SAT
SAT Math Syllabus: Your 2025 Guide
If you’re getting ready for the SAT, you’ve probably heard that “knowing the syllabus is half the battle.” And it’s proper that understanding the SAT Math syllabus can completely change how you study.
Instead of wasting time on random math topics, you’ll know exactly what’s coming, how it’s tested, and how much weight each topic carries.
This guide will walk you through every part of the SAT Math syllabus, share tips to master it, and give you a realistic idea of what you’ll face on test day.
Why You Should Care About the SAT Math Syllabus
The SAT isn’t just about whether you remember formulas from school, it’s about whether you can use math to solve problems the way you’d need to in college or real life.
The SAT Math syllabus is designed to check three big things:
- Can you think logically and solve problems efficiently?
- Can you understand and interpret data?
- Can you apply math to real-world situations?
The math section is split into two parts:
- No Calculator: 20 questions in 25 minutes
2. Calculator Allowed: 38 questions in 55 minutes
That’s a total of 58 questions, all from the SAT Math syllabus, so knowing what’s in it is the smartest way to start your prep.
Breaking Down the SAT Math Syllabus
The SAT Math syllabus is made up of four main content areas. Each area has a slightly different focus and weight in the test.
1. Heart of Algebra
Think of this as the foundation of the SAT Math syllabus.
These are the topics you’ve probably seen a lot in school, equations, graphs, and solving for unknowns.
You’ll see questions on:
- Solving and rearranging linear equations
- Understanding inequalities
- Graphing lines and interpreting slope
- Solving systems of equations
Tip: This section alone is about a third of the math test, so it’s worth making it a priority.
2. Problem Solving and Data Analysis’
This is where the SAT gets practical. The SAT Math syllabus includes a lot of questions about interpreting charts, analyzing data, and applying math to real-life contexts.
- Expect to work on:
- Ratios and proportions
- Percentages and percentage change
- Unit conversions
- Reading and interpreting graphs
- Probability and statistics basics
Tip: Don’t underestimate this section. It might look simple, but the SAT loves to make data questions tricky.
3. Passport to Advanced Math
If you want a high math score, this is where you can shine.
This part of the SAT Math syllabus involves more complex equations and functions.
You’ll need to know:
- Quadratic equations (solving, factoring, graphing)
- Polynomial expressions
- Exponential and radical equations
- Function notation and interpretation
- Rational expressions
Tip: These questions are often multi-step, so practice breaking them down systematically.
4. Additional Topics in Math
This is the smaller but still important part of the SAT Math syllabus. It’s where geometry and trigonometry sneak in.
Topics include:
- Geometry formulas (area, volume, angles)
- Coordinate geometry
- Circle theorems
- Basic trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangent)
- Complex numbers
Tip: Even though it’s only around 10% of the test, skipping this section can cost you easy points.
Question Formats in the SAT Math Syllabus
Understanding the SAT Math syllabus also means knowing how questions are presented.
- Multiple Choice: You’ll pick the correct answer from four options.
- Grid-In: You’ll write in your own answer.
About 20% of the math section is grid-in questions, which means you can’t guess from choices, you either know it or you don’t.
How to Study for the SAT Math Syllabus
Getting familiar with the SAT Math syllabus is step one, but mastering it takes smart strategy.
1. Take a Practice Test First
A full-length practice test will show you which areas of the SAT Math syllabus you’re already good at and which need work.
2. Get Comfortable Without a Calculator
Half of the No Calculator section is about speed and accuracy. Practice doing mental math and simplifying problems.
3. Learn the Provided Formulas, and More
The SAT gives you a formula sheet, but it doesn’t cover everything in the SAT Math syllabus. Memorizing the extras saves time.
4. Practice With Official Questions
Not all practice materials match the SAT’s style. Use official College Board questions so you know exactly what to expect.
5. Review Your Mistakes
Every wrong answer is a lesson in the SAT Math syllabus. Keep a notebook of mistakes and revisit it weekly.
Common Pitfalls When Studying the SAT Math Syllabus
Students often trip up in a few predictable ways:
- Spending too much time on advanced math before mastering algebra.
- Ignoring the smaller geometry and trigonometry topics.
- Over-relying on a calculator in the Calculator section.
- Not practicing grid-in questions.
Avoiding these mistakes makes your prep far more effective.
Changes to the SAT Math Syllabus in 2025
The good news? The SAT Math syllabus itself hasn’t changed much for 2025.
The biggest shift is a stronger focus on applying math to real-world situations.
That means more word problems, more data interpretation, and fewer purely theoretical questions.
How the SAT Math Syllabus Compares to School Math
Many topics in the SAT Math syllabus will feel familiar from your school classes, but the SAT takes them a step further.
Instead of just solving for x, you might be asked what x represents in a real-world context or to choose which equation best models a scenario.
Conclusion
If you take one thing away from this guide, let it be this: the SAT Math syllabus isn’t just a list of topics, it’s a blueprint for how to spend your study time.
By breaking it down into its core areas, practicing strategically, and learning from your mistakes, you can go into the test knowing exactly what to expect.
That confidence alone can make a huge difference in your score.
FAQ’s
1. What is the SAT Math syllabus
The SAT Math syllabus covers algebra, problem solving, data analysis, advanced math, and some geometry and trigonometry topics.
2. How many questions are in the SAT Math section?
There are 58 questions — 20 in the No Calculator section and 38 in the Calculator section.
3. Does the SAT Math syllabus change every year?
No, the SAT Math syllabus stays mostly the same, though the College Board may adjust question styles slightly.
4. Is trigonometry included in the SAT Math syllabus?
Yes, basic trigonometry such as sine, cosine, and tangent appears in the Additional Topics category.
5. What’s the best way to prepare for the SAT Math syllabus?
Use official SAT practice tests, focus on weak areas, and review all core syllabus topics regularly.
