The median LSAT score is estimated to be around 152, but the score you should shoot for to get into a good law school is 160 or higher. Tough luck, right? But there are ways to boost that score (and your odds of landing a spot at your dream school in the process).
One of the easiest ways to feel a little more in control is by understanding what’s actually on the test—how many questions are on the LSAT, what question types you should expect, and how it all affects your LSAT score.
Whether you’re just starting to prepare for the LSAT or already deep into LSAT practice tests, my in-depth breakdown will help you know exactly what you’re up against on test day.
Key Takeaways
- Question Count Varies Slightly: The LSAT includes about 100 questions total, with ~75 of them counting toward your score.
- Three Main Section Types: As of 2025, the LSAT only includes Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Writing Sample sections—no more Logic Games.
- One Section Is Unscored: You’ll face an unscored experimental section that blends in with the rest, so treat every section seriously.
- Writing Sample Still Required: The unscored essay doesn’t affect your LSAT score, but it is sent to law schools and can impact how you’re evaluated.
- Practice Is Key: The best prep combines timed LSAT practice tests with detailed review to build both speed and strategy.
LSAT Basics: What Does the Test Consist Of?
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) administers the LSAT, which stands for Law School Admission Test. It’s used by most law schools, especially ABA-accredited law schools, as a core part of the admissions process.
Here’s what the LSAT currently consists:
- 3 scored sections
- 1 unscored experimental section
- 1 unscored writing sample
The multiple-choice portion is delivered digitally and taken in a proctored environment. The unscored writing sample is done separately and online.
Total Number of LSAT Questions
Each scored section contains around 24 to 28 questions. The total number of test questions you’ll see on test day is typically around 100, give or take a few.
Let’s break that down:
- Logical Reasoning (2 sections): ~24-26 questions each
- Reading Comprehension: ~26–28 questions
- Unscored Section: Matches the format of one of the scored sections, used for research
- Writing Sample: One essay-style response, unscored but required
That means there are usually ~75 scored questions in total, depending on the exact test form. You’ll never know which section is unscored, so treat every section like it counts toward your raw score.
What Are the Question Types?
Since the Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) section was removed starting in August 2024, the LSAT now focuses entirely on these two types:
1. Logical Reasoning Questions
These make up half of your LSAT score, and they show up across two complete sections. In each, you’ll read short paragraphs or arguments and answer a variety of logic-based questions.
You might be asked to:
- Identify the conclusion or assumption in an argument
- Strengthen or weaken a claim
- Spot logical flaws or errors in reasoning
- Choose a statement that follows logically from what’s given
These are fast-paced, high-impact questions, and they test how well you understand and analyze arguments—skills you’ll absolutely use in law school.
2. Reading Comprehension
This section includes four dense passages, each followed by questions that test how well you understood the material.
You’ll be asked to:
- Pinpoint the author’s main point or attitude
- Break down complex arguments or points of view
- Compare passages in paired sections
- Analyze tone, assumptions, or implications
It’s like reading the world’s driest nonfiction articles—but with high stakes. Getting good at this section is all about staying focused and practicing critical reading.
What About the Writing Sample?
The unscored writing sample is a one-question, 35-minute essay that’s completed online (with 15 minutes for pre-writing, for a total of 50 minutes). While it doesn’t factor into your LSAT score, your response is sent to every law school you apply to.
You’ll be given a decision prompt and two possible positions. Your job is to choose one and argue for it using the provided facts. Law schools look at it for writing ability and reasoning, not for grammar perfection.
Even though it’s unscored, don’t skip it, as it’s a crucial part of the admissions process.
The Unscored Section (a Little Mystery)
One of the four multiple-choice sections on your LSAT is unscored. It’s there so LSAC can test out new questions for future exams.
Important things to know:
- It looks just like the scored sections
- You won’t know which one it is
- It could be a Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension section
In short: the unscored section is randomly placed and looks just like the others, so treat every section like it counts.
How LSAT Scores Are Calculated
Your LSAT scores are calculated by converting your raw score (the number of correct answers) into a scaled score between 120 and 180.
There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so always guess if you’re stuck.
The LSAT scale helps account for slight variations in difficulty between different test dates. If your raw score is around 65 to 70 out of 75 scored questions, your scaled score might land around 170, depending on the test curve.
How Many Questions Do You Need to Get Right?
It depends on the score you’re aiming for:
- Top 10 law schools often want scores in the 170+ range
- Most law schools consider 155–165 to be competitive
- A 150 is roughly around the average
If you’re targeting a 160, expect to get about 58 to 61 of the scored questions right out of 75, depending on the LSAT scale for your specific test date.
How to Practice for the LSAT
I’ve found that the best prep includes a combo of:
- LSAT practice tests under real timing
- Reviewing questions you miss—and understanding why
- Tracking your performance across different sections
- Focusing on endurance (you’ll be sitting for about 3 hours)
LSAT prep courses can also help if you need structure or accountability. Whether you go solo or with a class, make sure your prep materials reflect the current test format (post-2024, no Logic Games!).
Final Thoughts
If you’re staring down the LSAT, just know this: it’s a long test, sure, but it’s also totally manageable when you understand the layout. As of 2025, you’ll face about 100 multiple-choice questions focused on Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension, plus one unscored essay.
Take the time to learn what the test actually consists of, practice with real questions, and figure out which sections you need to focus on. Your LSAT score is one piece of your law school application, but it’s one you can absolutely master with the right plan.
You’ve got this—now go tackle those arguments like the future lawyer you are.
FAQs
Yes, the LSAT is tough, especially at first. It’s not about memorization—it’s about how you think, reason, and manage your time under pressure.
You can usually miss about 5 to 10 questions and still score a 170, but it depends on the specific LSAT scale used for that test.
A 135 is below average and would make it tough to get into most law schools. You’ll likely want to study more and retake the test.
The LSAT includes Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension questions. You’ll be analyzing arguments, reading dense passages, and answering critical-thinking questions.
Focus on timed practice, review the questions you miss, and consider using LSAT prep courses or tutoring. A better plan and more reps make a huge difference.
