Algebra
13–15 questions · about 35%
- Linear equations in one variable
- Linear equations in two variables
- Linear functions
- Systems of two linear equations in two variables
- Linear inequalities in one or two variables
Taught in: Algebra 1
Digital SAT Math: every topic and skill, explained
What the Digital SAT Math section actually tests, domain by domain and skill by skill, based on the College Board's test specifications, plus the answer-entry rules that cost students points. SparklMind tutors SAT Math 1-on-1, starting with a free 45-minute diagnostic.
What is on the Digital SAT Math section
The College Board divides the Math section into four content domains, each tested through a set of specific skills. Here is every skill, and the school course it comes from.
Advanced Math
13–15 questions · about 35%
- Equivalent expressions
- Nonlinear equations in one variable, and systems of equations in two variables
- Nonlinear functions: quadratic, exponential, polynomial, rational and radical
Taught in: Algebra 2
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis
5–7 questions · about 15%
- Ratios, rates, proportional relationships and units
- Percentages
- One-variable data: distributions, center and spread
- Two-variable data: models and scatterplots
- Probability and conditional probability
- Inference from sample statistics and margin of error
- Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments
Taught in: Algebra 1 and statistics units
Geometry and Trigonometry
5–7 questions · about 15%
- Area and volume
- Lines, angles and triangles
- Right triangles and trigonometry
- Circles
Taught in: Geometry
Source: College Board, Digital SAT test specifications (College Board, the SAT Math section (opens in a new tab)).
How typed answers are entered
About a quarter of SAT Math questions have no answer choices: you type the answer in. A correct value entered in the wrong form can be marked wrong, so these rules are worth knowing before test day.
- Positive answers can be up to 5 characters; negative answers up to 6, including the minus sign.
- Fractions and decimals are both accepted. A decimal that is too long can be truncated or rounded at the fourth digit; a fraction that does not fit should be entered as its decimal.
- Mixed numbers are not accepted: enter 3½ as 7/2 or 3.5.
- If a question has more than one correct answer, enter just one.
- Symbols such as %, $ and commas are not entered.
Source: College Board, Bluebook student-produced response directions (College Board, Bluebook (opens in a new tab)).
A percentage trap, step by step
Percentages look easy, which is exactly why this Problem-Solving and Data Analysis question catches so many students.
A jacket's price is raised by 20%. Later, the new price is lowered by 20%. The final price is what percent less than the original price?
Step 1: use multipliers, not additions. A 20% increase multiplies the price by 1.2; a 20% decrease multiplies it by 0.8.
Step 2: combine them. 1.2 × 0.8 = 0.96, so the final price is 96% of the original.
Answer: it is 4% less than the original. As a typed answer, enter 4, without the % sign.
The trap is answering 0% because "+20 and −20 cancel". They do not, because the 20% decrease is taken from a larger price. Picking a real number, such as $100 → $120 → $96, is a quick way to check.
SAT Math tutoring
SparklMind tutors the Digital SAT Math section 1-on-1: the same tutor every session, all four domains, when to use Desmos and when algebra is faster, and pacing for the adaptive modules. It starts with a free 45-minute diagnostic; sessions are $59 each after that.
SAT Math tutoring, test format and prices →SAT Math content questions
Is SAT Math the same as school math?
Mostly it is Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and Geometry, with some right-triangle trigonometry and statistics. There is no calculus. The difference is the style: the SAT rewards spotting the fastest method, and many questions are word problems.
Which formulas are given on the Digital SAT?
A reference sheet is available in the Bluebook app with area and circumference formulas, the Pythagorean theorem, special right triangles, common volume formulas, and facts about angles and radians. Formulas like the slope formula, the quadratic formula and the equation of a circle are not on it, so they need to be memorized.
Which SAT Math domains have the most questions?
Algebra and Advanced Math, with 13–15 questions each, together make up about 70% of the section. Problem-Solving and Data Analysis and Geometry and Trigonometry have 5–7 each.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers?
No. Wrong answers and blanks score the same, so every question should get an answer.
Does the PSAT test the same math?
Yes. The PSAT/NMSQT tests the same four domains in the same digital format, so this guide applies to it as well.
Free practice: the Digital SAT Math exam hub has a practice quiz and formula flashcards for every domain.