What math is on the SAT? Every topic in the four domains
TutorAura guide · Updated
The Digital SAT Math section has 44 questions in two 35-minute modules, with a calculator allowed throughout. The College Board groups the content into four domains, and algebra and advanced math make up about 70% of the section. That tells you where most of your study time should go.
Key takeaways
- Algebra and Advanced Math: about 35% each.
- Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry: about 15% each.
- Linear equations, functions and quadratics are worth the most study time.
- A calculator (Desmos built in) is allowed for every question.
The four domains
| Domain | Share | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra | about 35% (13 to 15 questions) | Linear equations in one and two variables, linear functions, systems of two linear equations, linear inequalities |
| Advanced Math | about 35% (13 to 15) | Equivalent expressions, nonlinear equations and systems, nonlinear functions (quadratic, exponential, polynomial) |
| Problem-Solving and Data Analysis | about 15% (5 to 7) | Ratios, rates, proportions, units, percentages, one- and two-variable data, probability, inference from samples |
| Geometry and Trigonometry | about 15% (5 to 7) | Area and volume, lines and angles, triangles, right-triangle trigonometry, circles |
Source: College Board math specifications. About 75% of questions are multiple choice and about 25% are student-produced responses (grid-ins).
What to study first
- Linear equations and functions: slope, intercepts, writing an equation from a word problem. See our topic guides on linear equations and linear functions.
- Systems of equations: elimination, substitution, and graphing in Desmos. See systems of equations.
- Quadratics and exponentials: factorising, the quadratic formula, vertex form, growth and decay. See quadratic equations.
- Percentages and ratios: quick wins in Problem-Solving and Data Analysis. See percentages.
- Geometry: the reference sheet covers the formulas; practise choosing the right one.
Formulas and the calculator
A reference sheet with area, volume, Pythagoras and special right triangles is available, but algebra formulas such as slope and the quadratic formula aren't; see SAT Math formulas. Desmos is built in for the whole section and is fastest for systems, quadratics and checking answers; see Desmos on the SAT.
Difficulty and the adaptive design
Questions range from easy to hard in every domain. Module 1 has a mix of difficulties; your performance in Module 1 decides whether Module 2 is easier or harder. Accuracy on the easier questions in Module 1 matters, because it opens the harder module with a higher score ceiling.
How to practise
Start with a timed test to find your weak domains: try a free SAT Math practice test. Then practise one skill at a time with feedback, mix topics as you improve, and keep a log of mistakes. Our SAT Math tips cover pacing and traps.
Answer formats: multiple choice and grid-ins
About a quarter of Math questions are student-produced responses: you type your own answer instead of choosing from four options. A few rules to know:
- You can enter fractions or decimals, but not mixed numbers: type 7/2 or 3.5, not 3 1/2.
- Positive answers can be up to 5 characters and negative answers up to 6 (including the minus sign).
- If a question has more than one correct answer, enter just one.
Because there are no choices to check against, grid-ins reward careful working. Desmos is a good way to check them.
A sample question from each domain
- Algebra: A phone plan costs $20 a month plus $0.10 per text. Which equation gives the monthly cost C for t texts? .
- Advanced Math: What are the solutions of ? and .
- Problem-Solving and Data Analysis: A jacket's price rises from $80 to $92. What is the percentage increase? 15%.
- Geometry and Trigonometry: A right triangle has legs 6 and 8. How long is the hypotenuse? 10.
These are simpler than the hardest SAT questions, but they show the kind of skill each domain tests. Practise them with our quadratic solver and Pythagoras calculator to check your working.
Frequently asked questions
Is there calculus or trigonometry on the SAT?
There's no calculus. Trigonometry is limited to right-triangle trigonometry (sine, cosine and tangent) and some work with radians and the unit circle in the Geometry and Trigonometry domain.
How many questions are on SAT Math?
44, in two modules of 22 questions with 35 minutes each. That's about 95 seconds per question, and a calculator is allowed for all of them.
Sources
- Math Specifications. College Board.
- What Are Content Domains?. College Board.
- Assessment Framework for the Digital SAT Suite. College Board.
Keep reading
Digital SAT Math
Topic guides and practice for every Digital SAT Math domain.
SAT Math tips: pacing, the calculator, grid-ins and common traps
Pace at about 95 seconds a question, use the calculator and reference sheet well, enter grid-ins correctly and avoid common traps.
SAT Math formulas: what's on the reference sheet and what to memorise
The formulas the SAT gives you on the reference sheet, plus the algebra, data and trigonometry facts you must know by heart.
Free Digital SAT practice tests
A full-length, timed, adaptive practice test and section tests, free with no sign-up.