KeplarWhat's on SAT Math: The 4 Domains, 19 Skills and How to Prioritize Them
Every topic on the digital SAT Math section: the four content domains, how many questions each gets, the 19 skills inside them, question formats, and which to study first.
The digital SAT Math section has 44 questions in 70 minutes, split across four domains: Algebra and Advanced Math (about 35% each), and Problem-Solving and Data Analysis and Geometry and Trigonometry (about 15% each). Algebra and Advanced Math together are roughly 70% of your Math score, so that's where most students should start.
The four SAT Math domains
| Domain | Share | Scored questions | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra | ≈35% | 13–15 | Linear equations, inequalities, functions and systems |
| Advanced Math | ≈35% | 13–15 | Quadratics, exponentials, polynomials, radicals, rational expressions, nonlinear functions |
| Problem-Solving and Data Analysis | ≈15% | 5–7 | Ratios, rates, percentages, statistics, probability, interpreting data |
| Geometry and Trigonometry | ≈15% | 5–7 | Area and volume, angles and triangles, right-triangle trig, circles |
Questions from all four domains appear in both modules, and within each module they're arranged from easiest to hardest.
The 19 skills inside the domains
Algebra (5 skills)
- 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
Advanced Math (3 skills)
- Equivalent expressions (factoring, expanding, exponent rules, rewriting)
- Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables
- Nonlinear functions (quadratic, exponential and other function behavior)
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis (7 skills)
- Ratios, rates, proportional relationships and units
- Percentages
- One-variable data: distributions and measures of 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
Geometry and Trigonometry (4 skills)
- Area and volume
- Lines, angles and triangles
- Right triangles and trigonometry
- Circles
What do the questions look like?
About 75% of Math questions are four-option multiple choice. The other 25% are student-produced response (SPR): you type your own answer, which can be an integer, decimal or fraction, and Bluebook previews your entry so you can check it. Some SPR questions have more than one correct answer; you only need to enter one.
Many questions are set in a short real-world context, but College Board deliberately kept these word problems shorter on the digital test, usually 50 words or fewer.
Calculator and reference sheet
A built-in Desmos graphing calculator is available on every Math question, and you may bring your own approved calculator too. A reference sheet of common geometry formulas is also built in. Our SAT math formulas guide covers what's on it and what you need to memorize, and the Desmos guide shows the shortcuts that save the most time.
Which topics to study first
- Linear equations and systems. They're the core of Algebra and show up in Advanced Math and data questions too. Our linear equations guide covers the patterns.
- Quadratics and exponentials. The heart of Advanced Math, and many of the harder Module 2 questions.
- Percentages and ratios. Quick points if your arithmetic setup is solid.
- Geometry and trig last, unless your diagnostic says otherwise. They're fewer questions, and the reference sheet covers much of the formula work.
That order is a default. Your own error log should override it: if a diagnostic test shows you're losing most points on percentages, start there.
Common questions
What math is on the SAT?
Four domains: Algebra (about 35% of questions), Advanced Math (about 35%), Problem-Solving and Data Analysis (about 15%) and Geometry and Trigonometry (about 15%). It covers math typically taught through Algebra II, with some geometry and basic trigonometry.
Can you use a calculator on the whole SAT Math section?
Yes. A built-in Desmos graphing calculator is available for every Math question, and you can also bring an approved calculator.
How many SAT Math questions are grid-ins?
About 25% of Math questions are student-produced response, where you type your own answer. The other 75% are four-option multiple choice.
Sources
- College Board: Digital SAT Suite specifications overview (PDF)
- College Board: Assessment Framework for the Digital SAT Suite (PDF)
Dates, policies and test details change. Check the official source before you make a decision.
