SUS Score Benchmarks
The industry average SUS score is 68. Use this guide to understand what your score means and how it compares to industry standards.
Score Interpretation Guide
SUS scores are graded on a curve based on research by Bangor, Kortum, and Miller. Here's what each grade means:
| Score Range | Grade | Adjective |
|---|---|---|
| 90-100 | A+ | Best Imaginable |
| 85-90 | A | Excellent |
| 72-85 | B | Good |
| 52-72 | C | OK |
| 38-52 | D | Poor |
| 0-38 | F | Awful |
The Magic Number: 68
The widely cited industry average of 68 comes from a meta-analysis of over 500 SUS studies conducted by Jeff Sauro. This number represents the 50th percentile—meaning half of all products score above 68 and half score below.
Below average usability. Users may struggle.
Industry average. Acceptable but not great.
Above average. Good user experience.
Percentile Rankings
Percentiles tell you how your score compares to all other products. A score in the 85th percentile means your product is more usable than 85% of products tested.
| SUS Score | Percentile | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 90 | 96% | A+ |
| 85 | 90% | A |
| 80 | 85% | B |
| 75 | 70% | B |
| 70 | 55% | C |
| 68 | 50% | C |
| 65 | 41% | C |
| 60 | 30% | C |
| 50 | 15% | D |
| 40 | 6% | F |
Industry-Specific Benchmarks
Different industries have different usability expectations. Compare your score against products in your specific sector.
These benchmarks are compiled from published research and industry reports. Your specific context may vary.
| Industry | Average SUS |
|---|---|
| Consumer Software | 71 |
| Enterprise Software | 62 |
| Mobile Apps | 73 |
| E-commerce Websites | 68 |
| Government Websites | 59 |
| Healthcare Applications | 64 |
| Banking/Finance | 66 |
| Educational Platforms | 67 |
Key Score Thresholds
Based on research, these are the critical thresholds to keep in mind:
Marginal Acceptability
Scores below 50 indicate serious usability problems. Users will likely abandon or struggle significantly.
Industry Average
The 50th percentile. Your product is as usable as the typical product on the market.
Good Usability
Users find your product easy to use. You're in the top 15% of products. This is a solid goal for most teams.
Excellent Usability
Top 4% of products. Users love your interface. This level requires significant investment in UX.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good SUS score?
A score above 68 is above average. Scores of 80+ are considered "good" (top 15%), and 90+ is "excellent" (top 4%). However, context matters—a 65 might be acceptable for complex enterprise software but poor for a consumer app.
Why is 68 the average SUS score?
The 68 average comes from Jeff Sauro's analysis of over 500 SUS studies. It represents the median score across all types of products and industries. It's not a passing grade—just the midpoint.
How many responses do I need for reliable benchmarking?
Research suggests 12-14 responses provide a reasonably reliable SUS score. For statistical confidence and comparison against benchmarks, aim for 20+ responses. Our free team survey tool makes this easy.
Can SUS scores be compared across different products?
Yes, that's one of SUS's strengths. Because it's standardized, you can compare your score to the industry average, competitors (if you have their data), or your own previous scores to track improvement.
What affects SUS scores besides usability?
User expertise, task complexity, and survey timing can influence scores. Administer SUS immediately after use, ensure users have adequate experience with the product, and consider segmenting results by user type.
Ready to benchmark your product?
Calculate your SUS score and see how you compare to industry standards.