Math
The new SAT Math Test will test certain topics in math as well as your ability to use reasoning and critical thinking to solve real-world problems. These concepts and skills provide the foundations for the math you will learn in college and use in everyday life. The SAT groups these concepts into four major areas that you will see on the Math Test: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math, and Additional Topics in Math.
Format of Math Exam
The SAT Math Test includes two sections and a total of 58 questions. In the first math section calculators are not permitted, there are a total of 20 questions and you have 25 minutes to complete the no-calculator section. Here is a summary of the two sections:
| Section | Number of Questions | Amount of Time | Amount of Time Per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Calculator Section | 20 questions | 25 minutes | 1.25 minutes |
| Calculator Section | 38 questions | 55 minutes | 1.45 minutes |
Topics
There are four main content areas covered by the Math Test. Here is a breakdown of the topics and number of questions in each content area:
| Content Area | Topics Covered | Calculator Questions | No-Calculator Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart of Algebra | Fundamental concepts in algebra involving linear equations and inequalities | 11 | 8 |
| Problem Solving and Data Analysis | Interpreting qualitative and quantitative data, analyzing relationships | 17 | 0 |
| Passport to Advanced Math | More advanced concepts in algebra, including quadratic and higher-order equations | 7 | 9 |
| Additional Topics in Math | Geometry, trigonometry, complex numbers | 3 | 3 |
Questions
Both sections on the Math Test will have two types of questions: multiple choice questions and student-produced responses. In total, you will see 45 multiple choice questions and 13 student-produced responses on the Math Test.
Each section will start with the multiple choice questions, then progress to the student-produced responses.
Within each section, the multiple choice questions will be ordered by difficulty, and so will the student-produced responses. For example, in the Calculator Section, you will see 30 multiple choice questions ordered from easy to difficult, then 8 student-produced responses ordered from easy to difficult. The No-Calculator Section has 15 multiple choice questions and 5 student-produced responses.
Some of the questions will include real-world contexts in areas such as science and social studies. These questions will require you to apply reasoning and critical thinking skills to analyze situations, create mathematical models, and find relevant solutions. You will also see graphs, charts, and diagrams in some of the problems and answer choices.