 100 (half that for 1-unit Extension courses) |
| QCE | A raw result out of 100 in each General subject (the ATAR step is an estimate) |
| SACE | A scaled score out of 20 in four 20-credit subjects, plus half that in one 10-credit subject |
| WACE | A scaled score out of 100 in four courses, including any 10% bonus courses you pick |
Examples from the 2025 tables
- VCE, ATAR 90: 2025 needed a scaled aggregate of 155.19. With English, Methods, Chemistry, Biology and Psychology, that works out at a study score in the mid 30s across the board, because Methods and Chemistry scale up and English and Psychology scale down.
- WACE, ATAR 95: a TEA of about 296 reached 95.00 in 2025. That is four scaled scores averaging 74, or less if you take Methods, Specialist or a language and get the 10% bonus.
- SACE, ATAR 80: an aggregate of 68.25 reached 80.00, an average scaled score of about 15.2 out of 20.
Using your target well
- Aim above the cut-off. Lowest selection ranks move every year, and scaling moves too.
- Play to strengths. A higher score in a subject you are good at often beats chasing scaling. See how scaling works.
- Remember adjustment factors. Bonus points can lift your selection rank for a course above your ATAR. See ATAR bonus points.
To test a real mix of scores, use the calculator for your state: VCE, HSC, QCE, SACE or WACE.
The same score in every subject, by target
The score needed in every subject to reach each target on 2025 data, for one common subject mix per state. Your own mix will give different numbers.
| Target ATAR | VCE study score | HSC mark | QCE raw result | SACE scaled (out of 20) | WACE scaled |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 28 | 72 | 68 | 13.5 | 52.6 |
| 80 | 32 | 79 | 77 | 15.2 | 58.1 |
| 90 | 36 | 85 | 84 | 17.0 | 65.8 |
| 95 | 40 | 89 | 88 | 18.1 | 72.1 |
| 99 | 46 | 94 | 92 | 19.4 | 85.2 |
Subject mixes: VCE English, Mathematical Methods, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology. HSC English Advanced, Mathematics Advanced, Chemistry, Biology, Economics. QCE English, Mathematical Methods, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology (the ATAR step is modelled). SACE four 20-credit subjects and one 10-credit subject. WACE English, Mathematics Methods, Chemistry, Human Biology.
Notice how the gap between targets grows at the top. In Victoria, moving from 90 to 95 takes four more study score points in every study, and from 95 to 99 takes six more.
Why one target can need very different scores
In Victoria in 2025, an ATAR of 80 needed a study score of 32 in every study with English, Methods, Chemistry, Biology and Psychology (31 gave 79.70). With English, Psychology, Business Management, Legal Studies and Health and Human Development, it needed 35. Same target, three study score points apart, because those studies scale differently. That does not make one mix better: the right mix is the one where you will score highest.
Reverse ATAR calculator FAQ
Can I even get an 80 ATAR?
Pick your state and subjects with a target of 80 and the calculator shows the score you need in each one. In Victoria with 2025 scaling, it took a study score of 32 in every study with English, Methods, Chemistry, Biology and Psychology, or about 35 with English, Psychology, Business Management, Legal Studies and Health and Human Development.
What study scores do I need for a 95 ATAR?
In 2025 a VCE ATAR of 95 needed an aggregate of 169.85, roughly a scaled 40 in each of your primary four. Set the target to 95 to see the study scores for your own studies.
Why does the same target need different scores in different subjects?
Scaling. A study score of 35 scaled to 48 in Specialist Mathematics but 33 in English in 2025, so you need less in high-scaling subjects to reach the same aggregate.
Does it include bonus points?
Only the WA 10% bonus, because it is part of the WA TEA. University adjustment factors change your selection rank, not your ATAR, so they are not included.
What HSC marks do I need for a 90 ATAR?
With English Advanced, Mathematics Advanced, Chemistry, Biology and Economics, about 85 in each on 2025 data. Other courses need different marks, so set your own.
What scaled scores do I need for a 90 ATAR in WA?
About 65.8 in each of English, Methods, Chemistry and Human Biology on 2025 data, including the 10% Methods bonus. Without a bonus course, four scaled scores of about 67.5.