There are two broad sections: Reading and Writing (RW), and Math, which are tested in the current digital SAT exam. RW and Math sections are scored separately on a range of 200-800. Questions tested on the SAT exam in digital mode are multiple-choice (MCQ)- based, and for some math questions, applicants need to write an answer rather than select it. One of the major advantages of the new SAT pattern is that the 'no negative marking' system remains in place. The latest SAT exam pattern differs slightly from the previous version; for instance, the overall SAT exam timing has been reduced, calculators are permitted for all Math questions, and there is a single consolidated Reading & Writing Section. Check out New SAT Format 2023: Difference Between Old and New SAT Format.
- Digital SAT Exam Pattern Highlights 2025
- SAT Exam Pattern Section-Wise 2025
- SAT Pattern 2025 with Score Range
- SAT Exam 2025 Pattern FAQs
Digital SAT Exam Pattern Highlights 2025
Check out the SAT exam pattern in the table below for reference to prepare for SAT exam by the pattern which will be tested on the Bluebook App:
| SAT Digital Parameters |
SAT Digital Reading & Writing (RW) Section |
SAT Digital Math Section |
|---|---|---|
|
Format |
Two-staged: one tests Reading and the other the Writing section. Both are administered across separately timed modules. |
Two-staged: The math section is administered via two separately timed modules. |
|
Test length (total operational and pretest questions) |
1st module:
2nd module:
|
1st module:
2nd module:
|
| Time Duration |
1st module & 2nd module: 32 minutes each |
1st module & 2nd module: 35 minutes each |
| Total Questions |
54 |
44 |
| Total Time Allocated |
64 minutes |
70 minutes |
| Scores Reported |
Total score calculation: SAT RW section + SAT Math section scores = 1600 |
|
| Question Type(s) |
Discrete; MCQs with four options |
MCQ (75%) and student-produced response (SPR)(25%) |
| Topics Tested |
Literature, History / Social Studies, Humanities and Science |
Science, Social Science and real-world related topics |
| Informational Graphics |
Tested, includes - tables, bar graphs, line graphs |
Also tested |
Understanding the SAT exam pattern is crucial for cracking the exam also acts as a blueprint for how to prepare for SAT. Applicants must go through the SAT pattern thoroughly before they begin preparing for the SAT syllabus.
Commonly asked questions
SAT Exam Pattern Section-Wise 2025
The exam pattern for the SAT exam is designed keeping two sections in mind. The first is the SAT Reading & Writing (RW) section and the second is the SAT Math section. The SAT exam pattern has become more simplified and standardised for all international students. Previously, the SAT was divided into the Reasoning Test and Subject Test, with an optional essay, too. But now the SAT exam pattern includes just testing RW and Math sections based on high school knowledge, and SAT scores are calculated section-wise, which equals to a total of 1600. At present, Indian students are not required to sit for SAT subject tests or have the option to select the optional essay while registering for SAT exam.
SAT Digital Exam Pattern - RW Section 2025
The SAT exam pattern for its Reading & Writing (RW) section is divided into four broad areas, and each of them has a dedicated percentage of questions for testing. Check out SAT pattern for its RW section below:
| Areas of Testing on SAT RW Section | Percentage of Coverage | Number of Questions Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Craft & Structure | 28% | Around 13 - 15 questions are tested from this area |
| Information & Ideas | 26% | 12 - 14 questions are tested ideally |
| Standard English Conventions | 26% | Around 11 - 15 questions can be tested |
| Expression of Ideas | 20% | 8 - 12 questions are tested |
The maximum percentage of SAT paper pattern for the RW section is covered by craft & structure (28%), followed by other areas of testing. Expression of ideas on the other hand has a 6-8% lower coverage on the SAT exam.
SAT Digital Exam Pattern - Math Section 2025
SAT Math includes four broad areas of testing. The first two modules are tested at the same frequency (same percentage of coverage and total questions tested), while the other two have a similar testing frequency. Check out the Digital SAT paper pattern for its Math section below:
| Areas Covered on SAT Math | Percentage of Coverage | Number of Questions Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra | 35% | There are 13 - 15 questions tested here |
| Advanced Math | 35% | Here also, 13 - 15 questions are tested |
| Problem-Solving and Data Analysis | 15% | Around 5 - 7 questions are tested |
| Geometry and Trigonometry | 15% | Here also, 5 - 7 questions are tested |
As mentioned, Algebra and Advanced Math commonly share 35% each on SAT Math section and test 13 - 15 questions each. On the other hand, the other two sections - Problem Solving and Geometry & Trigonometry share 15% each coverage, along with 5 - 7 questions per area.
Consolidated SAT Paper Pattern
The SAT exam is mostly objective and lasts 2 hrs and 14 mins. Candidates must attempt 98 questions tested in both SAT sections of RW & Math. The following is the latest SAT Exam/Test Pattern for 2025 for students looking to appear for their next SAT Reasoning Test for higher education to universities/ colleges abroad.
| SAT Sections 2025 |
No. of Questions Tested per Module |
Total Duration (mins) |
Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing (RW) |
|
64 minutes |
200 - 800 |
| Mathematics |
|
70 minutes |
200 - 800 |
| Total |
98 Questions |
134 minutes + an additional 10-minute break |
400 - 1600 |
Students preparing to appear for SAT in 2025, should also check out the SAT syllabus for 2025 and check out the essential SAT books which cover the latest SAT pattern required to prepare for SAT examination and plan accordingly. Also, do not forget to check the SAT exam pattern marking scheme.
Commonly asked questions
SAT Pattern 2025 with Score Range
The SAT question paper pattern includes two main sections, and both SAT sections are scored on a similar score range, which equals 1600. SAT's total score is 1600, and scoring anywhere around it can benefit admissions. Check out the SAT section-wise bifurcation for the upcoming 2025 SAT exam dates for international students:
| SAT Section and no. of questions |
Time Duration (mins) |
Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Reading + Writing (54 MCQ-Questions) |
64 minutes |
SAT Reading & Writing score range: 200 to 800 |
| Break |
10 minutes |
- |
| Math (33 MCQs + 11 SPR-type Questions) |
70 minutes |
SAT Math score range: 200 to 800 |
Both methods have their unique benefits and are equally good with quantifiable benefits. There are a lot of times that many students could find appearing for their SAT exam challenging. Hence, it is always important for candidates to have appeared for as many SAT Mock Tests / SAT Practice Papers as possible to self-evaluate their preparations and appear for their SAT Exam. Understanding the SAT exam pattern is the key, followed by a good preparation schedule. Check out, How to Score 1600 on SAT?
Commonly asked questions
SAT Exam 2025 Pattern FAQs
Check out more about SAT exam pattern covered in FAQs below.
Commonly asked questions
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