An Introduction to SAT Math
The SAT is a college admissions standardized test that is completed by high school students. The SAT has two math tests: Math Test—No Calculator (Section 3) and Math Test—Calculator (Section 4). Calculators are not permitted in the Math Test—No Calculator (Section 3), whereas calculators are allowed in the Math Test—Calculator (Section 4). Furthermore, both the Math Test—No Calculator and Math Test—Calculator have multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and grid-in questions. The MCQs have four distinct answer choices, where one, and only one, is correct. However, for the grid-in questions, there are no answer choices given, which means students must write their own answer into the provided grids.
It is also important to note that the SAT differs slightly from the ACT, which is also a standardized test used for college applications. The topics covered in the math sections of both ACT and SAT are very similar. The main difference between the two is the format of the math tests. The ACT only has one math MCQ test and allows calculators. Unlike the SAT, the ACT has 60 MCQs with five distinct answer choices and no grid-in questions.
Types of questions and time limits for the SAT and ACT math tests. Created by Wayne Man, Presidio Education® Math & Social Science Teacher, 2019.
SAT vs. ACT Math
| Test | Section Name | Multiple Choice Questions | Grid-In Questions | Total Questions | Total Time |
| SAT | Math Test—No Calculator (Section 3) |
15 | 5 | 20 | 25 Minutes |
| SAT | Math Test—Calculator (Section 4) |
30 | 8 | 38 | 55 Minutes |
| ACT | Mathematics Test (Section 2) |
60 | 0 | 60 | 60 Minutes |
Do Grid-In Questions Require Another Approach?
Multiple-choice questions are very common, so most students will already be familiar with them. The SAT does not have negative marking, which means there is no penalty for incorrect answers. Therefore, there is no reason to leave any question blank. Grid-in questions, however, allow for more open-ended questions where students will not be able to guess. The chances of guessing a grid-in question correctly is slim, so you have to spend more time checking and double-checking your answers to ensure you answer the right one. The grid-in questions are always at the end of both Math Test—No Calculator (Section 3) and Math Test—Calculator (Section 4), so you have to factor in to your time management that they may take longer to solve and answer. However, there is still no excuse to leave an answer blank!
How Important is Learning the SAT Math Material?
The SAT math is divided into the following main topics:
Heart of Algebra: Create, manipulate and solve algebraic equations
Problem Solving and Data Analysis: Use ratios, percentages and proportional reasoning to solve problems in real-world situations, as well as interpret graphs and tables
Passport to Advanced Math: Demonstrate familiarity with more complex equations or functions
Additional Topics in Math: Area and volume, coordinate geometry and basic trigonometry
All these topics will mostly be covered in general high school math classes. So students will most likely have studied most of the topics that will be included in SAT math by the time they start their preparations. The math material required for the SAT is not particularly difficult. The SAT is designed to test students in strange and obscure ways, other than to just give students the traditional type of math questions. Knowing how to problem solve the SAT math questions and understanding the techniques to answer them are the only ways to achieve a high score. A firm grasp of the required math topics is also highly important, but even though the math is quite simple, most students tend to struggle with mastering the SAT’s question format.
Students are provided with a formula sheet at the beginning of each SAT Math Test—No Calculator and Math Test—Calculator section This shows that the SAT does not test students on their ability to memorize formulae, but rather how they use the formulae to tackle problems. Nevertheless, it is recommended that students memorize the formulae, so time is not wasted checking the formula sheet.
What is the Best Way to Prepare for SAT Math?
Students must learn the math topics that are covered by the SAT. The next step is to get accustomed to the SAT format. Taking practice tests is the most effective way to train for the SAT. College Board provides past SAT papers that are available to students. Taking practice tests under timed conditions will also help improve time management, which is a major concern for many students. This will allow students to have time at the end to go back and check answers. Furthermore, having questions explained and reviewed by a teacher can be of great help to students. Not only can students benefit from learning where they went wrong and how to obtain the correct answer, but they can also learn how to arrive at the correct answer more efficiently. Students can also ask any questions they may have.
Do you need help with SAT Math?
At Presidio Education®, we offer a free SAT Diagnostic Test (DT) to prospective students. Our professional faculty will review and grade the SAT DT and offer our analysis and recommendations. Whether help is required for the SAT Math, English, or Essay section, we will do our best to assist. Please contact us if you have any questions!
