5 Best Tactics For Conquering The SAT Math Section
Getting ready to take the SAT can feel daunting, especially if there is a section that feels particularly hard for you. The SAT is designed to test all that you have learned in your first 12 years of school and to assess your college readiness. Two of these are math sections. If you are feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of the SAT math sections, don’t panic! We will go through everything you need to know to get ready for test day and get the best possible score.
What Sections Are On The SAT?
The SAT consists of two sections separated into four modules: reading, writing, and two math modules. The math modules are third and fourth on the test and contain a total of 44 questions.
Students are permitted to use a calculator during the test. To calculate your score, the correct answers from both sections will be tallied to calculate a score between 200 and 800.
What Should You Expect From The SAT Math Section?
The two math modules on the SAT are designed to test you on the math skills considered necessary for students entering college. Most of the questions are multiple-choice, and you do not have to show your work — the only important thing is that you bubble in the correct answer. Some questions are “grid-ins”, which are similar to multiple-choice.
What Kind of Material is Tested?
Testing subjects in the math modules cover a range of areas that you should have learned in high school:
Algebra (including linear functions, polynomials, single variable equations, absolute value, systems of linear equations, exponential functions, mixed numbers, etc)
Geometry
Trigonometry (added to the SAT in 2016 trigonometry encompasses only about 5 percent of the math modules)
Data analysis (ratios and proportions, graphs, probability, standard deviation, statistics)
Problem solving and logic
The geometry and trigonometry sections will be the shortest, including 5-7 questions. Don’t panic if you haven’t taken classes devoted to these subjects on their own, as the questions are fairly basic.
More than half of the math questions are on topics of algebra, so bear this in mind as you are studying.
5 Best Tactics For SAT Math Practice
There are a lot of ways to get ready for the full-length SAT, but getting started can be intimidating. Here are a few tried and true tactics for improving your math scores and cementing those all-important test-taking skills.
1. Read The Question Carefully And "Translate" Into Math Terms
Sometimes, your first reaction to a math question might be, "Wait, what?" If you're struggling to understand, read the question again and translate it into simpler terms. Break word problems down into pieces at a time and "translate" these pieces into math terms. For example, you know that a question phrased as "How many boxes of 12 doughnuts?" should be written as 12x. Use practice problems, especially word problems, to work on these "translation" skills.
2. Take Practice Tests And Pinpoint Your Weak Skills
Full-length practice tests are helpful for many reasons. First, they help prepare you for what to expect on exam day. But they also show you which questions you got incorrect, helping you pinpoint which skills need more practice. Use this as a study strategy to create an effective SAT study guide, focusing on the areas where you encountered difficulties. Look at what you did wrong on the problem, and practice these math topics at home.
3. Know When to Use Your Calculator
You'll be permitted to use a calculator throughout both of the math sections, but that doesn't mean you have to. Overusing it could cost you time, risking leaving questions unanswered. As you practice questions, practice doing problems both by hand and with your calculator. This will give you a feel for when you'll need the machine and when it is best to stick to pencil and paper.
4. Keep Track of Time
The SAT math modules include 44 questions in a 70-minute timeframe. When doing your SAT math practice test, make sure you stick to these time limits. It can be easy to get lost in your work and lose track of time. Get used to working under those time constraints so you get a feel for them and are less likely to get lost during the exam.
5. Brush Up On Essential Formulas During SAT Prep
You know what topics will be covered and how much of the test each one will include. This will help you prepare for the SAT by spending time reviewing essential formulas. On the digital SAT, these formulas can be reviewed at any time by toggling to them as needed. But this takes up valuable time. The better option is to practice these formulas ahead of time and have them memorized so you don't waste minutes.
It is also worth noting that most or all of the formulas you have to reference are for geometry, so make sure you practice and memorize common algebraic formulas.
Some formulas that are good to know:
Calculating the area of a circle, rectangle, and triangle
Circle circumference
Pythagorean theorem
Properties of an isosceles triangle
Properties of a 30/60/90-degree triangle
Volume of a rectangular solid, cylinder, sphere, cone, and pyramid
Slope formula
Equation of a line
Length of an arc
Area of the arc sector
Finding averages
Finding the percentage of a given number
Finding sine, cosine, and tangent
Dominating SAT Math Prep in 2025
Preparation for the SAT is daunting, but it doesn't have to make you feel overwhelmed. Finding the right study plan and focusing on strengthening your weak points will go a long way in helping you prepare for test day.
Growing Minds helps students prepare for their exams and get ready for college. Whether you are looking for study resources, practice tests, or tutoring, our team can help you find the tools that are right for you. To learn more about what we offer and how we can help you dominate the math modules on the SAT, explore our website today!
