A similarity match and an AI writing flag answer different questions. Ask which report your instructor is discussing.
Similarity: matching text
A Turnitin Similarity Report compares submitted writing with its sources and highlights matches. Correct quotations and references can match too; the score is not itself a plagiarism decision.
Source: Turnitin: Understanding the similarity score for students (checked 2026-10-03 UTC).
AI writing: a model assessment
Turnitin states that its AI percentage is independent of the similarity score. One cannot be calculated from the other.
Source: Turnitin: Using the AI Writing Report (checked 2026-10-03 UTC).
Review the passage, not just the total
For a similarity match, inspect the source and citation. For an AI concern, discuss the assignment rules and your writing process. Neither conversation needs an invented universal pass mark.
Common questions
Can correctly cited work have similarity matches?
Yes. Matching words can include quotations and references. Review the source and how it was credited.
Is one similarity percentage acceptable everywhere?
No. Turnitin directs students to their school, instructor and assignment requirements.