SAT Mathematics Test Questions, Syllabus, Score Calculator, Practice Test

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Samarpita Goswami
Updated on Jun 21, 2023 01:27 PM IST

Mathematics is the third section on the SAT, after the Reading test and the Writing and Language Test. Let us have a look at how SAT math is structured, what question types are asked, syllabus, tips and more.

SAT Mathematics Test Questions, Syllabus, Score Calculator, Practice Test

The SAT Mathematics Test comes right after the reading and writing and language section on the SAT. SAT is accepted by universities worldwide for admission to Bachelor's courses and is taken to judge the college readiness of the students. The SAT Maths section consists of two parts - one in which you cannot use the calculator and the other where you can use calculators to solve mathematical problems.

The SAT Math Section is further divided into four categories such as Heart of Algebra; Problem Solving and Data Analysis; Passport to Advanced Math; and Additional Topics in Math. Well, the first thing before beginning our SAT preparation is to understand each and every section thoroughly. In this article, we are going to look at SAT math topics in-depth, including its format, scoring, types of questions, preparation tips and more.

Overview of SAT Mathematics Section

The SAT exam lays special emphasis on the mathematics section which happens to be one of the vast parts covered on the SAT. You need an ample amount of time to devote and practice the sections thoroughly to score well on the test by practising SAT Math Practice Test. Here is an overview of the SAT Math section:

Parameter

Details

Duration

80 minutes

Number of Questions

55

Types of Questions

Multiple-choice questions

Free-response questions

SAT Math Sections

Maths test (with the calculator)

Maths test (without a calculator)

SAT Math Score Range

200-800

What is Tested in SAT Mathematics?

The questions in the SAT Mathematics section check your ability to use the ideas of mathematics in different settings. Understanding and utilising mathematical relations in useful ways is the target of this section. Besides that, it aims to check the following:

  • Concept of Mathematics

  • Procedural skills

  • Fluency of mathematics

  • Ability to apply the concepts for finding real-life solutions

There are 11 to 13 questions from numbers and operations, 19 to 21 from algebra and functions, and 14 to 16 questions from geometry and measurement and data analysis, statistics and probability. The Maths questions that come on the SAT exam have moderate difficulty levels and the questions are more difficult in the second half of each section.

Explore a List of Universities Accepting Low SAT Scores!

SAT Math Format & Question Types

The format of Scholastic Aptitude Test Math is such that there is provision for the use of calculators in one section and in the other section you need to solve the problems without a calculator. A total of 38 questions are to be solved with a calculator in 55 minutes which gives you 1.5 minutes per question and the ones without a calculator give you 1 minute on average. So, you need to be very quick with your oral or written calculations when attempting the SAT Mathematics section.

  • Out of 20 questions on SAT Math, you will get 15 multiple-choice questions and 5 grid-in questions.

  • The remaining 38 questions comprise 30 multiple-choice questions and 8 grid-in questions.

  • In the 13 grid-in questions on SAT Math, you will have to answer all questions on your own and fill the grids printed on the answer sheets with the correct answers.

Type of Question

Number of Questions

Duration

SAT Math Questions with Calculator

38

55

SAT Math Questions without Calculator

20

25

SAT Math Syllabus

The SAT math syllabus is vast and generally consists of SAT Math topics you have covered in your secondary and higher secondary school. Overall, these are the SAT Math topics:

SAT Math Syllabus

Linear equations and linear inequalities

Graphing linear equations

Interpreting linear function

Solving systems of linear equations

Linear function word problems

Systems of linear inequalities word problems

Quadratic equations

Nonlinear expressions

Quadratic and exponential word problems

Polynomial factors and graphs

Radicals and rational exponents

Operations with rational expressions and polynomials

Nonlinear equation graphs

Linear and quadratic systems

Functions

Isolating quantities

Structure in expressions

Percentage

Ratio, rates, and proportions

Units

Table Data

Scatterplots

Key features of graphs

Linear and exponential growth

Data inference

Centre, spread, and shape of the distribution

Data collection and conclusions

Volume word problems

Right triangle word problems

Congruence and similarity

Right triangle geometry

Angles, arc lengths, and trig functions

Circle theorems

Circle equations

Complex Number

-

SAT Maths Score Calculator

SAT maths score calculator helps students to calculate the score received in the mathematics section of SAT. It is used to convert raw scores into scaled scores. The average SAT score ranges on a scale of 200 to 800. There is no negative marking in SAT maths section. Students get 1 mark each for each correct answer.

Below is a chart that converts SAT maths raw score to SAT scaled score:

SAT Raw Score

SAT Scaled Score

0-1

200

2

210

3

230

4

240

5

260

6

280

7

290

8

310

9

320

10

330

11

340

12

360

13

370

14

380

15

390

16

410

17

420

18

430

19

440

20

450

21

460

22

470

23-24

480

25

490

26

500

27

510

28-29

520

30

530

31

540

32

550

33-34

560

35-36

580

37

590

38-39

600

40

610

41

620

42

630

43

640

44

650

45

660

46-47

670

48

680

49

690

50

700

51

710

52

730

53

740

54

750

55

760

56

780

57

790

58

800

Practice Tests for SAT Mathematics Test

SAT Practice Tests for SAT Mathematics section is a must for students who wish to score well in the section. Here are a few facts which highlight the importance of SAT practice tests for the preparation for SAT Mathematics section:

  • The tests help in increasing the solving speed of students. SAT Mathematics has 58 questions to be solved within 80 minutes, and each question matters.

  • Practice tests will help the students in understanding the distribution of the types of questions. Since distribution can differ per test, an approximate idea could be helpful to strategise the SAT test attempt.

  • Students can use the practice tests to know which types of questions, and topics, pose a challenge for them, and which are their strengths.

  • Students can strategise to attempt questions based on their strong areas first. They can allocate time to solve these, which they will be able to estimate from practice tests.

  • Scores are scaled according to the difficulty level of the question, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Students can understand how to answer even for their weak topics, as every correct answer counts.

How to Improve Your SAT Math Score?

Perfection takes time and patience. Scoring high in the SAT examination in itself can be a rigorous process. While the SAT Math topics pose challenges for students, they can be easily overcome with proper and prior guidance and practice. Your motivation and preparation will help you to gain a perfect score of 700-750 on the SAT. Here are some quick tips to score high in SAT Math:

  • First, you will have to understand where you are lagging. Are you slow in understanding mathematical concepts or slow in the management of time? Utilise your time to first learn how to work on your weaknesses when it comes to SAT Math topics.

  • While practising for SAT Math, take a timer in hand and see how much you can complete and within what time.

  • Concentrate on every mistake you make while solving the sums and then go back and revise the concepts. This will help you to clear your basics and help you reach advanced Mathematics levels.

  • Be very strict with yourself if you know you have problems having clarity on the SAT Math content. The SAT Math syllabus is huge ranging from algebra to geometry to data interpretations. So, wherever you find loopholes in your preparation, just fill them up with extra effort.

  • Increase your efficiency so that you are left with extra time for revision.

  • Memorise what you can. For SAT Mathematics, this would include rules and formulae which will save you a lot of time be it during preparation or on test day.

  • Take SAT practice tests to understand where you stand and it will also help you to get a real feel of the examination.

  • Understand what is asked of you in the question before you go ahead attempting it. It will prevent you from making silly mistakes and calculation errors.

  • Use the calculator judiciously as the answers in the calculator will come in decimals whereas in the question it may ask fractions. So, do not waste too much time using the calculator. Remember that every sum has been created in a way that can be solved without the calculating device.

  • Don't get discouraged if you are unable to attempt a question. Remember that there is no negative marking in the SAT Examination.

  • Have a clear concept of how to fill in the grid-in answers. Per column, you need to fill one circle.

Want to apply to foreign universities with an SAT Score? Get in touch with our counselling experts at abroad@collegedekho.com. for more information!

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FAQs

Is SAT Mathematics the hardest section of SAT exam?

SAT Mathematics is considered the hardest section of the SAT exam. However, the difficulty level is dependent on the student themselves. While some students might find the section direct and easy to score, others might grapple with their fear of Mathematics. Students do not have to attempt the SAT Mathematics section compulsorily. 

What is the maximum possible raw SAT score in the Mathematics section?

The maximum possible raw SAT score in the Mathematics section is 58. There are 58 questions in the section and each correct answer is awarded one mark, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers or unattempted questions. The raw scores are scaled within the range of 200-800 to get a final SAT Mathematics score.

Which are the best books to prepare for SAT Mathematics?

The best books to prepare for SAT Mathematics section are an individual choice. However, some books are popular among the students to be easier to understand and practice. 'Mometrix Test Preparation: SAT Prep Book 2022-2023 6th Edition', 'The Princeton Review: Math and Science Prep for SAT & ACT', and 'Kaplan SAT Math Prep 8th Edition' are some of the recommended books.

What is the SAT exam order of the SAT Mathematics section?

The SAT exam order of the SAT Mathematics section is fourth and sixth. The section is placed at the very last of the whole SAT exam, if the essay section is not opted for, and is 80 minutes long. The section is subdivided into two parts. Students have to attempt 20 questions, firstly within 25 minutes after which they get a break. The remaining 38 questions are to be attempted after the break within 55 minutes.

Are calculators allowed in the SAT test centres for Mathematics section?

Yes, calculators are allowed in SAT test centres for the Mathematics section, but only for the second part of it. The first part, lasting 25 minutes, has to be attempted without a calculator, whereas, students are allowed to carry their calculators in the second part of the exam, provided the device meets the requirements set by the testing authority.

What is a good SAT score in SAT Mathematics section?

A good SAT score in SAT Mathematics section is 600. The overall SAT score is ranged between 400-1600, and most universities ask for an overall score above 1200. This makes the SAT score of 600 in the Mathematics section a good score to get admission to foreign universities.

What percentile is 1400 on an SAT test?

An SAT score of 1400 means an SAT percentile of 95, which will place the student among the top 5% of the test takers. This means that generally, 95% of test takers score below 1400 on the SAT test. Students can expect an easy admission process into top foreign universities with this score. 

Does SAT test ask calculus questions in SAT Mathematics?

Yes, the SAT exam may consist of calculus questions in SAT Mathematics section. Students can choose to not take the Mathematics test if the course they are aiming to take does not have any relevant subjects. However, if they choose SAT Mathematics, they shall be asked to solve questions based on advanced mathematical concepts, including calculus.

Is SAT test mostly algebra?

The SAT test consists of questions based on various branches of Mathematics. Algebra is one of the most popular, and most applied branches of Mathematics. If the course that the student wishes to apply for, consists of a subject that uses even some of the mathematical concepts, then they will have to use algebra in that subject. Hence, algebra questions are common in the SAT exam.

Which universities ask for SAT scores in Mathematics?

If the university accepts SAT scores, then they expect the students, applying to courses involving the application of mathematical concepts, to show a sub-score in SAT Maths. Students are advised to confirm with the university about their SAT score requirements. Universities accepting SAT scores include Yale University, Duke University, University of Rochester, Rutgers University, and Carnegie Mellon University, among many others.

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