What Is the LSAT?
The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is the standardized exam used for admission to JD programs at ABA-accredited U.S. law schools and many Canadian law schools. It is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and is designed to measure the reading and reasoning skills that law schools consider essential.
What the LSAT measures
The test focuses on skills rather than memorized facts: reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and the ability to analyze and evaluate arguments. Law schools weigh the LSAT heavily because it is a consistent, comparable signal across applicants from very different undergraduate backgrounds.
LSAT format
The current LSAT has three scored multiple-choice sections plus one unscored section and a writing sample:
- Logical Reasoning — two scored sections testing argument analysis and evaluation.
- Reading Comprehension — one scored section (including comparative reading) testing close reading of dense texts.
- Unscored experimental section — an extra Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension section used to pre-test new questions; it does not count toward your score.
- Writing sample — an unscored on-demand essay submitted separately and sent to schools with your score.
Note: the Analytical Reasoning section (often called "Logic Games") was part of the LSAT for decades but was discontinued after the June 2024 administration. Current test-takers see the format described above.
How the LSAT is scored
The LSAT is scored on a scaled range from 120 to 180, with 180 the highest possible score. Your raw score (the number of multiple-choice questions answered correctly) is converted to the 120–180 scale through a statistical equating process, so scores from different test forms are comparable. To see where any score lands, use the LSAT percentile chart.
How long is the test?
Expect about three hours of testing time across the multiple-choice sections, plus the writing sample and standard check-in and break time — typically closer to four hours on test day. There are roughly 75–85 multiple-choice questions in total across the scored sections.
How long are LSAT scores valid?
LSAC makes scores available for about five years. If you plan to apply several cycles out, confirm the score is still reportable when you submit your applications.
When can you take it?
The LSAT is offered multiple times per year. Check the LSAT test dates for the current administration and registration schedule, then plan your prep so your score lands before your target schools' application deadlines. For a full study approach, see the LSAT prep & study plan guide.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What does LSAT stand for?
LSAT stands for the Law School Admission Test. It is the standardized test used for admission to JD programs at ABA-accredited law schools in the United States and many law schools in Canada.
What is the LSAT out of?
The LSAT is scored on a scaled range from 120 to 180, with 180 the highest possible score. Your scaled score comes from the number of multiple-choice questions you answer correctly, converted to the 120–180 scale through a statistical equating process.
How many questions are on the LSAT?
Across the three scored multiple-choice sections there are roughly 75–85 questions in total — about 24–26 per Logical Reasoning section and about 26–28 in Reading Comprehension. There is also one unscored experimental section and an unscored writing sample.
How long is the LSAT?
Plan for about three hours of testing time across the multiple-choice sections, plus a writing sample and standard check-in and break time — typically closer to four hours at the test center or proctored online session.
How long are LSAT scores good for?
LSAC makes LSAT scores available for about five years, so a score you earn today is generally valid for admission cycles over the next several years. If you apply after that window, you may need to retest.