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We all know that the single biggest predictor of SAT success is how well you know the material that’s tested. However, many other factors predict your success on the exam, and one of the most important is the answer to the question “How long is the digital SAT?” Thus, if you know how much time you have for the exam and can use that time wisely, then you have a leg up on getting a great score!
In this article, we’ll dissect the SAT based on time. We’ll first look at the overall digital SAT format. Then we’ll consider the two SAT sections and the modules within each section to get a solid understanding of the digital SAT timing. Finally, we’ll consider some tips for making the best use of the limited time allocated for the test.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Overview of the Digital SAT
- The Topics Tested on the SAT
- The Digital SAT Is Section-Adaptive
- Section Timing on the SAT
- SAT Time Topics and Tips
- Time-Saving Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Key Takeaways
- What’s Next?
Let’s begin by learning the basic facts about the SAT online test.
Overview of the Digital SAT
In March 2024, the SAT moved to its current digital format. Notably, one of the biggest changes to the test is that the digital version is shorter than the paper-and-pencil test. It is shorter: 2 hours and 14 minutes, plus a 10-minute break, versus 3 hours and 15 minutes for the old version. In addition, there are now 2 sections instead of 5.
You can take the digital SAT on a Saturday at a testing center located at a local high school or college. Or, if your high school participates in SAT School Day, you may be able to take the exam at your school on a weekday. In either case, you’ll take the SAT on a laptop, desktop, or iPad, via the Bluebook app, which will be pre-loaded to your testing computer. Do note that it’s a good idea to download the free Bluebook app during your SAT preparation. As a result, you’ll become familiar with the testing platform before test day.
The SAT digital test has 2 sections: Math and Reading/Writing. In particular, each section is subdivided into 2 modules. Notably, these modules play an important role in determining the difficulty level of your exam and thus your score on the SAT. Before we find out why, let’s get a general overview of the two SAT sections.
The Topics Tested on the SAT
Math Section
The math topics tested on the digital SAT are pretty much those you’ve studied in math class in high school. However, some SAT questions have different wording than what you saw on high school math tests. But if you know the material, you shouldn’t have too much difficulty answering the questions. In particular, the digital SAT tests you on four overarching math topic areas. We have listed them here, with detail about each topic’s coverage.
- Algebra: linear equations and functions; systems of linear equations; linear inequalities; linear word problems.
- Advanced Math: function notation and functions; quadratic functions; factoring and FOILing quadratics; higher-order polynomials; exponents and exponential functions; radical equations; absolute value; growth (exponential and linear); systems of equations (quadratic).
- Problem-Solving and Data Analysis: ratios and proportions; percentage; rates and unit conversion; data presentation; measures of center; probability; scatterplots; statistical experiments versus observational studies.
- Geometry/Trigonometry: lines; angles; geometric area and volume; Pythagorean theorem; right triangles; trigonometry.
KEY FACT:
The 4 major math categories on the SAT are: Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry/Trigonometry.
Reading/Writing Section
The Reading topics of the Reading/Writing section include:
- Craft and Structure: purpose or structure of a passage; words in context; paired passage questions.
- Information and Ideas: detail; main idea, textual or quantitative evidence; inference.
The Writing questions of the Reading/Writing section include the following:
- Standard English Conventions: subject-verb agreement; plural/possessive nouns; pronoun agreement; verb forms; modifiers; punctuation; sentence structure.
- Expression of Ideas: rhetorical synthesis; transitions.
KEY FACT:
You will be tested on analyzing passages and using standard English conventions in the Reading/Writing section of the SAT.
The Digital SAT Is Section-Adaptive
To perform well on the digital SAT, you must understand what “section-adaptive” means. When we say that the SAT is section-adaptive, it means that your performance on the first module of a section determines the kinds of questions you’ll encounter in the second module.
For example, when you begin module 1 of the Math module, you will encounter a mixture of easy, medium, and hard questions. Furthermore, if you score about 60% or better on module 1, then module 2 will present you with more difficult questions. Notably, these questions are worth more points, so you will earn a higher score for answering them correctly. Conversely, if your score is less than about 60% on module 1, then you will see easier questions in module 2. In addition, the downside is that these easier questions are not worth as many points, so you won’t be able to get a high score.
The Reading/Writing section is also section-adaptive, and it uses a similar algorithm as the Math section.
You already know that answering every SAT question correctly is important. But it is especially critical that you do your absolute best on module 1 of each section. By doing so, you’ll have the best chance of earning a really great SAT score.
TTP PRO TIP:
Answering questions correctly on the first module of a section gives you a shot at seeing score-enhancing harder questions on the second module.
Section Timing on the SAT
We previously noted that you have 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete the digital SAT, plus a 10-minute break. Now, let’s look at how that time is allocated to each of the digital SAT sections, to the modules within each section, and to the individual questions themselves.
Digital SAT Math Section Timing
We have already learned that the Math section has 2 modules. Specifically, each math module has 22 questions. In addition, about 33 of the 44 math questions are multiple-choice questions with 4 answer choices. Finally, the remaining 11 questions are fill-in-the-blank questions.
Let’s consider timing in the Math section. You have a total of 70 minutes for the entire section, with 35 minutes for each module. Therefore, on average, you will have 1 minute and 35 seconds to answer each of the 44 math questions.
Within a module, you may move back and forth between questions, and you may change as many answers as you wish. However, once you finish the first module and move to the second one, you may not return to the first module.
KEY FACT:
The two modules in the Math section contain a total of 44 questions, and you are given an average of 1 minute and 35 seconds to answer each one.
Reading and Writing Section Timing
There are also 2 modules for the Reading/Writing section. Specifically, each module has 27 questions, each in passage form. Notably, you have to answer only 1 question for each passage. In addition to reading comprehension, the section will test you on grammar, punctuation, and usage.
Let’s consider timing on the Reading/Writing section. You have a total of 64 minutes, with 32 minutes for each module. Thus, on average, you will have 1 minute and 11 seconds to answer each of the 54 reading/writing questions.
Just like the Math section, you may move back and forth between questions within a module. However, once you move from module 1 to module 2, you may not return to module 1.
KEY FACT:
The two modules of the Reading and Writing section contain 54 questions, and you have an average of 1 minute and 11 seconds to answer each one.
SAT Time Topics and Tips
The Countdown Clock
While you are taking the SAT, you will have a countdown timer displayed at the top of your computer screen at all times. Specifically, it tells you how many minutes remain in the module. While you are given the option of hiding the countdown time, we do not recommend that you do this. It’s important to know how much time remains in the module.
The countdown timer can be a valuable aid for your test timing. In particular, the simplest application of the countdown timer is to determine your halftime progress. For example, if you are in Math module 1, which has 22 questions and gives you 35 minutes, you should be starting question 12 when the countdown clock shows 18 minutes remaining. Furthermore, if the clock shows more than 18 minutes, you are ahead of schedule, and if it shows less than 18 minutes, you may need to speed up a bit.
Similarly, for the Reading/Writing section, your halftime stats should show about 16 minutes remaining when you are working on question 14.
TTP PRO TIP:
Use the countdown clock on the SAT to determine your timing progress during each module.
Your 10-Minute Break
The 10-minute break is given after you finish the Reading/Writing section, which is always presented first on the digital SAT. You may leave the room to take a restroom break, eat a snack, or get a drink. Be sure to return within 10 minutes.
Here’s a helpful hint concerning the break. Not everyone takes the break at the same time. For a variety of reasons, students’ start times will be slightly different, and thus, the 10-minute break will not start at exactly the same time for everyone. So, at the start of the exam, you should move through the log-in process and the instruction screens as quickly as possible. By doing this, you will finish the first section earlier than others and will be one of the first to take your break. Thus, you won’t be trying to finish the Reading/Writing section while others are noisily getting up and leaving the room for their own breaks.
Of course, be sure to return to the testing room on time.
TTP PRO TIP:
Move through the log-in process quickly so that you are one of the first students to take the 10-minute break.
Time-Saving Tips
If you had an unlimited amount of time to take the SAT, you would most likely score quite well. We mentioned earlier that, second only to knowledge of the SAT topics, time is the biggest challenge for most students. As a result, anything you can do to save time during the exam will help you to score as high as possible.
Let’s look at several time-saving strategies and tips for doing your best.
Use Your Calculator Wisely
You may use your calculator for any math question. In particular, use a quality calculator that is as sophisticated as you can easily handle; a complex calculator can perform many functions and operations that will save you time. Know all the features of your calculator and be able to use it proficiently. Generally, we do not recommend using the online Desmos calculator that is part of the Bluebook app, as its use can be a bit unwieldy. However, you should be familiar with its basic use, in case your handheld calculator becomes unusable during the exam.
TTP PRO TIP:
If you use a good calculator and are skilled at using it, you will be more efficient in answering SAT math questions.
Memorize the Rules for Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
When you encounter a “student-produced response” (SPR) question, you must enter your answer into a grid. On the exam, when you are given an SPR question, you will see a set of instructions to the left of the grid about what constitutes an acceptable answer. Notably, these rules are very specific and sometimes confusing. Even worse, reading them wastes a huge amount of valuable time, and this is not something you can afford to do on test day!
It’s critical that you learn the SPR rules before test day. You can practice by using the Bluebook app or by reading about the rules in a test prep book. In any case, you’ll save valuable time on test day by practicing ahead of time.
TTP PRO TIP:
Learn the rules for entering answers into the grid for SPR questions.
Take Digital SAT Practice Tests
The College Board provides you with 7 free full-length SAT digital practice tests on Bluebook. It is to your benefit to take each of them. Taking the practice tests will help you to assess your topic mastery. But equally as important, they will provide invaluable assistance with your test timing.
In addition, answering SAT digital practice questions will help you feel more comfortable with the Bluebook app itself. You’ll become familiar with the format and structure of the test. For example, you’ll find that reading passages are on the left side of the screen and the corresponding question is on the right side of the screen. Conversely, math questions present the question at the top of the screen, with the answer choices below it. Also, you’ll discover how to navigate through each module, including how to access previous questions or how to mark a question for later review.
As a result, taking practice tests will give you familiarity with the Bluebook app and the ability to navigate through the exam on test day efficiently.
Read our article about taking SAT practice tests to learn more about them.
TTP PRO TIP:
Take practice tests to assess your content mastery and to increase your fluidity in moving through the SAT.
Use the “Special Features” of the SAT
The SAT provides several useful tools to help you navigate more efficiently through the questions.
First, you can use a highlighter tool to note items of importance in the Reading/Writing section passages. Second, you can also type notes about important points. Additionally, you can use the option eliminator to keep track of the answer choices that you have eliminated. Finally, you can use the “mark for review” feature to identify questions you will want to revisit later.
All of these special features need practice to allow you to use them efficiently. Otherwise, they can be pretty much a waste of time, especially if you wait until test day to begin using them. Thus, the bottom line is to try them out during practice tests to see if they provide you an advantage.
TTP PRO TIP:
Try the special features, such as the highlighting tool and the option eliminator, and, on test day, use the ones that help you to be more efficient.
Key Takeaways
If you’re interested in how to prepare for digital SAT timing issues, you first need to know that the digital SAT 2025 is 2 hours 14 minutes long, plus a 10-minute break. There are 2 sections: Math and Reading/Writing. Each section is subdivided into 2 modules.
The digital SAT is section-adaptive. This means that your performance on the first module of each section determines the difficulty level of the second section.
The Math section contains 44 questions, and you have 70 minutes to complete it. In addition, the Reading/Writing section contains 54 questions, and you have 64 minutes to complete it.
To help with your SAT timing, you can use the countdown clock during the test.
You have a 10-minute break after you complete the Reading/Writing section of the SAT.
Here are 4 digital SAT tips for optimizing your timing:
- Make good use of your calculator.
- During your digital SAT preparation, learn the rules for entering your answers to SPR math questions.
- Take advantage of the 7 free SAT practice tests from the College Board.
- Learn the special features, such as text highlighting and the option eliminator, of the digital SAT.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is one module in the digital SAT?
Each Math module is 35 minutes long, and each Reading/Writing module is 32 minutes long.
How long is the Digital SAT with breaks?
The test length is 2 hours 14 minutes, plus a 10-minute break.
How long is the digital SAT with accommodations?
There is no single answer to this question. Generally, students with accommodations can receive 50% more time, making the test length 3 hours and 21 minutes. Those with double time will have a test length of 4 hours and 28 minutes.
Additionally, students with accommodations may have a variety of additional breaks, depending on individual circumstances.
What’s Next?
In this article, we’ve concentrated on SAT timing issues. But even if you get your timing under control, remember that you have to know the material that’s tested if you want a great SAT score. Read this article about the digital SAT Reading/Writing section to get more information on what is tested in this section.
Read this article to learn more details about what is tested in the SAT Math section.
Good luck!
