Sweden 2022 — overview
487
Reading
OECD avg: 476 | -19 since 2018
482
Mathematics
OECD avg: 472 | -20 since 2018
494
Science
OECD avg: 485 | -5 since 2018
Analysis
Sweden in PISA
How do Swedish 15-year-olds perform in international comparison? PISA 2022 results in reading, mathematics and science — with Nordic comparison and OECD average.
About PISA
PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) is the OECD's international assessment conducted every three years. The test measures 15-year-olds' ability to apply knowledge in reading, mathematics and science to real-world situations. The latest assessment was conducted in 2022 with participation from over 80 countries.
Data: OECD PISA. Scale mean is 500 with standard deviation 100 (base year 2000/2003). The PISA 2025 main study was conducted in March 2025 — according to Skolverket, results will be published on 8 September 2026.
Trend: Sweden and the Nordics 2003–2022
The chart shows how Nordic countries' PISA results have developed over time. Select subject using the buttons below.
Comparison table — PISA 2022
| Country | Reading | Mathematics | Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finland | 490 | 484 | 511 |
| Denmark | 489 | 489 | 494 |
| Sweden | 487 | 482 | 494 |
| Norway | 477 | 468 | 478 |
| Iceland | 436 | 459 | 441 |
| OECD average | 476 | 472 | 485 |
Change since 2018
| Country | Reading | Mathematics | Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweden | -19 | -20 | -5 |
| Finland | -30 | -23 | -11 |
| Denmark | -12 | -20 | +1 |
| Norway | -22 | -33 | -12 |
| Iceland | -38 | -36 | -34 |
| OECD average | -11 | -17 | -4 |
Connection to Skolkoll data
PISA and Skolkoll's merit score measure different things:
| PISA | Skolkoll (merit score year 9) | |
|---|---|---|
| What is measured? | Applied skills in real-world situations | Course grades per curriculum |
| Age | 15 years (by age, regardless of grade) | Year 9 (ages 13–16) |
| Scale | International scale (mean 500) | 0–340 points |
| Frequency | Every 3 years | Annually |
| Comparability | International | National (between schools, municipalities) |
High PISA results and high merit scores correlate at municipality level, but the relationship is not perfect. A municipality performing above the PISA average need not have the highest merit scores — and vice versa. Grade inflation can cause merit scores to rise without PISA results following.
Methodology note
PISA measures 15-year-olds' competencies — not grades or merit scores. Skolkoll's merit score (year 9) measures course grades, while PISA measures applied skills. High PISA results and high merit scores correlate but are not identical. PISA scores cannot be directly compared to Swedish grades. Rises or falls in PISA need not mirror national grade trends and vice versa.
Source: OECD PISA (opens in new tab). Data published under CC BY 4.0 licence. Skolkoll's compilation does not constitute an official OECD publication.