What’s Tested on the SAT Math Section? A Complete Guide for Students

If you’re preparing for the SAT, you’re probably wondering: What exactly is tested on the SAT Math section? Understanding the content and structure of this section can make a huge difference in how you study—and how well you score.

Whether you’re aiming for a perfect 800 or just want to improve your math performance, this guide will break down everything you need to know about the SAT Math section. We’ll cover topics tested, question types, scoring, and expert tips to help you succeed.

Overview of the SAT Math Section

The SAT Math section is one of two primary components that make up your total SAT score (the other being Reading and Writing). It measures your understanding of key math concepts that are most relevant to success in college and careers.

Total questions: 44
Total time: 70 minutes
Score range: 200–800 (combined with Reading & Writing for a total out of 1600)
Calculator usage:

  • One module without calculator
  • One module with calculator

Structure of the SAT Math Section

Since the SAT transitioned to a digital format, the test is now adaptive, meaning:

  • You’ll complete two math modules.
  • Your performance in the first module determines the difficulty of the second.
  • The total number of questions remains fixed at 44.

Despite the digital shift, the content domains have not changed significantly.

What Math Topics Are Covered on the SAT?

The SAT Math section tests a variety of high school-level topics, divided into four key content areas:

1. Algebra

This is the largest portion of the SAT Math section. Questions focus on:

  • Solving linear equations and inequalities
  • Interpreting linear functions
  • Systems of equations
  • Manipulating algebraic expressions

Examples:

  • Solve for x: 2x + 5 = 15
  • What does the slope represent in a linear equation?

2. Advanced Math

These questions go beyond basic algebra and focus on more complex expressions and equations. Expect to see:

  • Quadratic equations
  • Rational expressions
  • Exponential functions
  • Radical equations
  • Polynomials and their properties

Examples:

  • Solve: x² - 5x + 6 = 0
  • Interpret exponential growth in a word problem

3. Problem Solving and Data Analysis

This area tests your ability to work with data, percentages, ratios, and proportional reasoning. Topics include:

  • Analyzing graphs and tables
  • Interpreting data sets
  • Percent change
  • Unit conversions
  • Word problems involving rates and ratios

Examples:

  • A graph shows the number of students enrolled over 5 years. What is the percent increase?
  • A car travels 300 miles in 5 hours. What is the average speed?

4. Geometry and Trigonometry

Although not the focus of the test, some geometry and basic trigonometry are included:

  • Area and volume formulas
  • Angles in polygons
  • Right triangle properties
  • Sine, cosine, and tangent
  • Circles (including radians and arc length)

Examples:

  • Find the area of a sector in a circle
  • Use trigonometric ratios to find the length of a side in a triangle

Question Types on the SAT Math Section

There are two main types of questions:

1. Multiple-Choice Questions

  • Choose the correct answer from four options
  • Most questions fall into this category

2. Student-Produced Responses (Grid-Ins)

  • No answer choices provided
  • You must calculate the answer and input it into a digital grid

Tip: These questions can be trickier since they test your accuracy and confidence without hints.

Calculator vs. No Calculator Section

While the digital SAT allows calculators on one module only, many students ask whether it’s a disadvantage.

No Calculator Module:

  • Tests arithmetic fluency
  • Focuses on mental math and algebraic manipulation

With Calculator Module:

  • Allows more complex calculations and data interpretation
  • Graphing calculators (or digital calculators provided in the app) can be used

Strategy Tip: Even in the calculator module, sometimes it’s faster to solve manually.

SAT Math Scoring Explained

Your raw score is the number of questions you answer correctly out of 44. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so always give your best guess.

That raw score is then converted into a scaled score out of 800, which contributes to your total SAT score.

How to Prepare for the SAT Math Section

Here are top preparation tips from test experts:

  • Master the fundamentals: Make sure you’re solid on algebra, fractions, ratios, and graphing.
  • Practice with official materials: Use College Board’s Bluebook app and full-length digital tests.
  • Work on timing: You’ll have about 1.6 minutes per question, so speed and accuracy matter.
  • Use process of elimination: Narrow down answer choices before solving.
  • Don’t skip practice tests: Simulate real testing conditions at least twice before your test date.
  • Review your mistakes: Learn from every wrong answer so you don’t repeat it.

What’s Not Tested on SAT Math?

To save time and focus your study, here are topics not included on the SAT Math section:

  • Calculus
  • Complex numbers (beyond simple i)
  • Advanced trigonometry (no unit circle)
  • Matrices
  • Logarithms (except in rare experimental questions)

SAT Math Can Be Mastered

The SAT Math section is more predictable than you think. It tests concepts you’ve already learned in school—mainly algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, and a little geometry. If you know what to expect, prepare smart, and practice consistently, you can improve your score significantly.