SACE ATAR Subject Grade Scaling SACE ATAR Scaling Explained Simply: How Your Results Are Calculated
What Is SACE ATAR Scaling?
SACE ATAR scaling adjusts raw subject scores to compare students fairly across different subjects...
Why Does SACE Use Scaling?
Scaling ensures subject results are fair across the board...
How Does ATAR Scaling Work in South Australia?
- Raw Scores Are Collected – Your school sends your subject results to SACE.
- Scores Are Compared – SATAC compares how students performed across all subjects.
- Scaled Scores Are Calculated – Harder subjects may scale up. Easier ones may scale down.
- Aggregate Score Is Formed – Your top scaled subjects count towards your final ATAR.
What Subjects Are Scaled Up the Most?
- Mathematical Methods
- Specialist Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
Lower scaling may apply to subjects like:
- Essential English
- Creative Arts
- Community Studies
Example: A raw score of 80 in Specialist Maths might scale to 86...
How Many Subjects Count Towards ATAR?
- 3 full-year subjects (60 credits)
- Half of a fourth subject (10 credits)
- The Research Project or a fifth subject (20 credits)
Can You Use the SACE ATAR Calculator?
- Choose your SACE subjects
- Enter your expected raw scores
- See your scaled scores
- View your estimated ATAR
Note: This tool gives an estimate. Final ATARs come from SATAC.
What Score Do You Need for a 90+ ATAR?
- Math Methods – 88 (scaled)
- English – 84 (scaled)
- Chemistry – 87 (scaled)
- Research Project – 90 (scaled)
Do All Students Get the Same Scaling?
No, scaling depends on how each subject performs across the state...
Where Can You See Past Subject Scaling?
- SACE Board official reports
- School career counsellor data
- University access booklets
- SATAC scaling reports
How Can You Maximise Your ATAR With Scaling?
- Pick subjects you’re good at
- Don’t chase scaling—focus on performance
- Know the scaling trends
- Use the ATAR calculator to test combinations
- Choose subjects aligned with your uni goals
Performance beats scaling. An 85 raw in low-scaling English is better than a 65 in high-scaling Maths.
What If I Don’t Like My Scaled Score?
- Check for clerical errors
- Consider a gap year and reapply
- Look at alternative entry paths
- Contact SATAC for support options
Summary Table: Key SACE ATAR Scaling Facts
| Factor | Detail |
|---|
| Scaling Authority | SATAC |
| Max ATAR Subjects Count | 90 credits (typically 4.5 subjects + Research Project) |
| High Scaling Subjects | Specialist Maths, Physics, Chemistry |
| Low Scaling Subjects | Essential English, Creative Arts |
| ATAR Calculator Link | CalculateATAR.com |
| Adjustments Made For | Subject difficulty and state-wide performance |