For students choosing SAT as their college entrance exam, understanding the test format will be essential. Especially, the digital SAT that was introduced in recent years is different from its previous version in various aspects. One of the important changes is the shortened length of the test, which leaves many students with a question “how many questions are on the SAT?”. The answer to this question is below with further details on the test format and content.
How Many Questions are in the SAT?
There are a total of 98 questions in the digital SAT. This is the sum of 54 questions in Reading & Writing section and 44 questions in Math section. The questions in each section are then equally divided into two modules, 27 questions in each Reading & Writing module and 22 questions in each Math module.
The questions are to be solved within 2 hours and 14 minutes in total. Students are given 64 minutes to finish the Reading & Writing section and 70 minutes to finish the math section. To help you visualize the number of questions in the context of length in each section of the SAT, we have created a table below.
Reading & Writing Section Breakdown
Reading & Writing section consists of solely multiple-choice questions. This is different from Math section that has both multiple-choice and student-produced response questions. The multiple choice questions have four answer choices.
The question types are as follows:
- Information and Ideas (26%, 12-14 questions)
- Craft and Structure (28%, 13-15 questions)
- Expression of Ideas (20%, 8-12 questions)
- Standard English Conventions (26%, 11-15 questions)
Math Section Breakdown
Math section is comprised of 75% multiple-choice and 25% student-produced response questions. Like the Reading & Writing section, there are four answer choices.
The question types are as follows:
- Algebra (35%, 13-15 questions)
- Advanced Math (35%, 13-15 questions)
- Problem-Solving and Data Analysis (15%, 5-7 questions)
- Geometry and Trigonometry (15%, 5-7 questions)
How to Best Pace Yourself
It is important to understand the structure of the digital SAT to devise your pacing strategy. The test consists of four modules in total, two in each section, that are rather brief and similar in format. Building skills in finishing each module in time may help you with your pacing throughout the entire test.
Below are some ways to help you efficiently manage your time.
Solve easy questions first
Tackle the easy questions first that you can solve faster. This way, you can spare time for the difficult ones that you can come back to later. Remember you can use “flag” tool to do this.
Know your way around a calculator
Learning how to use graphing calculator will save time on certain math questions. Understand the types of questions you can use the calculator for and how to use it.
Take Practice Tests
Most importantly, take full-length practice tests to acquire your own test-taking flow. You will be able to build time management skills that will help you make the most use of your knowledge.
What’s Next?
Ready to get started on your digital SAT prep? Sign up for our SAT Prep Crash Courses that will help you build your concept foundation. The course recommends you just the right lessons and questions to tackle, helping you improve fast. Start now!