The GED passing score is 145 out of 200 on each of the four subject tests, and you have to hit that mark in every subject, not on average. That works out to a minimum of 580 points across Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. This guide from GED Prep explains the full score range, what a passing GED score unlocks beyond the diploma itself, how each test is converted into points, and how to close the gap if your practice results are stuck in the 130s.
What is the GED passing score?
The GED passing score is 145 out of 200 on each of the four subject tests. This means you must earn at least 145 in Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies to earn your GED credential.
The passing requirement is applied to each subject individually. Your scores are not averaged together, so a strong result in one subject cannot make up for a score below 145 in another.
For example, your results might look like this:
|
GED subject |
Passing score |
|
Mathematical Reasoning |
145 |
|
Reasoning Through Language Arts |
145 |
|
Science |
145 |
|
Social Studies |
145 |
If you score 150 in Math, 148 in Language Arts, 155 in Science, and 144 in Social Studies, you have passed three subjects but have not yet completed the GED. You would only need to retake Social Studies and raise that score to at least 145.
Because there are four subjects, earning exactly 145 on each test would produce a combined score of 580. However, 580 is not a separate total GED passing score requirement. What matters is that every individual subject score meets or exceeds 145.
If you receive a score below 145, you do not have to retake the entire GED. You can focus on the subject you did not pass, review your weaker skills, and take that individual test again when you are ready.
GED score range explained
The GED uses a 100-200 scoring scale for each subject test. Your score falls into one of four performance levels, and each level has a different meaning. The first range is below the passing standard, while the three higher ranges show increasing levels of performance.
|
GED score range |
Performance level |
What it means |
|
100-144 |
Below Passing |
You have not reached the passing level for that subject. |
|
145-164 |
GED Passing Score |
You have passed that subject and earned the required performance level. |
|
165-174 |
GED College Ready |
Shows college-ready performance and may qualify you for placement benefits at participating colleges. |
|
175-200 |
GED College Ready + Credit |
May qualify you for college credit at participating institutions. |
Below Passing: 100-144
A score between 100 and 144 is classified as Below Passing. This means the score has not reached the minimum performance level for that subject.
This range covers a fairly wide span. A score of 101 and a score of 144 are both below passing, but they are not equally close to the 145 threshold. A score in the low 140s means you are much closer to the passing range than someone with a score near 100.
The key point is that this classification applies to the individual subject test. Your result in one subject does not change the performance level assigned to another subject.
GED Passing Score: 145-164
A score from 145 to 164 falls into the standard GED Passing Score range. This means you have reached the required performance level for that subject.
The range starts at 145, which is the minimum passing score, and extends through 164. Therefore, a score of 145 and a score of 164 are both passing scores, even though they are at opposite ends of the range.
This range represents the basic performance level needed to pass a GED subject. Scores above 145 remain within the same passing category until they reach 165, when they move into the GED College Ready range.
GED College Ready: 165-174
A score between 165 and 174 is classified as GED College Ready. This is a higher performance level than the standard passing range.
The College Ready designation can be important for test takers who plan to continue their education. At participating colleges, a qualifying score in this range may help a student meet placement requirements or waive certain placement tests, depending on the school's policies.
However, College Ready is not required to earn the GED credential. A score of 145-164 is already within the standard passing range. The 165-174 range simply indicates a higher level of performance on that subject.
GED College Ready + Credit: 175-200
A score from 175 to 200 is classified as GED College Ready + Credit, the highest performance level on the GED scoring scale.
This range goes beyond the standard passing and College Ready levels. At participating colleges, a qualifying score may allow a student to earn college credit based on their GED performance.
The credit benefit is not automatic. Each college determines whether it accepts GED College Ready + Credit scores, which subjects qualify, and how the credit is applied. Therefore, a score of 175 or higher indicates eligibility for this performance level, but the actual college-credit benefit depends on the institution.
How to improve your GED passing score?
If your GED practice score is below 145, the best way to improve is to study from your actual mistakes rather than review every topic equally. A focused approach helps you identify weak areas, build the skills you need, and become more comfortable with the question types used on the GED.
Step 1: Start with a diagnostic test
Before studying, take a diagnostic to see where you currently stand. This gives you a baseline score and helps you identify which subjects and topics need the most attention.
For example, if you consistently perform well in Social Studies but struggle with algebra questions in Mathematical Reasoning, you can spend more study time on equations, functions, and word problems rather than reviewing material you already understand.
A diagnostic test can also reveal whether your mistakes are caused by:
-
Gaps in subject knowledge
-
Misreading questions
-
Calculation errors
-
Difficulty interpreting graphs or passages
-
Poor time management
Knowing the cause of your mistakes makes it easier to improve your GED passing score efficiently.
Step 2: Study one subject at a time
The GED consists of four separate subject tests, and each one requires a score of at least 145. You do not need to master all four subjects at once.
Consider focusing on one subject until your practice performance becomes consistent before moving to the next. Break each subject into smaller topics and prioritize the areas where you make the most mistakes.
For example, a Math study plan might focus separately on algebra, geometry, basic math, and graphs and functions. Smaller study goals can make preparation more manageable and help you measure your progress more clearly.
Step 3: Review every incorrect answer
Simply completing more questions is not enough. The biggest improvement often comes from understanding why you got a question wrong.
After each practice session, review incorrect answers and ask yourself:
-
Did I misunderstand the question?
-
Was I missing a key concept?
-
Did I choose an answer too quickly?
-
Did I make a calculation or reading error?
-
What should I do differently if I see a similar question again?
Keep track of recurring mistakes. If the same topic appears repeatedly, make it a priority in your next study session.
Step 4: Practice with GED-style questions
Your preparation should include questions that reflect the types of tasks you will face on the real GED test. Depending on the subject, this may include reading passages, interpreting charts and graphs, solving real-world math problems, comparing evidence, or analyzing experiments.
Using GED-style practice questions also helps you become familiar with how questions are worded and how much time you should spend on each one.
As your test date approaches, try completing a full-length GED practice test for each subject, including Mathematics Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies under timed conditions. This can help you practice pacing, build endurance, and determine whether you are consistently performing at or above the passing level.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is a 735 a good GED score?
A 735 is not possible on a single subject, since each test tops out at 200. If 735 is your combined total across four subjects, it averages about 184, which falls in the College Ready plus Credit band and is an excellent result. If it comes from an older score report on the earlier 200 to 800 per-subject scale, it was well above the old passing bar.
2. Can I go to college with a 145 GED score?
Yes. A 145 in each subject earns a full high school equivalency credential, which community colleges and many open-admission four-year programs accept for enrollment. You may still need placement testing, and scores of 165 or higher can waive those placement exams at participating schools.
3. Is 170 a good GED score?
Yes, 170 sits in the GED College Ready band and is 25 points above the passing line. It signals readiness for credit-bearing coursework, though it is short of the 175 threshold where college credit may be awarded.
4. What is the highest possible GED score?
The maximum is 200 on each subject test, for a perfect combined total of 800. Anything from 175 upward already qualifies for the top performance level, so a perfect score is not necessary to reach the highest band.
Conclusion
The GED passing score is 145 on each of the four subject tests, so understanding how scoring works can help you prepare with a clear goal in mind. If your scores are below the passing level, focus on weak areas, review your mistakes, and practice with realistic GED-style questions. With consistent preparation and the right study strategy, you can build confidence and improve your results. Use GED Prep to practice, track your progress, and get ready for test day.