About the SAT® Math Section

What Level of Math Is on the SAT?

The Math section is based on standard high school curricula, so the SAT math topics you encounter should be familiar to you. This test evaluates your readiness for introductory college courses. The section focuses on problem-solving skills and assesses your ability to make real-world connections through multi-step problem questions.

Do Math Questions Get Progressively Harder?

No. The SAT Math questions do not get progressively harder. The Math section includes 2 modules. The first module contains easy, medium, and hard questions to assess your skill level. The difficulty of the second module is based on your performance in the first.

Is SAT Math Harder Than ACT Math?

The SAT and ACT Math are different in multiple ways. The SAT Math gives you 1 hour and 10 minutes for 44 questions, whereas the ACT Math requires 60 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. This means you get more time per question on the SAT Math section than the ACT Math section.

In addition, the SAT Math focuses heavily on algebra and data analysis, while the ACT Math covers various topics, including trigonometry, advanced algebraic concepts, and modeling. Ultimately, the difficulty of the test depends on your familiarity with the test format, overall math skills, and ability to manage time effectively during the test.

Is SAT Math Harder Than the PSAT?

Yes. The SAT Math section is generally harder than the PSAT. There are three versions of the PSAT—PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT—each designed for different grade levels and increasing in difficulty. The PSAT/NMSQT, typically taken in 11th grade, can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship. All versions of the PSAT include fewer advanced math topics compared to the SAT. While the PSAT is often seen as practice, it still requires strong math skills and strategic test-taking to perform well.

Can you skip the Math section of the SAT?

No. You cannot skip the SAT Math section, as it makes up 50% of your total score.

How to Calculate Your SAT Math Score?

The SAT Math score ranges from 200 to 800 and is calculated by converting your raw scores to scaled scores. The raw scores from both modules are added together, and then the total raw score is converted to the scaled score of 200-800. Note that this score conversion is based on the SAT Math score chart released by the College Board every year.

To understand how scores are calculated and how section scores contribute to your final score, read our SAT scoring guide.

What Is the Passing Score for SAT Math?

The College Board does not mention any passing scores for students. However, for successful college admission, it is good to get more than the average SAT Math score for a particular year.

What Is a Good SAT Score in Math?

A good SAT Math score depends on your goals, but here's how to break it down:

• Above Average: A score between 530 and 600 places you above the national average. In 2024, the average SAT Math score was 505, so anything higher shows you're ahead of most test-takers.
• Strong Score: Scoring between 600 and 690 demonstrates solid math skills and will make you competitive at many colleges, especially those with moderate selectivity.
• Top-Tier Score: A score of 700 or above is considered excellent and is often expected by selective and highly competitive schools, especially for STEM-focused majors. In 2024, only 4% of students scored in the 700–800 range, making this a standout achievement.

Ultimately, what’s considered a “good” score depends on your college goals. But in general, aiming for at least 600+ will give you a strong advantage.

What Is the Average SAT Math Score?

The average SAT Math score changes from year to year depending on the total score of all the test-takers for a particular year. The average score for the SAT Math section in 2024 was 505.