SAT Format Overview
The SAT consists of four sections:
Number of Time
Section Score Range
Questions Limit
65
Reading 52 200-800
minutes
35
Writing & Language 44 Combined with Reading for 800 total
minutes
Math (No 25
20 200-800
Calculator) minutes
55 Combined with No Calculator for 800
Math (Calculator) 38
minutes total
Total 154 3 hours 1600
1. Reading Section (65 minutes, 52 questions)
The Reading section tests comprehension, reasoning, and analysis through passages from
various subjects.
What to Expect:
• 5 Passages with 10-11 questions each.
• Topics include:
o Literature (Fiction/Prose)
o Historical Documents (U.S. Founding Documents, speeches)
o Social Sciences (Economics, Psychology, Sociology)
o Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Types of Questions:
• Main Idea & Themes (What’s the passage about?)
• Inferences (What can you infer?)
• Vocabulary in Context (Meaning of words based on context)
• Evidence-Based Questions (Find evidence to support your answers)
• Data Interpretation (Graphs and charts)
Strategy:
• Skim the passage first to get the main idea.
• Focus on key paragraphs.
• Use process of elimination to narrow down choices.
2. Writing & Language Section (35 minutes, 44 questions)
The Writing section tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and logical flow.
What to Expect:
• 4 Passages with 11 questions each.
• Topics include:
o Careers
o History/Social Studies
o Humanities
o Science
Types of Questions:
• Grammar & Punctuation (Subject-verb agreement, commas, etc.)
• Word Choice (Improving clarity and tone)
• Sentence Structure (Fixing run-on sentences, misplaced modifiers)
• Logical Flow (Rearranging sentences or paragraphs)
Strategy:
• Memorize common grammar rules.
• Choose concise and clear answers.
• Pay attention to transitions and sentence flow.
3. Math Section (No Calculator) – 25 minutes, 20 questions
The No Calculator section tests basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry without a calculator.
What to Expect:
• 15 Multiple-Choice Questions
• 5 Grid-In Questions (Student-produced answers)
Topics Covered:
• Linear equations
• Systems of equations
• Ratios and proportions
• Data analysis
• Basic geometry (angles, triangles, circles)
• Basic trigonometry
Strategy:
• Practice mental math and quick calculations.
• Familiarize yourself with common algebraic formulas.
• Watch out for tricky word problems.
4. Math Section (Calculator) – 55 minutes, 38 questions
The Calculator section allows the use of a calculator for more complex problems.
What to Expect:
• 30 Multiple-Choice Questions
• 8 Grid-In Questions (Student-produced answers)
Topics Covered:
• Advanced algebra
• Quadratic equations
• Functions
• Statistics
• Probability
• Geometry (volume, area)
• Trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangent)
Strategy:
• Use your calculator wisely (don’t rely on it too much).
• Double-check grid-in answers.
• Solve problems step-by-step to avoid mistakes.
Key Scoring Details:
• Total Score: Out of 1600 (800 for Math, 800 for Reading & Writing)
• Subscores:
o Cross-Test Scores (Analysis in History/Social Studies, Analysis in Science)
o Section Scores (Command of Evidence, Words in Context, etc.)