The digital SAT takes about 2 hours 14 minutes plus a short break. It has two sections, Reading and Writing and Math, each split into two adaptive modules. Each section is scored from 200 to 800, for a total of 400 to 1600.
The structure
| Section | Modules | Time | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 2 modules | 32 minutes each (64 total) | 54 |
| Break | N/A | 10 minutes | N/A |
| Math | 2 modules | 35 minutes each (70 total) | 44 |
You take the test on a laptop or tablet using College Board's Bluebook app, at a test centre.
How "adaptive" works
In each section, your performance on the first module decides whether the second module is easier or harder. A harder second module opens up higher scores. This means the first module matters a great deal: careless errors early on can limit your ceiling for that section.
Reading and Writing
Instead of long passages, every question has its own short passage, often just a paragraph or a poem extract. Questions fall into four areas:
- Information and Ideas: evidence, inference, central ideas
- Craft and Structure: word meaning in context, text structure, connections between texts
- Expression of Ideas: transitions and rhetorical goals
- Standard English Conventions: grammar, punctuation and sentence structure
Math
A calculator is allowed for the whole Math section, and a graphing calculator (Desmos) is built into the app. A reference sheet of formulas is available. About three-quarters of questions are multiple choice; the rest ask you to enter your own answer. The content covers algebra, advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry.
What this means for preparation
- Practise in Bluebook, College Board's official app, so the interface is familiar
- Learn to use the Desmos calculator well. It can solve some questions much faster
- Treat the first module of each section with full care
- Build stamina for short, varied questions rather than long passages
See the full SAT preparation programme, or read a realistic four-month SAT preparation plan.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the digital SAT?
About 2 hours 14 minutes of testing, plus a 10-minute break between the two sections.
Is the SAT adaptive?
Yes. In each section, your performance on the first module determines the difficulty of the second module.
Can I use a calculator on the SAT?
Yes, for the entire Math section. A Desmos graphing calculator is built into the testing app, and you may also bring an approved calculator.
What is the SAT scored out of?
1600. Reading and Writing and Math are each scored from 200 to 800.
More IELTS, SAT & English guides
- What is a good SAT score?
- SAT Reading and Writing tips for the digital SAT
- SAT Math tips: topics, the Desmos calculator and common mistakes
- SAT vs ACT for students in Pakistan: which should you take?
- When should you take the SAT? A timeline for Grades 10 to 12
- CEFR English levels explained: A1 to C2
- All IELTS, SAT & English guides →
Written by the Learning Bubble teaching team. If something here does not match your situation, ask us. We would rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.