The lowest score on a GED is 100—the minimum possible on the scaled scoring system used for each of the four subject tests. The GED (General Educational Development) exam scores every subject—Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies—on a scale from 100 to 200. Therefore, the lowest score on a GED you can receive in any single subject is 100.
This score indicates minimal performance and falls far below the passing threshold of 145. While rare, a 100 can occur if a test taker answers very few questions correctly or leaves most items blank. Importantly, the GED does not issue scores below 100, even for incomplete or skipped exams—100 is the floor.
Understanding What the Lowest Score Means
A lowest score on a GED of 100 does not reflect raw question count. Because the GED uses scaled scoring, your result is adjusted based on question difficulty and item weighting. You could answer some questions correctly and still receive a low score if they were the easiest items.
If you score below 145 in any subject, you do not pass that section—but you can retake it. Your scores in other subjects (if 145+) remain valid permanently. There is no penalty beyond the retake fee and waiting period.
To avoid a very low score:
- Never leave questions blank (there’s no penalty for guessing)
- Take the official GED Ready practice test first to gauge readiness
- Use GED.com’s free study tools to build foundational skills
Most test takers score between 140 and 180, even on their first attempt. A 100 is atypical and usually signals a lack of preparation or test-day disruption.
The lowest score on a GED is a starting point—not a final judgment. With targeted review, any score can be improved on a retake.