Study Score Calculator

Calculate your estimated ATAR from VCE study scores

Designed for students in Victoria, Australia

Your Free VCE Study Score to ATAR Calculator

Preparing for your VCE exams can be both exciting and stressful. One of the biggest questions on every Year 12 student's mind is: "What ATAR will I get?" Our free Study Score Calculator helps you answer that question by converting your estimated or actual VCE study scores into an approximate ATAR ranking.

Whether you're planning your study strategy, setting realistic goals, or simply curious about where you might land, this tool provides instant estimates based on the official ATAR calculation methodology used by VTAC. Simply enter your study scores for up to six subjects, and watch as your estimated ATAR appears in real-time.

Designed specifically for Victorian students by students who've been through the VCE journey themselves, this calculator takes into account how your top four subjects contribute fully to your aggregate, while your fifth and sixth subjects each add 10% of their value. It's the same fundamental approach used in the real ATAR calculation, giving you meaningful insights as you prepare for your future.

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.

How to Use This Calculator & Frequently Asked Questions

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1Enter Your Study Scores: Input your actual or predicted study scores for each subject (ranging from 0 to 50). You must enter at least four subjects for the calculator to work.
  2. 2Add Additional Subjects: If you're taking five or six subjects, enter those as well. Remember, only 10% of your fifth and sixth subject scores contribute to your aggregate.
  3. 3View Your Estimate: Your estimated ATAR will appear instantly below the input fields. The result updates in real-time as you adjust your scores.
  4. 4Experiment with Scenarios: Try different combinations to see how improving in certain subjects might affect your overall ATAR. Use the "Clear All" button to start fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this ATAR calculator?

This calculator provides an estimate based on the standard ATAR calculation methodology. However, actual ATARs involve complex statistical scaling that accounts for subject difficulty and cohort performance. Your real ATAR may differ by several points. For official results, always rely on VTAC. This tool is best used for goal-setting and understanding the general impact of your study scores on your ranking.

Why do I need at least four subjects to calculate my ATAR?

The ATAR system requires a minimum of four subjects to generate a ranking. Your aggregate score is calculated by adding 100% of your top four study scores, plus 10% of your fifth and sixth subjects if applicable. This aggregate is then converted to a percentile ranking against all other VCE students in Victoria. Without four subjects, there isn't enough data to produce a meaningful estimate.

What is subject scaling and how does it affect my ATAR?

Subject scaling is a statistical adjustment that ensures fairness across different VCE subjects. Some subjects are considered more challenging or competitive, so raw study scores are scaled up or down before the ATAR calculation. For example, subjects like Specialist Mathematics or Latin typically scale up, while some less competitive subjects may scale down. Our calculator uses unscaled scores, so keep in mind that scaling could significantly affect your actual ATAR. Check VTAC's scaling reports for more detailed information on how specific subjects are adjusted.

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Check out our blog for in-depth guides on VCE study strategies, subject selection tips, and everything you need to know about maximizing your ATAR.

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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