SAT Math: A Complete Guide

The Math section of the digital SAT comes right after the Reading and Writing portion, following a 10-minute break. It’s the second half of the exam and includes both multiple-choice and student-produced response (SPR) questions.

The content is designed to reflect key concepts from high school math, focusing on algebra, advanced math, data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry.

Section Breakdown

The SAT Math section is split into two timed modules, each containing:

• 20 scored questions
• 2 unscored pretest questions (which are unidentified)

This gives a total of 44 questions, with 22 per module, and 35 minutes for each.

That works out to about 1 minute and 35 seconds per question, so time management is essential.

ModuleQuestionsTime LimitMath Module 12235 minutesMath Module 22235 minutesTotal4470 minutes

Calculator Use

Unlike the old version of the test, the digital SAT allows calculator use for all math questions. You can:

• Bring your own approved calculator, or
• Use the built-in Desmos graphing calculator provided in the test interface

Formula Sheet

A built-in formula reference sheet is also available during the test. It covers:

• Perimeter and area formulas for 2D shapes
• Volume and surface area of 3D objects
• Properties of special triangles
• Basic trig identities (like sine, cosine, and tangent)

While this sheet is helpful, memorizing commonly used formulas will save you precious time.

Adaptive Testing

Just like the Reading and Writing section, the Math portion uses adaptive testing. Your performance on the first module determines whether the second module will be easier or more difficult. This new testing model personalizes the difficulty level for each student.

Question Domains

Math questions fall into four core domains, each covering different skills:

1. Algebra
   • Solving linear equations and inequalities
   • Understanding linear functions and systems
   • ≈ 35% of the test (13–15 questions)
2. Advanced Math
   • Nonlinear equations (e.g., quadratic, exponential)
   • Systems with nonlinear elements
   • ≈ 35% of the test (13–15 questions)
3. Problem-Solving & Data Analysis
   • Ratios, rates, units
   • Statistics, probabilities, data interpretation
   • ≈ 15% (5–7 questions)
4. Geometry & Trigonometry
   • Area, volume, and angles
   • Circles and right triangle trig
   • ≈ 15% (5–7 questions)

Each domain is broken into more specific skills, and mastering each one will give you a well-rounded math foundation for the test.

Question Formats

1. Multiple Choice

Each multiple-choice question offers four options (A–D). Choices could be numbers, equations, or word-based problem-solving setups.

Since there’s no penalty for wrong answers, you should always make a guess—even if you’re unsure. Use process of elimination to improve your odds:

• Start: 25% chance of guessing right
• Eliminate one option: 33%
• Eliminate two: 50%

Pro Tip: In questions with similar-looking answers (like 4 + 2 vs 4 – 2), spotting a known wrong value can help you eliminate both at once.

2. Student-Produced Response (SPR)

SPR questions (about 25% of the section) require you to enter your own numeric answer—no answer choices are provided.

These questions often require exact calculations, and answers must be:

• Rational numbers (fractions or decimals)
• Exact values (not rounded or estimated)

Since there’s no guessing advantage, it’s smart to save extra time for SPRs. They may take a little longer—often around 2 minutes each. If time’s tight, prioritize multiple-choice questions first to improve your odds.

Scoring Explained

SAT Math is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, based on your raw score out of 40 questions (the 4 unscored ones don’t count).

The scoring isn’t linear—each question carries different weight, and CollegeBoard doesn’t disclose the exact point value per question. Also, because each test version is unique, scaling varies slightly across different SAT dates.

To get a quick estimate of your score, try using a Digital SAT Score Calculator that converts raw scores into scaled ranges.

Final Thoughts

SAT Math is manageable with the right prep. Focus on mastering key domains, practicing real question types, and learning how to manage your time wisely. And don’t forget:

• Use your calculator
• Memorize common formulas
• Practice SPRs and multiple choice
• Eliminate wrong answers strategically

Want to sharpen your skills? Sign up for a free practice module or try a full-length test to simulate real exam conditions.

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