The SAT Math section makes up half of your total SAT score, so knowing the right formulas can make a big difference. If you're looking for a complete list of SAT Math formulas or the most important equations to memorize, this guide has you covered. It includes the 30 essential formulas you should know before test day.
To make studying easier, the formulas are grouped into the four official SAT Math domains tested by the College Board. Instead of memorizing a random list, you can learn each formula in a clear, organized way and build confidence for the exam.
Why These SAT Math Formulas Matter
Learning the right SAT Math formulas can have a big impact on your score because they are used throughout the exam.
- The SAT Math section has 44 questions spread across two modules.
- Math is worth up to 800 points, which is half of your total SAT score.
- Questions in the SAT Math section are divided into four official content domains: Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry.
- Algebra and Advanced Math each make up about 35% of the Math section.
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Geometry and Trigonometry each account for about 15% of the section.
This means that around 70% of your SAT Math score comes from Algebra and Advanced Math topics, making these formulas especially important to master. By learning these formulas and practicing applying them, you'll be better prepared to solve questions quickly and improve your SAT Math score.
The 30 SAT Math Formulas, Organized by Domain
The SAT Math section is divided into four official content domains. We have grouped all 30 must-know formulas in the same way, so you can study smarter rather than memorize random equations.
Study Tip: Start with Algebra and Advanced Math, as they make up about 70% of the SAT Math section. Once you're comfortable with those, review Problem Solving and Data Analysis and Geometry, and Trigonometry.
Domain 1: Algebra (About 35% of the Test)
|
# |
Formula Name |
The Formula |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Slope Formula |
m = (y2 minus y1) / (x2 minus x1) |
Finds the steepness of a line between any two points |
|
2 |
Slope Intercept Form |
y = mx + b |
The most common way a linear equation appears on the test |
|
3 |
Point Slope Form |
y minus y1 = m(x minus x1) |
Write a line when you know one point and the slope |
|
4 |
Standard Form of a Line |
Ax + By = C |
Useful for quickly finding intercepts |
|
5 |
Number of Solutions in a System |
Same slope, different intercept = no solution. Same slope, same intercept = infinite solutions. Different slopes = one solution |
Answers a huge share of system of equations questions without solving anything |
|
6 |
Absolute Value Equation |
If |x| = a, then x = a or x = negative a |
Splits an absolute value equation into two separate equations |
Domain 2: Advanced Math (About 35 Percent of the Test)
|
# |
Formula Name |
The Formula |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
|
7 |
Quadratic Formula |
x = (negative b plus or minus the square root of (b squared minus 4ac)) divided by 2a |
Solves any quadratic equation, even ones that will not factor |
|
8 |
Standard Form of a Quadratic |
y = ax squared + bx + c |
The most recognizable form of a quadratic on the test |
|
9 |
Vertex Form of a Quadratic |
y = a(x minus h) squared + k, where h = negative b divided by 2a |
Reveals the vertex of a parabola directly |
|
10 |
The Discriminant |
b squared minus 4ac |
Tells you how many real solutions a quadratic has before you solve it |
|
11 |
Difference of Squares |
a squared minus b squared = (a + b)(a minus b) |
A fast factoring shortcut that shows up often in Advanced Math |
|
12 |
Perfect Square Trinomial |
(a + b) squared = a squared + 2ab + b squared |
Helps you expand or factor quadratics quickly |
|
13 |
Exponent Rules |
a to the m times a to the n = a to the (m + n). (a to the m) to the n = a to the (mn) |
Core rules for simplifying expressions with exponents |
|
14 |
Rational Exponents |
a to the (1 divided by n) equals the nth root of a |
Connects exponent notation to roots |
|
15 |
Exponential Growth and Decay |
y = a(1 + r) to the t, or y = a(1 minus r) to the t |
Models population growth, interest, and depreciation word problems |
|
16 |
FOIL Method |
(a + b)(c + d) = ac + ad + bc + bd |
Expands the product of two binomials |
Domain 3: Problem Solving and Data Analysis (About 15 Percent of the Test)
|
# |
Formula Name |
The Formula |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
|
17 |
Percent Change |
(New Value minus Original Value) divided by the original value, times 100 |
Calculates a percent increase or decrease |
|
18 |
Mean (Average) |
Sum of Values divided by Number of Values |
The most commonly tested measure of central tendency |
|
19 |
Median |
The middle value in an ordered list, or the average of the two middle values |
More reliable than the mean when a data set has outliers |
|
20 |
Probability |
Number of Favorable Outcomes divided by Total Number of Outcomes |
Basic probability appears on almost every SAT administration |
|
21 |
Distance, Rate, and Time |
Distance = Rate times Time |
Applies to nearly every travel or speed word problem |
|
22 |
Ratio and Proportion |
a/b = c/d, so a times d = b times c |
Solves for an unknown value in a proportional relationship |
|
23 |
Standard Deviation (Concept) |
A measure of how spread out the values in a data set are from the mean |
You will not calculate it by hand, but you must interpret what a larger or smaller value means |
|
24 |
Rate of Change |
Change in y divided by Change in x |
Interprets trends shown in tables, scatterplots, and graphs |
Domain 4: Geometry and Trigonometry (About 15 Percent of the Test)
|
# |
Formula Name |
The Formula |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
|
25 |
Area of a Triangle |
A = one-half times base times height |
Given on the reference sheet, but essential to know without looking |
|
26 |
Circle Formulas |
Area = pi r squared. Circumference = 2 pi r |
Two of the most frequently tested geometry formulas |
|
27 |
Pythagorean Theorem |
a squared + b squared = c squared |
Finds a missing side of a right triangle |
|
28 |
Volume Formulas |
Rectangular prism: V = lwh. Cylinder: V = πr²h. Sphere: V = 4/3 π r^3. Cone: V = one third pi r squared h |
All four appear on the reference sheet, but memorizing them still saves time |
|
29 |
Right Triangle Trigonometry (SOH CAH TOA) |
sine = opposite/hypotenuse. cosine = adjacent/hypotenuse. tangent = opposite/adjacent |
The digital SAT tests only right triangle trigonometry, never the unit circle |
|
30 |
Special Right Triangles |
45 45 90 triangle sides in the ratio 1 to 1 to the square root of 2. 30 60 90 triangle sides in the ratio 1 to the square root of 3 to 2 |
Solves geometry questions instantly, often without a calculator |
How to Memorize SAT Math Formulas Faster
Learning the formulas is only the first step. To do well on the SAT, you also need to remember them and know when to use them. Follow these simple steps to make the formulas easier to remember. Here are the steps to follow:
- Practice active recall by covering the formula and writing it from memory before checking the answer.
- Start with Algebra and Advanced Math, as these topics account for about 70% of the SAT Math section.
- Write your own one-page formula sheet by hand. Writing helps improve memory better than simply reading or highlighting.
- Solve a practice question right after learning each formula so you understand how and when to use it.
- Review the formulas every week and spend extra time practicing the ones you often forget.
By following these steps consistently, you will remember formulas more easily and feel more confident on test day.
Quick SAT Math Formula Quiz
Now it's time to test yourself. Answer the six questions below without looking at the formula tables. Once you're finished, compare your answers with the answer key.
- What is the slope of a line passing through the points (2, 3) and (6, 11)?
- Solve x² + 5x + 6 = 0 using the quadratic formula.
- A population of 500 grows by 4% each year. Which formula models this growth?
- A bag contains 5 red marbles out of 15 total marbles. What is the probability of drawing a red marble?
- What is the area of a circle with a radius of 6?
- A right triangle has side lengths 6 and 8. What is the length of the hypotenuse?
Answer Key
Here are the correct answers:
- m = 2
- x = −2 or x = −3
- y = 500(1.04)^t
- 1/3
- 36π
- 10
If you answered most of these correctly, you're making good progress. If you missed a few, review the formulas above, practice a few more questions, and try the quiz again until you can answer each one with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Mastering SAT Math formulas is one of the easiest ways to improve your score, but success comes from more than memorizing equations. You also need to understand when to use each formula and practice applying it to real SAT questions.
Start by focusing on the formulas from Algebra and Advanced Math, since these topics make up about 70% of the SAT Math section. Once you're comfortable with those, review the remaining formulas from Problem Solving and Data Analysis and Geometry, and Trigonometry, then test yourself regularly to reinforce what you've learned.
If you're looking for more structured guidance, our SAT Preparation Program combines expert instruction, personalized study plans, and realistic practice tests to help you master SAT Math formulas and improve your overall score. Instead of guessing what to study next, you'll focus on the topics that have the biggest impact on your results.
FAQs on SAT Math Formulas
What are the most important math formulas for the SAT?
Algebra and Advanced Math formulas matter most because these two domains make up about 70 percent of the Math section. If your study time is limited, prioritize the slope formula, the quadratic formula, the rules of exponents, and percent change before moving on to geometry.
Are all the SAT math equations to memorize also on the reference sheet?
No. The Bluebook reference sheet only covers Geometry and Trigonometry formulas, which make up about 15 percent of the section. Every formula in Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving, and Data Analysis on this list must be memorized on your own.
How many formulas does the digital SAT actually give you?
The reference sheet provides 12 formulas and 3 geometric laws, all related to circles, triangles, rectangles, and three-dimensional shapes. You can see the complete breakdown of test structure in our guide, Digital SAT Quick Facts.
Is memorizing formulas enough to raise my SAT Math score?
No. Memorization gives you access to a formula, but recognizing which formula a question actually requires takes practice. Pair every formula on this list with real practice problems, and review the topics in our guide on
what a good SAT score looks like so you know exactly what target you are working toward.
How can Pivot Tutors help me master these formulas faster?
Our SAT tutors build a personalized study plan around your diagnostic results, so you spend time on the specific formulas and topics that will move your score the most, rather than reviewing everything at the same pace.
