The SAT Math section has changed in 2025, moving to a digital format with 44 questions split across two 35-minute modules. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Math Areas: Algebra (~35%), Advanced Math (~35%), Problem Solving & Data Analysis (~15%), Geometry & Trigonometry (~15%).
Provided Formulas: Includes geometry basics like area, volume, and the Pythagorean theorem.
Must-Memorize Formulas: Algebra (e.g., slope-intercept form), advanced math (e.g., exponential growth), and statistics (e.g., mean, probability).
New Features: Built-in calculator, adaptive testing, and a reference sheet for key formulas.

Quick Tips:

Focus on Application: Practice using formulas efficiently to save time.
Memorize Critical Formulas: Some are not provided during the test.
Organize Scratch Paper: Write formulas and calculations clearly to stay accurate.

Knowing formulas isn’t enough - you need to practice applying them. Start with the basics, then work on mastering problem-solving techniques. Let’s dive into the details.

Digital SAT Math Formula Bible - 34 ESSENTIAL Formulas ...

Math Formulas by Topic

Knowing how and when to use formulas is essential for solving problems effectively. Here’s a breakdown of key formulas by topic that you'll need on test day.

Algebra

Here are some important algebraic formulas:

Formula Type	Formula	Common Applications
Linear Equations	y = mx + b	Finding slope, graphing lines, and predicting values
Quadratic Formula	x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a	Solving quadratic equations
Slope	m = (y₂ - y₁) / (x₂ - x₁)	Analyzing rate of change, parallel, or perpendicular lines

Geometry

These geometry formulas help solve problems involving shapes and measurements:

Shape	Formula	Additional Applications
Circle	A = πr²	Circumference: C = 2πr
Rectangle	A = l × w	Perimeter: P = 2l + 2w
Triangle	A = ½bh	Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c²
Right Circular Cylinder	V = πr²h	Surface Area: SA = 2πr² + 2πrh
Sphere	V = 4/3πr³	Surface Area: SA = 4πr²

Problem Solving and Data

These formulas are useful for analyzing data and solving practical problems:

Concept	Formula	Use Case
Mean	Average = Sum/Count	Understanding datasets
Probability	P(event) = favorable outcomes/total outcomes	Calculating likelihoods
Percent Change	% Change = (Change/Original) × 100	Measuring growth or reduction
Proportion	a/b = c/d	Solving ratios and scaling problems

Advanced Math

For more complex algebraic concepts, these formulas are key:

Topic	Key Formula	Application
Function Notation	f(x) = expression	Understanding input-output relationships
Exponential Growth	y = ab^x	Modeling population or compound growth
Polynomial Operations	(a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²	Expanding and simplifying expressions
Factoring	a² - b² = (a+b)(a-b)	Simplifying using the difference of squares

Trigonometry

Some basic trigonometric formulas include:

Ratio	Formula	Common Angles
Sine	sin θ = opposite/hypotenuse	sin 30° = ½
Cosine	cos θ = adjacent/hypotenuse	cos 45° = 1/√2
Tangent	tan θ = opposite/adjacent	tan 60° = √3

To see these formulas in context, refer to the official SAT formula sheet.

Official SAT Formula Sheet Contents

This section highlights the formulas included on the official SAT formula sheet and those you’ll need to memorize. Knowing which formulas are provided and which require memorization can help you prepare effectively.

Provided Formulas

The official SAT sheet includes these geometry formulas:

Category	Formulas Included
Circle	Area: A = πr², Circumference: C = 2πr
Rectangle	Area: A = lw, Perimeter: P = 2l + 2w
Triangle	Area: A = ½bh, Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c²
Volume	Rectangular Solid: V = lwh, Cylinder: V = πr²h

While these are provided during the test, familiarity with them beforehand can save valuable time.

Required Memorization

These formulas are NOT included on the official sheet, so you’ll need to memorize them:

Category	Must-Memorize Formulas
Algebra	Slope-intercept: y = mx + b, Point-slope form
Quadratics	Standard form: ax² + bx + c, Vertex form
Growth/Decay	Exponential functions: y = ab^x
Statistics	Mean, median, and mode calculations
Probability	Basic probability formulas

By committing these to memory, you’ll be better equipped for questions that require quick recall.

Strategic Formula Usage

Here’s how to make the most of your formula knowledge:

Before the test: Practice using the provided geometry formulas to build familiarity.
Study focus: Dedicate time to memorizing algebra, quadratic, and advanced math formulas.
Practice application: Use both sets of formulas in official practice problems to master their usage.

The key to excelling in the SAT Math section is not just knowing the formulas but understanding how to apply them in different scenarios. Consistent practice will help you use these tools effectively on test day.

Using Formulas During the Test

How you use formulas during the test can make a big difference in your performance. Let’s break it down.

Memorizing Key Formulas

The SAT provides some geometry formulas, but others - especially in algebra, advanced math, statistics, and probability - must be memorized. Here’s how to prioritize:

Knowledge Level	Action Plan	Priority
Know Well	Review once a week	Low
Sorta Know	Practice 2-3 times a week	Medium
Don’t Know	Practice daily until mastered	High

By focusing on these crucial formulas, you’ll be able to quickly identify and apply the right one during the test.

How to Choose the Right Formula

1. Analyze the Question

Pay attention to the details. Look for shapes in geometry problems, variables in algebra questions, or data in statistics scenarios. These clues will guide your formula choice.

2. Check for Efficiency

Think about the fastest way to solve the problem:

Compare using a formula versus a different strategy.
Pick the method you’re most comfortable with.
Always aim for the approach that saves time without sacrificing accuracy.

3. Know Common Scenarios

Be ready for these frequent problem types:

Circle problems often need area or circumference formulas.
Linear equations rely on the slope-intercept form.
Word problems may call for growth or decay formulas.

Using Scratch Paper Effectively

Once you’ve picked the right formula, how you organize your work on scratch paper can help you stay accurate and efficient.

1. Organize Your Work

Divide your scratch paper into sections:

Top: List commonly used formulas for quick reference.
Middle: Do your calculations here.
Bottom: Write your final answers clearly.

2. Document Your Steps

Write out every part of the process:

Start with the formula.
List the values you’re using.
Show your substitutions.
Highlight your final answer.

3. Manage Your Time

Stay efficient with these tips:

Write down the formula as soon as you start a problem.
Cross out mistakes instead of erasing to keep your work clear.
Use arrows to connect related calculations for better flow.

These strategies will help you stay organized and focused, even under time pressure.

Conclusion

Get a strong grip on SAT math formulas with focused daily practice. Group formulas based on how well you know them, and spend 5-10 minutes on each topic, focusing on areas where you can make the most progress. Remember, simply knowing a formula isn’t enough - you need to know how to use it effectively.

Leverage ChatSAT’s tools to sharpen your skills. Its topic-specific tests and performance analytics can help you track your progress and fine-tune your study plan.

Here are some key strategies to include in your prep:

Use ChatSAT’s topic-based tests for targeted practice.
Focus on the most critical formulas before moving on to less essential ones.
Write down formulas and practice explaining them to solidify understanding.
Solve problems that closely resemble actual SAT questions.

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