15 SAT Math Tips and Strategies to Boost Your Score

Whether you're aiming for a 700+ or just getting started, these 15 SAT math tips will help you approach the Digital SAT with confidence. These strategies work for both the calculator and no-calculator modules.

Before the Test: Preparation Tips

1. Know the Format Inside Out

The Digital SAT Math section has two modules of 22 questions each, for a total of 44 questions in 70 minutes. Module 2 adapts based on your Module 1 performance. Understanding this structure helps you manage time and expectations.

2. Master the Core Topics

Four domains make up the SAT Math section:

• Algebra (35%): Linear equations, systems, inequalities
• Advanced Math (35%): Quadratics, polynomials, exponentials
• Problem Solving & Data Analysis (15%): Ratios, percentages, statistics
• Geometry & Trigonometry (15%): Circles, triangles, trig functions

3. Practice With Real SAT Papers

Nothing beats practicing with actual released SAT exams. Official papers match the real test in difficulty and style. We host 40+ released SAT exams as free PDF downloads, organized by year.

4. Learn the Desmos Calculator

The Digital SAT provides a built-in Desmos graphing calculator for both modules. Master these Desmos features before test day:

• Graphing equations to find intersections visually
• Using tables to test values quickly
• Solving systems of equations by graphing both lines
• Finding zeros and vertices of parabolas

During the Test: Strategy Tips

5. Read Every Question Carefully

Many students lose points not from lack of math knowledge, but from misreading what the question asks. Watch out for "which is NOT" or "what is the value of 3x" (not just x).

6. Use the Process of Elimination

For multiple-choice questions, eliminate obviously wrong answers first. Even eliminating one option improves your odds significantly. Plug answer choices back into the equation when possible.

7. Back-Solve From Answer Choices

When a question asks "What value of x satisfies..." and gives four options, try plugging each answer choice into the equation. Start with the middle values to narrow down efficiently.

8. Don't Get Stuck

You have about 95 seconds per question. If a question takes more than 2 minutes, flag it and move on. The Digital SAT lets you flag questions and return to them within the same module.

9. Check Units and Labels

Data analysis questions often include units (feet, meters, percentages). Make sure your answer matches the units asked for. A common trap is giving a decimal when the question asks for a percentage.

10. Use Estimation

For geometry and graph-reading questions, estimate the answer before calculating. If your calculation gives something wildly different from your estimate, you've likely made an error.

Must-Know Math Shortcuts

11. Memorize Key Formulas

While the SAT provides a reference sheet, memorizing these formulas saves time:

• Quadratic formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
• Slope: m = (y&sub2; - y&sub1;) / (x&sub2; - x&sub1;)
• Distance formula: d = √((x&sub2;-x&sub1;)² + (y&sub2;-y&sub1;)²)
• Circle equation: (x-h)² + (y-k)² = r²
• Special right triangles: 30-60-90 and 45-45-90 ratios

12. Know Percent Change

Percent change = (New - Old) / Old × 100. This formula appears repeatedly in Problem Solving & Data Analysis questions.

13. Understand Vertex Form

The vertex form y = a(x - h)² + k tells you the vertex is at (h, k). Converting from standard form to vertex form (completing the square) is a skill tested multiple times on every SAT.

Final Week Tips

14. Take Timed Practice Tests

In the final week, take at least two full-length practice tests under timed conditions. Use our free SAT practice tests to simulate real exam conditions.

15. Review Your Mistakes

After each practice test, spend more time reviewing errors than taking new tests. Categorize mistakes as: careless errors, concept gaps, or time pressure. Focus your last few study days on concept gaps.