The digital SAT Math section tests 23 subtopics across 4 domains. Knowing exactly what's tested — and how much each domain counts — is the first step to an efficient study plan. Below is every topic, with study priority ratings based on how frequently each appears on the test.

Priority guide: 🔴 High priority — appears frequently, high point value. 🟡 Medium priority — appears regularly. ⬜ Lower priority — fewer questions, but don't ignore completely.

Domain 1 — Algebra

~35% of test · ~15 questions
Linear Equations in One Variable
Solving for x, rearranging equations, word problems
🔴 High Practice →
Linear Equations & Straight Lines
Slope, y-intercept, equation of a line, parallel & perpendicular lines
🔴 High Practice →
Linear Functions
f(x) notation, interpreting slope and intercept in context
🔴 High Practice →
Linear Inequalities in One Variable
Solving inequalities, number line interpretation
🟡 Medium Practice →
Systems of Linear Equations
Substitution, elimination, no solution / infinite solutions
🔴 High Practice →
Absolute Value
Solving |x| equations, distance interpretation
⬜ Lower Practice →

Domain 2 — Advanced Math

~35% of test · ~15 questions
Quadratic Functions & Parabolas
Vertex form, axis of symmetry, graphing parabolas
🔴 High Practice →
Quadratic Equations
Factoring, quadratic formula, completing the square, discriminant
🔴 High Practice →
Exponential Functions
Growth and decay, interpreting exponential models in context
🔴 High Practice →
Radicals & Rational Exponents
Simplifying radicals, fractional exponents, rationalising
🟡 Medium Practice →
Equivalent Expressions & Polynomials
Expanding, factoring, polynomial division, remainder theorem
🟡 Medium Practice →

Domain 3 — Problem Solving & Data Analysis

~15% of test · ~7 questions
Ratios, Rates & Proportions
Unit conversion, speed-distance-time, proportional reasoning
🔴 High Practice →
Percentages
Percent change, percent of a total, reverse percentage
🔴 High Practice →
One-Variable Data Distributions
Mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, box plots
🟡 Medium Practice →
Two-Variable Data & Scatterplots
Line of best fit, correlation, interpreting slope and intercept
🟡 Medium Practice →
Probability & Conditional Probability
Basic probability, two-way tables, conditional probability
🟡 Medium Practice →
Inference from Sample Statistics
Margin of error, sampling methods, generalising from samples
⬜ Lower Practice →
Statistics & Data Analysis
Interpreting tables and graphs, comparing distributions
🟡 Medium Practice →
Evaluating Statistical Claims
Experimental design, observational studies, causation vs correlation
⬜ Lower Practice →

Domain 4 — Geometry & Trigonometry

~15% of test · ~7 questions
Area and Volume
2D area formulas, 3D volume, surface area, composite shapes
🔴 High Practice →
Lines, Angles & Triangles
Angle relationships, similar triangles, triangle properties
🔴 High Practice →
Right Triangles & Trigonometry
Pythagorean theorem, sin/cos/tan, special triangles, SOHCAHTOA
🟡 Medium Practice →
Circles & Circle Equations
Arc length, sector area, standard circle equation, tangent lines
🟡 Medium Practice →

Which Topics to Prioritise

If you're targeting 600+, focus almost entirely on Algebra and ensure you can handle Easy and Medium questions across all 6 subtopics. This alone will dramatically improve your score.

If you're targeting 700+, you need solid coverage of Advanced Math too — especially Quadratic Equations, Quadratic Functions, and Exponential Functions. These three subtopics are extremely common in the harder module.

If you're targeting 750+, you cannot leave any domain weak. Every missed Geometry or Statistics question at this level costs significantly. Make sure Right Triangle Trig and Circle Equations are solid.

Tip: The SAT provides a formula sheet at the start of the Math section covering basic geometry formulas (area of circle, volume of cylinder, etc.). You don't need to memorise these — but you do need to know when to use them.

Practice every topic for free

All 23 subtopics above have dedicated practice sets on SAT Maths — Easy, Medium, and Hard difficulty.

Start Practising →