The GED (General Educational Development) test measures high school equivalency across four subjects: Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA), Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. Each subject is scored on a 100–200 scale, with a total possible score of 800. To pass and earn your GED diploma, you must score at least 145 on each individual subject, totaling a minimum of 580 points. A total of 580 is therefore the bare minimum to pass but only if it’s evenly distributed (e.g., 145 per subject). If any subject falls below 145, you fail that section and must retake it, even if your overall score reaches 580.
Is 580 “good”? It depends on your goals. For basic high school equivalency—qualifying for jobs that require a diploma or entry-level training it’s sufficient and a real accomplishment. However, it’s not competitive for college or advanced career paths.
GED scores fall into four performance levels:
| Score Range (per subject) | Level | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| 100–144 | Below Passing | Must retake; no diploma issued. |
| 145–164 | GED Passing | Earns diploma; meets basic requirements. |
| 165–174 | GED College Ready | Ready for college-level courses; no remediation needed. |
| 175–200 | GED College Ready + Credit | May earn college credits; strong academic standing. |
A 580 average (145 per subject) places you in the GED Passing category enough to graduate high school equivalency, but many colleges require 165+ per subject to skip placement tests and remedial classes. Top universities often view scores of 750–800 as equivalent to a 3.9–4.0 high school GPA.
To improve, use official GED Ready practice tests to identify weak areas. Focus on high-impact topics (like algebra or reading comprehension), and retake failed sections after preparation. You get up to two free retakes per year in most states.
Bottom line: 580 gets you the diploma—celebrate that milestone! But aim for 600+ (150+ per subject) to unlock better job and college opportunities.