Study Score Calculator

Calculate your estimated ATAR from VCE study scores

Designed for students in Victoria, Australia

Enter Your Study Scores

How ATAR is calculated:

Your top 4 subjects count fully, plus 10% of your next 2 subjects. Study scores range from 0 to 50.

Understanding Study Scores and ATAR in the VCE System

What are Study Scores?

Study scores are a standardised measure of a student's performance in a VCE subject, ranging from 0 to 50. They represent how well a student performed in a subject compared to all other students who studied the same subject. A study score of 30 represents an average performance, while 40 and above indicates strong performance.

Study scores are calculated by Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) based on a student's performance in assessment tasks and examinations. The calculation takes into account the overall difficulty of the subject and the performance of all students in that cohort.

What is the ATAR?

The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is a numerical ranking system used by Australian universities to select students for undergraduate courses. It represents a student's position relative to all students in their age group, regardless of where they live or which subjects they studied.

ATAR scores range from 0.00 to 99.95, representing your rank as a percentage. For example, an ATAR of 85.00 means you performed better than 85% of students in your age group.

The ATAR is not a measure of intelligence or ability, but rather a competitive ranking used by universities to allocate limited course places. It is valid for two years after it is issued.

How is ATAR Calculated?

ATAR calculation follows a specific formula designed to fairly assess students' overall academic performance:

  • Top 4 Subjects: Your four highest study scores count fully toward your ATAR.
  • Next 2 Subjects: 10% of your fifth and sixth highest study scores are added to your total.
  • Aggregate: These values are combined to create your aggregate score.
  • Ranking: Your aggregate is converted to a percentile rank (ATAR).

This system ensures that students are fairly assessed across their best subjects while still encouraging broad subject selection. The “top 4 + 10% of next 2” approach provides flexibility while maintaining academic rigor.

Subject Scaling

Subject scaling is a statistical process used to ensure fairness across different subjects. Some subjects, such as Specialist Mathematics or English Literature, typically scale up because they're studied by high-achieving students. Other subjects may scale down.

Scaling does not mean one subject is harder than another; it reflects the ability level of the students who typically study that subject. Your raw study score is combined with the scaled scores of others to determine final rankings.

Using This Calculator

Our Study Score Calculator helps VCE students and their families estimate their potential ATAR based on projected study scores. Simply enter your study scores (or expected scores) for up to six subjects, and our calculator will apply the ATAR formula to provide an estimated ranking.

Important Notes: This calculator provides an estimation based on simplified ATAR calculation methods. Actual ATAR scores involve complex statistical processes including subject scaling, cohort performance, and normalisation procedures. For official ATAR results, refer to VTAC or your school's VCE coordinator. This tool is intended for educational and planning purposes only.

Need More Information?

For official information about study scores, ATAR calculations, and university admissions, please visit:

  • Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)
  • Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA)
  • Your school's VCE coordinator or careers advisor