In short
SAT Math has 44 questions in four domains: Algebra (about 35 percent), Advanced Math (about 35 percent), Problem Solving and Data Analysis (about 15 percent) and Geometry and Trigonometry (about 15 percent). Linear equations, systems, quadratics and exponential functions make up the largest share.
The SAT Math section covers four content areas, and they are not equally weighted. Algebra and Advanced Math together make up about 70 percent of the questions. If you know where the points are, you can spend your study time where it pays off most.
SAT Math at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Questions | 44 in two modules of 22 |
| Time | 70 minutes, 35 per module |
| Question types | Multiple choice and student produced response (you type your own answer) |
| Calculator | Built-in Desmos on every question, or your own approved calculator |
| Scored questions | 40; each module also has 2 unscored pretest questions |
About three quarters of the questions are multiple choice with four options. The rest ask you to type in a number. For those, there are no options to check against, so careful work matters more. Read our guide to Desmos on the SAT for the calculator tricks that help on both types.
The four content domains
| Domain | Share of questions | Scored questions |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra | about 35% | 13 to 15 |
| Advanced Math | about 35% | 13 to 15 |
| Problem Solving and Data Analysis | about 15% | 5 to 7 |
| Geometry and Trigonometry | about 15% | 5 to 7 |
Algebra
The largest domain is about linear relationships.
- Linear equations in one variable, such as solving 4(x - 3) = 2x + 10
- Linear equations in two variables and their graphs: slope, intercepts, parallel lines
- Linear functions written from a word problem ("a plan costs $12 a month plus $0.05 per text")
- Systems of two linear equations, including how many solutions a system has
- Linear inequalities in one or two variables
Almost every Algebra question can be checked with a graph, which makes it the domain where Desmos helps most.
Advanced Math
This domain moves past straight lines.
- Equivalent expressions: factoring, expanding, rewriting with exponents and radicals
- Quadratic equations and functions: zeros, vertex, the discriminant
- Exponential functions: growth and decay, percent change per period
- Polynomial and rational expressions
- Nonlinear equations and systems that mix a line with a curve
- Function notation and transformations, such as how f(x) + 3 or f(x - 2) moves a graph
Quadratics and exponentials appear on nearly every test. If you have limited time, start here after Algebra.
Problem Solving and Data Analysis
These are real world questions about numbers and data.
- Ratios, rates, proportions and unit conversions
- Percentages, including percent increase and decrease
- One variable data: mean, median, range, and how an outlier changes them
- Two variable data: scatterplots and lines of best fit
- Probability from a table of counts
- Sample statistics, margin of error and what a study can or cannot conclude
The math is usually simple. The challenge is reading carefully and noticing exactly what is being asked.
Geometry and Trigonometry
The smallest domain, but one with predictable questions.
- Area and volume
- Lines, angles and triangles, including similar triangles
- Right triangles and the Pythagorean theorem
- Basic trigonometry: sine, cosine and tangent in a right triangle
- Circles: arc length, sector area, radians, and the equation of a circle
Some of these formulas are on the reference sheet in Bluebook and some are not. The equation of a circle, for example, you must know by heart. Our SAT formula sheet separates the two.
How to study by domain
- Find your weak domain. After a practice test, sort every mistake into one of the four domains.
- Start with Algebra and Advanced Math. They hold about 26 to 30 of the 40 scored questions.
- Learn the patterns, not single problems. Quadratic questions, for instance, keep asking for the same few things: zeros, vertex, number of solutions.
- Practice student produced responses. Type answers as fractions or decimals as the instructions allow, and double check your arithmetic, since there are no options to catch mistakes.
Practicing by topic is fastest in a question bank where you can filter by domain and difficulty, then confirm the gains with a full timed test. To estimate what your results add up to, use our SAT score calculator.
Find your own pace
Take a full-length Digital SAT practice test with real module timing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common topic on SAT Math?
Algebra and Advanced Math, each about 35 percent of the section. Linear equations, systems of equations, quadratics and exponential functions appear on nearly every test.
Is there trigonometry on the SAT?
Yes, but only a little: sine, cosine and tangent in right triangles, plus radians and circles, within the Geometry and Trigonometry domain of about 15 percent.
How many SAT Math questions are student produced response?
About a quarter. The rest are multiple choice with four options.