Your Guide to the Digital SAT
The SAT is now a computer adaptive test. This guide covers everything you need to know about the digital SAT, including an overview of its structure and content, an explanation of how computer adaptive testing works, and expert tips on how to prepare.
Table of Contents
What Is the Format of the Digital SAT?
The SAT is taken on a computer using College Board’s Bluebook App. (Jump to the Technology section for details about the testing application and approved devices.)
The test is 2 hours and 14 minutes long and has 98 questions. It has two sections:
- Reading and Writing
- Math
Each section is divided into two modules of equal length.
The test begins with Reading and Writing Module 1. You’ll have 32 minutes to answer 27 questions. You can move freely between questions within the module (you can skip ahead or return to previous questions), but you cannot advance to Module 2 early.
Once time is up, you’ll automatically move to Reading and Writing Module 2, where you’ll have another 32 minutes to answer 27 more questions. Again, you can move freely within Module 2, but you cannot return to Module 1 or move on to the Math section. After Module 2, you’ll have a 10-minute break.
After the break, you’ll begin Math Module 1. You’ll have 35 minutes to answer 22 questions. As in the Reading and Writing section, you can move freely within the module, but you cannot advance to Module 2 early.
Once time is up, you’ll automatically move to Math Module 2, where you’ll have another 35 minutes to complete 22 more questions.
| SECTION | Module | TIME | NUMBER OF QUESTIONS |
|---|---|---|
|
Reading and Writing | Module 1 |
32 minutes |
27 questions |
|
Reading and Writing | Module 2
|
32 minutes |
27 questions
|
|
Break
|
10 minutes |
----
|
|
Math | Module 1
|
35 minutes |
22 questions |
|
Math | Module 2
|
35 minutes |
22 questions |
|
TOTAL
|
2 hours and 14 minutes (without the break) |
98 questions |
How Does Computer Adaptive Testing Work on the SAT?
A computer adaptive test adjusts to your skill level as you take the test. In other words, your performance on an earlier part of the test determines which questions you see next.
There are a few different types of computer adaptive tests. The SAT is a section adaptive test, specifically a multistage adaptive test in two stages.
What does this mean? Both the Reading and Writing and the Math sections are divided into two modules:
- Module 1 contains a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions, with a medium average difficulty.
- Module 2 also contains a mix of difficulty levels, but its overall difficulty depends on your performance in Module 1.
After Module 1, you’ll be placed into one of two versions of Module 2, based on your overall performance:
- Module 2 (Easy) has fewer hard questions and a lower overall difficulty.
- Module 2 (Hard) has fewer easy questions and a higher overall difficulty.
Put simply:
- If you answer many questions correctly in Module 1, Module 2 will be harder.
- If you answer fewer questions correctly in Module 1, Module 2 will be easier.
Why Is the Digital SAT Adaptive, and How Does It Help Test-Takers?
The SAT’s adaptive format can feel unfamiliar, even intimidating, for many students. However, it offers some key benefits that can improve the test-taking experience:
- A shorter test: Older versions of the SAT were longer, had more questions, and gave students less time per question. The adaptive format allows for a much shorter test.
- Better alignment with your ability: The test adapts to your skill level, so you won’t waste mental energy on questions that are too easy or feel overwhelmed by ones that are too difficult.
Can I Go Back and Change Answers on the Digital SAT?
Yes! The SAT is not a question-by-question adaptive test. Each module’s questions are pre-set, meaning you can:
- Answer the questions within the module in any order
- Go back and change answers to previous questions within the current module
However, you cannot advance to the next module early, or return to a previous module.
How Is the SAT Scored?
The SAT is scored on a 1600-point scale. You’ll receive a score between 200 and 800 for each section, and your two section scores are combined for a total score between 400 and 1600. Section scores are based on your performance on both modules.
How Does the SAT’s Adaptive Format Affect Scoring?
If you perform well on Module 1, you’ll receive harder questions in Module 2. This might seem unfair at first—doesn’t it punish students for doing well?
Scoring an adaptive test is complicated, but the key thing to understand is that not all questions are worth the same. Each question is weighted based on factors such as its difficulty.
That means your score depends not only on how many questions you get right but also on which questions you get right. Unlocking the opportunity to answer more difficult questions in Module 2 is a reward, not a punishment because those harder questions carry more weight.
For a deeper dive into digital SAT scoring, check out this episode of the Tests and the Rest podcast, featuring Test Innovators President Brenna O’Neill.
Does the SAT Have Unscored Questions?
Yes. Every module on the SAT has 2 unscored questions, known as “pretest questions” or “experimental questions.” The remaining questions are “operational” and count towards your score.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Each Reading and Writing module has 25 operational questions and 2 pretest questions
- Each Math module has 20 operational questions and 2 pretest questions
- In total, there are 8 unscored items on every digital SAT
| SECTION | Module | Total Questions | Scored Questions | Unscored Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Reading and Writing | Module 1 |
27 |
25 |
2 |
|
Reading and Writing | Module 2
|
27 |
25
|
2
|
|
Math | Module 1
|
22 |
20 |
2 |
|
Math | Module 2
|
22 |
20 |
2 |
Why Are Some SAT Questions Not Scored?
Pretest questions allow test makers to evaluate the difficulty, clarity, and fairness of potential new test questions. They are an essential part of the SAT’s design process.
There is no way to identify which questions are unscored. Pretest questions can be any difficulty level, content domain, or question type. Because they look just like regular questions, you should approach every question as if it counts towards your score.
That said, it’s helpful to remember that each module contains two unscored questions. If you get stuck on a question, flag it and move on—you can always return to it later in the module. This strategy prevents you from spending too much time on a question that may not even be scored.
How Do I Register for the SAT?
You can register for the SAT on College Board’s website. Testing sites often fill up quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead and register as soon as possible.
When Can I Take the SAT?
The SAT is offered 8 times per year: in March, May, June, August, September, October, November, and December. Some schools also administer the test for their students during the school day. You can take the SAT as many times as you want to. We recommend planning to test at least twice.
Learn more about upcoming SAT test dates and registration deadlines.
How Do I Register With Accommodations?
College Board is committed to accessibility and continues to support the same range of accommodations that were available on the paper-based SAT. However, some of these accommodations are administered differently on the digital test. (See Using Accommodations on Digital Tests on College Board’s website).
To test with accommodations, you must apply and receive approval before registering for the SAT. This process can take up to 7 weeks, so it’s important to start as early as possible. Learn more about applying for accommodations.
Once approved, you can register with your accommodations. After registering, confirm that your accommodations are listed on your admission ticket. Visit College Board’s website for more information on registering for the SAT with accommodations.
If you qualify for timing accommodations and are using Test Innovators to practice, you can add extended time (1.5x) or double time (2x) to your profile. The platform will automatically adjust the timing for all of your practice tests.
What if I Cannot Afford to Take the SAT?
If you have financial need, you can apply for a fee waiver, which covers registration for two SAT test dates, unlimited score reports, and waived application fees at participating colleges.
If you have a fee waiver or other documented financial need, we encourage you to apply for Test Innovators’ SAT and ACT Practice Scholarship, which gives one year of access to our SAT and ACT practice materials.
What Technology Do I Need for the Digital SAT?
You take the digital SAT on a computer using Bluebook, College Board’s digital testing application. You can download Bluebook from College Board’s website or your app store.
What Tools and Features Are Available in Bluebook?
- Timer: shows the remaining time in the current module and alerts you when five minutes remain.
- Answer choice elimination: allows you to cross out answer choices you believe are incorrect
- Flagging questions: lets you mark questions you want to review later
- Question menu: indicates skipped or flagged questions and lets you jump to any question within the module
- Highlighting and annotation: enables you to highlight and add notes to text in the Reading and Writing section
- Formula sheet: Provides access to a built-in formula sheet in the Math section
- Calculator: Opens a built-in graphing calculator (by Desmos) in the Math section.
Which Devices Are Approved?
You can use a variety of devices for the SAT, including personal laptops and iPads, school-owned desktops and laptops, and school-managed Chromebooks. Please visit College Board’s website for the most up-to-date list of approved devices and system requirements.
What if I Don’t Have an Approved Device?
If you don’t have access to an approved device, you can borrow one from College Board. The Device Lending program is available to both U.S. and international students who are taking the SAT on a standard weekend test date. If you need to borrow a testing device, you must request one during the registration process at least 30 days before the test date to allow time for shipping and other logistics.
Please refer to College Board’s website for more information about borrowing a device.
Can I Use My Own Calculator on the Digital SAT?
Yes! The Bluebook App includes a built-in graphing calculator (by Desmos), but you can also bring your own approved calculator to use during the Math section.
What’s on the SAT Reading and Writing Section?
The Reading and Writing section is 64 minutes long and consists of 54 multiple-choice questions, each with its own short passage or pair of passages. The passages are about 25 to 150 words and discuss a wide range of topics. Some passages also contain informational tables and graphs.
The section is divided into two modules, each 32 minutes long with 27 questions. Each module is organized by question type so that questions testing similar skills are grouped together. Within each of these groups, the questions are arranged in order of increasing difficulty. The following question types appear in each module of the Reading and Writing section:
- Craft and structure: ~ 28% of the section | 13–15 questions overall
- Words in context
- Text structure and purpose
- Cross-text connections
- Information and ideas: ~ 26% of the section | 12–14 questions overall
- Central ideas and details
- Command of evidence
- Textual
- Quantitative
- Inferences
- Standard English conventions: ~26% of the section | 11–15 questions overall
- Boundaries
- Form, structure, and sense
- Expression of ideas: ~20% of the section | 8–12 questions overall
- Transitions
- Rhetorical synthesis
For more details on the SAT Reading and Writing section, check out our SAT Reading and Writing Guide.
What’s on the SAT Math Section?
The entire Math section is 70 minutes long and has 44 questions. It’s split into two modules, each 35 minutes long with 22 questions. You’ll have an average of 1 minute and 35 seconds per question.
In each module, 75% of the questions are multiple-choice and 25% of the questions require student-produced responses. In other words, there are a total of 33 multiple-choice questions and 11 student-produced response questions.
Approximately 30% of the Math consists of “in-context questions” (aka word problems). These questions have an average of 50 or fewer words per question.
Questions within each module are arranged by order of difficulty, with easier questions towards the beginning and harder questions towards the end.
Breakdown of SAT Math Topics
The digital SAT Math section covers four broad content domains:
- Algebra
- Advanced math
- Problem solving and data analysis
- Geometry and trigonometry
Questions from each content domain appear in both modules.
The content domains are broken down into the following testing points:
- Algebra: ~ 35% of the section | 13–14 questions overall
- Linear equations in one variable
- Linear equations in two variables
- Linear functions
- Systems of two linear equations in two variables
- Linear inequalities in one or two variables
- Advanced math: ~ 35% of the section | 13–15 questions overall
- Equivalent expressions
- Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables
- Nonlinear functions (such as quadratic, polynomial, exponential, absolute value, rational, radical, etc.)
- Problem solving and data analysis: ~ 15% | 5–7 questions
- Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units
- Percentages
- One-variable data: distributions and measures of center and spread
- Two-variable data: models and scatter plots
- Probability and conditional probability
- Inference from sample statistics and margin of error
- Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments
- Geometry and trigonometry: ~ 15% | 5–7 questions
- Area and volume
- Lines, angles, and triangles
- Right triangles and trigonometry
- Circles
For more details on the SAT Reading and Writing section, check out our SAT Math Guide.
How Should I Study for the SAT?
We’ve helped more than half a million students prepare for standardized tests. We’ve learned that while everyone’s needs are unique, the principles of effective studying remain the same. You can approach studying for the SAT in three simple steps.
The Three Steps of Test Prep
1. Take a full-length practice test.
Start by taking a full-length practice test under realistic test-day conditions. That means, no cellphones, TV, or other distractions. Take the practice test in one sitting, so that you can get a feel for timing and build your endurance.
Authentic, full-length practice tests should serve as the backbone of your SAT preparation. They help you get acquainted with the style and format of the test, and show you what you need to improve to reach your goals.
2. Review the results.
Once you’ve taken the test, go through your results. Identify what you did well and what you need to improve. Ask yourself:
- Did I manage my time well?
- Are there patterns in the types of questions I missed?
- Did I lose focus towards the end?
Then, review the test question by question. Pay close attention to anything you missed, skipped, or flagged. Read the answer explanations to understand the correct approach, and make note of any concepts you need to review.
3. Focus on areas that need improvement.
Once you know what you need to work on, spend time practicing those specific areas. Review relevant concepts, learn and practice key strategies, and complete targeted practice exercises that focus on a specific content area or question type.
When you’ve had some time to practice the areas that need work, take another full-length practice test and repeat the process. Keep repeating these three steps until test day.
How Do I Practice SAT Test-Taking Strategies?
Test-taking strategies can help you tackle questions more efficiently and effectively. There are plenty of excellent tips for SAT success available online, like this list of do’s and don’ts from tutor Nikita Kostyuk.
However, simply memorizing lists of strategies isn’t enough to change how you take the test—you need to actively practice the methods. The goal is to transform how you approach solving problems under test conditions.
It’s similar to improving your baseball swing. You wouldn’t just read about batting technique and hope for the best in your next game. Instead, you would isolate the technique and practice it deliberately until it becomes natural. The same principle applies here. Consistent, intentional practice will help you up your SAT game.
Here’s how to practice SAT strategies:
- Start with a missed question. Go back to a question you missed on your last practice test. Try solving it again using the new strategy. It doesn’t matter that you already know the answer. Focus on applying the strategy and understanding how it helps you solve the problem.
- Practice similar questions and focus on the process. Work on similar questions that require the same strategy. If you are using the Test Innovators platform, take advantage of the follow-up exercise links that accompany every test question. Approach these questions slowly and deliberately, focusing on the method. Your primary goal isn’t getting the correct answer immediately (though accuracy is still important). Instead, concentrate on how you’re solving the problem, ensuring the strategy becomes second nature.
- Try it on a full-length practice test. The next time you take a practice test, make a conscious effort to use the strategies you’ve been practicing.
Why Content Knowledge Is Essential for Success on the SAT
Familiarizing yourself with the test format and learning strategies for different question types is important. However, focusing only on these two areas is usually not enough to gain a meaningful score increase.
Mastery of the content itself is essential. Strategies can guide you when you encounter unfamiliar material, but there’s a limit to how helpful they can be if you don’t understand the underlying concepts.
For example, if you’re not familiar with Standard English conventions, it will be difficult for you to answer 26% of the Reading and Writing section, no matter how many strategies you’ve learned. This knowledge gap puts a ceiling on your score.
Rather than just memorizing tips and tricks, spend your time reviewing grammar and punctuation rules. By improving your mastery of grammar and punctuation, you increase the number of questions you’re able to answer and therefore increase your score potential.
When Is the Best Time to Start SAT Prep?
Long before starting formal test prep, you can set yourself up for SAT success by taking challenging courses and by reading extensively for both school and leisure. You’ll also want to make sure you’re on track to complete the necessary coursework for the math section. Typically, this means completing Algebra 1, Geometry, and at least one semester of Algebra 2 (or their equivalents) before taking the test.
Many students start studying for the SAT in the fall or winter of their junior year and take the test for the first time in the spring. If you follow this schedule, you’ll have multiple chances to take the test again, if need be, before applications are due in the fall.
However, you can also consider starting prep during the summer after your sophomore year. This schedule is ideal for students who have already completed Algebra 2 (or its equivalent) and who are taking multiple AP or IB courses during junior year. You’ll be ready to take the SAT (along with the PSAT/NMSQT) in the fall and can therefore avoid the stress of balancing SAT prep with spring AP or IB exams.
While taking the test in the fall of your senior year is a viable option, completing your testing before senior year can significantly reduce stress. It gives you more time to focus on college applications, extracurricular activities, and fall academics.
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for SAT prep. Your study plan will depend on your academic schedule, personal goals, and other commitments.
That said, it’s important to give yourself enough time to prepare effectively. It takes time to build the skills you need to maximize your score, and consistent, focused practice over several months is far more effective than last-minute cramming. Even a little practice each day can add up to meaningful improvements over time. Plan ahead and give yourself the best chance to succeed!
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Sara Laszlo
Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring and test preparation, with a special focus on helping students prepare for the SAT and ACT. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.
Originally published on December 15, 2022. Updated on March 19, 2025.
