Digital SAT guide
How the digital SAT works
Two sections, each split into two timed modules, with a 10-minute break in between. How you do on the first module decides how hard the second one is.
The format
Reading and Writing comes first. Math comes after the break.
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 54, in 2 modules of 27 | 64 minutes, 32 per module |
| Break | 10 minutes | |
| Math | 44, in 2 modules of 22 | 70 minutes, 35 per module |
| Total | 98 | 2 hours 14 minutes, plus the break |
Question types
Most questions are multiple choice. Some Math questions ask you to type in your own answer.
Calculator
You can use one on the whole Math section. Bluebook has a Desmos calculator built in, or you can bring an approved one.
Where you test
You take the SAT in Bluebook, College Board's testing app, on a laptop or tablet.
Sources: College Board, How the SAT is structured, calculator policy, and SAT device readiness.
How the adaptive part works
The SAT adapts once per section, between its two modules. It doesn't change after each question.
Module 1 is a mix
Each section starts with a broad mix of easy, medium, and hard questions.
Module 1 picks Module 2
Do well on Module 1 and your Module 2 is harder. Otherwise it's easier.
Both modules count
Your section score comes from your answers in both modules.
Math starts fresh
Math has its own Module 1, so your Reading and Writing results don't pick your Math Module 2.
How scoring works
400 to 1600
Each section is scored from 200 to 800. The two add up to your total.
Which questions you get right matters
Scoring uses Item Response Theory. Two students with the same number right can get different section scores.
The harder Module 2 isn't a bonus
College Board says you don't get points just for seeing the harder set. Your answers decide your score.
Some questions don't count
Each module has 2 pretest questions that don't affect your score.
Guess, don't skip
College Board says it's better to guess than leave a question blank.
Source: College Board, How scores are calculated.
How PrepArc's tests mirror it
Our 10 full-length practice tests follow the same design, with our own questions.
Same shape
27 Reading and Writing questions in 32 minutes per module, a 10-minute break, then 22 Math questions in 35 minutes per module.
Same adaptive step
Module 1 mixes easy, medium, and hard questions. Your results send you to an easier or a harder Module 2.
Where the line is
You need about 15 to 16 of 27 right in Reading and Writing Module 1, or 12 of 22 in Math, to get the harder Module 2. Missing easy questions raises that number.
Scored with Item Response Theory
Missing an easy question costs more than missing a hard one. Only the harder Module 2 can reach 800.
Every question counts
There are no pretest questions. Your score is an estimate from our questions, not an official College Board score.
Tools
A Desmos calculator and reference sheet for Math, highlighting, mark for review, crossing out choices, a timer you can hide, and save and exit.
Common questions
How long is the digital SAT?
The digital SAT takes 2 hours 14 minutes, plus a 10-minute break between the two sections. Reading and Writing is 64 minutes and Math is 70 minutes.
How many questions are on the digital SAT?
There are 98 questions. Reading and Writing has 54, in 2 modules of 27. Math has 44, in 2 modules of 22.
Is the digital SAT adaptive?
Yes, between modules. Each section starts with a mixed Module 1, and how you do there decides whether Module 2 is harder or easier. It doesn't adapt after every question.
How is the digital SAT scored?
Each section is scored from 200 to 800, for a total from 400 to 1600. College Board uses Item Response Theory, so two students with the same number right can get different scores. Each module also has 2 pretest questions that don't count.
Can you use a calculator on the whole SAT Math section?
Yes. Bluebook has a built-in Desmos calculator with graphing and scientific modes, or you can bring your own approved calculator.
Should you guess on the SAT?
Yes. College Board says it's better to guess than leave a question blank.