Thinking about the SAT? The maths section gives you half of your total score. In this guide you will learn what the digital SAT math section tests, how its two modules work, and how to prepare.
Two modules. One calculator. No surprises.
44 questions · 70 minutes
What is the digital SAT math section?
The digital SAT math section is one of the two parts of the SAT. It has 44 questions in 70 minutes, and you take it on a laptop or tablet in the Bluebook app. The other part is Reading and Writing.
Each part gets a score from 200 to 800. Your total SAT score is the two scores added together, from 400 to 1600. So the maths section is half of your total.
In one line
SAT maths is 44 questions, 70 minutes, half of your score, and you can use a calculator for all of it.
Digital SAT math: key facts
These are the numbers every SAT student should know.
Questions
22 in each of the 2 modules.
Minutes
35 minutes for each module.
Score
Half of the 400–1600 total.
Unscored
Trial questions that do not count.
Facts checked on 2 November 2026 on the official College Board website. The next SAT date you can book is 5 December 2026. The deadline to register is 20 November 2026.
How the digital SAT math modules work, step by step
Module 1 gives you a mix of easy, medium and hard questions. You have 35 minutes.
Your result in Module 1 decides Module 2. If you do well, Module 2 is harder. If not, it is easier. This is called an adaptive test.
You can use the built-in Desmos calculator for the whole maths section, or bring your own approved calculator. The app also gives you a list of common formulas.
Most questions are multiple choice. Some ask you to type your own answer, so you cannot guess from the options.
Watch out!
Do not leave answers blank. The College Board says that for most students it is better to guess than to leave a question blank. Also watch the clock: 35 minutes for 22 questions is about 1.5 minutes per question.
The maths in the digital SAT
The SAT tests four areas of maths. The numbers below are for the 40 questions that count towards your score. About 30% of the questions are set in a real-world, science or social studies context.
Algebra: 13–15 questions
Linear equations and inequalities, linear functions, and systems of two linear equations.
Advanced Math: 13–15 questions
Equivalent expressions, and nonlinear equations and functions, such as quadratics.
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis: 5–7 questions
Ratios, rates, percentages, probability, and reading data. Strong fraction skills help here.
Geometry and Trigonometry: 5–7 questions
Area and volume, lines, angles and triangles, right triangles and trigonometry, and circles.
Bluebook tools and typed answers in SAT math
You take the SAT in the Bluebook app. Learn its tools before test day, so you do not lose time on the day.
Tools you can open at any time
The Desmos graphing calculator, a reference sheet of common formulas, the timer, a flag to mark a question for review, and a tool to cross out options you have ruled out.
Rules for typed answers
Enter only one answer, even if more than one is right. A positive answer can have up to 5 characters, and a negative answer up to 6, with the minus sign.
Fractions and decimals
Type 3½ as 7/2 or 3.5, not as 3 1/2. If a fraction does not fit, type the decimal. If a decimal does not fit, cut or round it at the fourth digit.
No symbols
Do not type a percent sign, a comma or a dollar sign. For 25%, type 25. For 1,200, type 1200.
SAT-style math practice questions with answers
These are practice questions in the style of the SAT. They are not real past questions. Work each one out first, then tap to check.
1. If 3x + 7 = 25, what is the value of x?
Take 7 from both sides: 3x = 18. Divide by 3: x = 6.
2. A phone costs AED 1,200. The price falls by 15%. What is the new price?
You pay 85% of the old price: 1,200 × 0.85 = AED 1,020.
3. x + y = 10 and x − y = 4. What is the value of xy?
Add the two equations: 2x = 14, so x = 7. Then y = 3. So xy = 7 × 3 = 21.
4. f(x) = x² − 6x + 5. For which values of x is f(x) = 0?
Factorise: x² − 6x + 5 = (x − 1)(x − 5). So f(x) = 0 when x = 1 or x = 5. You can also graph it in Desmos and read where the curve meets the x-axis.
5. A right triangle has legs of 6 cm and 8 cm. How long is the third side?
The third side is the longest side. 6² + 8² = 36 + 64 = 100, and √100 = 10 cm. The reference sheet in Bluebook shows this rule, a² + b² = c².
6. Typed answer: in a group of 20 friends in Dubai, 8 take the metro. What fraction of the group takes the metro? Type your answer.
8 out of 20 is 8/20 = 2/5. You can type 2/5, 8/20 or 0.4. All of them are correct. Do not type 40%.
How to prepare for digital SAT math
Good preparation has two parts: strong basics and practice with the real format.
Build the base first
Algebra and Advanced Math give 26 to 30 of the 40 scored questions. Make linear equations, functions and quadratics fast and safe before you move on.
Practise in the real format
The College Board has official full-length practice tests in the Bluebook app. Do them with a timer, and learn to use the built-in Desmos calculator well.
Did you know?
4 of the 44 maths questions are trial questions for future tests. They do not count towards your score, so do not panic if one question looks strange. Answer it and move on.
Questions people ask about digital SAT math
How many questions are on the digital SAT math section?
There are 44 questions in 70 minutes, split into 2 modules of 22 questions and 35 minutes each. 4 of the questions are unscored trial questions.
Can you use a calculator on the digital SAT math section?
Yes. You can use the built-in Desmos calculator for the whole maths section, or bring your own approved calculator.
Is the digital SAT math section adaptive?
Yes. Your result in the first module decides whether the second module is harder or easier.
What maths is on the SAT?
Four areas: Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry.
How do you type an answer on the digital SAT math section?
Enter only one answer. A positive answer can have up to 5 characters and a negative answer up to 6. Type a mixed number as an improper fraction or a decimal, and do not type %, commas or $.
How long is the whole digital SAT?
The two sections take 2 hours and 14 minutes in total, with a 10-minute break between them.
Keep exploring
Getting ready for the SAT?
Start with our free BMI maths check. It shows what you already know and what to practise next.
