SSAT Quantitative Reasoning
The Middle and Upper Level SSAT exams include two separate Quantitative Reasoning sections. Both are 25 questions long and take 30 minutes to complete. The Elementary Level SSAT only includes one Quantitative Reasoning section, which is the first section of the test, takes 30 minutes to complete, and is 30 questions long.
The Quantitative Reasoning sections test mathematical reasoning abilities, specifically knowledge of algebra, geometry, and other quantitative concepts.
Fast Facts
- Elementary Level: one section, 30 minutes with 30 questions
- Questions are a mix of basic mathematical concepts familiar to students as well as a few that may be more challenging.
- This section includes questions about number sense properties and operations, algebra and functions, geometry and spatial sense, measurement, and probability.
- Students are not permitted to use calculators in this section.
- Middle/Upper Level: two sections, each 30 minutes with 25 questions
- Measures a student’s ability to complete problems related to arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, etc.
- Students are not permitted to use calculators in this section.
Question Types
The Quantitative Reasoning sections span several content areas, which differ depending on which level you are preparing for.
Elementary Level
- Algebraic Concepts
- Data Analysis and Probability
- Decimals, Percents, Fractions
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Whole Numbers
Middle Level
- Algebraic Concepts
- Data Analysis and Probability
- Decimals, Percents, Fractions
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Number Sense
- Whole Numbers
Upper Level
- Algebraic Concepts
- Data Analysis and Probability
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Number Sense
Sample Questions
This is not a comprehensive list of examples, but here are a few examples of question types that you may find on the exam:
Geometry
If Maeve leaves her home and drives 4 miles north, 5 miles east, and another 8 miles north, what is the shortest distance between her new location and her home? (correct answer in bold)
A. 12 miles
B. 13 miles
C. 14.5 miles
D. 15.5 miles
E. 17 miles
Data Analysis and Probability
On a game show, contestants may choose to answer a history, science, or literature question and wager 4 points, 6 points, 8 points, 10 points, or 12 points on the question. What is the probability that a contestant will randomly choose to answer a science question AND wager 10 points? (correct answer in bold)
A. 1/15
B. ⅕
C. ¼
D. ⅓
E. 8/15
Algebraic Concepts
If 3×N is less than 6 and N is an integer, what is the smallest possible value that N+4 MUST be less than? (correct answer in bold)
A. 6
B. 7
C. 9
D. 12
E. 13
Test-Taking Strategies
Read Carefully – Make sure you fully understand what each question is asking before you begin solving it. A common mistake students make on the SSAT is misinterpreting the question, so take your time, read each word carefully, and underline key details to avoid errors. You also want to make sure that you have selected an answer before clicking away, so that you aren’t accidentally leaving a question blank.
Work Backwards – For many math questions, starting with the answer choices can be an effective approach. If the problem involves an unknown value, try plugging in the provided answers to see which one works. Begin with the middle choice to quickly narrow down your options.
Use Estimation – Before solving a problem, make an educated guess about what the answer should look like. Consider whether the answer will be positive or negative, larger or smaller than the given numbers, or if it should be a fraction, decimal, or whole number. Estimation can help you eliminate unreasonable answer choices and solve problems more efficiently.
Interested in learning about the other sections of the SSAT? Check out our section-specific blog posts!
