The tests in the SAT Suite of Assessments measure the same skills and knowledge in ways that make sense for different grade levels. The Math sections keep pace with student progress, matching the scope and difficulty of work in the classroom. Of particular note:

  • Rational and radical equations (Advanced Math) are not represented on PSAT 8/9.
  • Trigonometry skills and knowledge are not assessed on PSAT 8/9.
  • Skills and knowledge associated with circles (Geometry and Trigonometry) are assessed only on the SAT.
  • In terms of number and proportion of questions:
    • Algebra is most prominent in PSAT 8/9 and decreases slightly at higher program (assessment) levels
    • The weighting of Advanced Math increases by program level
    • The weighting of Problem-Solving and Data Analysis decreases slightly by program level
    • The weighting of Geometry and Trigonometry/Geometry remains largely consistent by level.
  • Other small variations by skill/knowledge testing point can be seen at different program levels.

Math Section Question Distribution

DOMAIN SKILL/KNOWLEDGE TESTING POINTS OPERATIONAL QUESTION DISTRIBUTION
Algebra
  • 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
 13–15 questions (SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10) ~35%

16–18 questions (PSAT 8/9) ~42.5%
Advanced Math
  • Equivalent expressions
  • Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables
  • Nonlinear functions
 13–15 questions (SAT) ~35%

12–14 questions (PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10) ~32.5%

7–9 questions (PSAT 8/9) ~20%
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis All:
  • Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units
  • Percentages
  • One-variable data: distributions and measures of center and spread
  • Two-variable data: models and scatterplots
  • Probability and conditional probability

SAT only:

  • Inference from sample statistics and margin of error
  • Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments

PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10:

  • Inference from sample statistics
 5–7 questions (SAT) ~15%

7–9 questions (PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10) ~20%

9–11 questions (PSAT 8/9) ~25%
Geometry and Trigonometry SAT:
  • Area and volume
  • Lines, angles, and triangles
  • Right triangles and trigonometry
  • Circles

PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10:

  • Area and volume
  • Lines, angles, and triangles
  • Right triangles and right triangle trigonometry

PSAT 8/9:

  • Area and volume
  • Lines, angles, and triangles, including right triangles
 5–7 questions (SAT) ~15%

4–6 questions (PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 (Geometry and Trigonometry; PSAT 8/9) (Geometry) ~12.5%
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