SAT Syllabus 2025/2026: Complete Guide to the Updated Digital SAT Format
Preparing for the SAT 2025/2026 can feel overwhelming, especially with the updated Digital SAT structure now fully in place. Whether you are a U.S. student or an international test-taker, understanding the SAT syllabus, exam pattern, scoring system, and essential study areas is the first step toward achieving a high score.
A simplified guide to the SAT syllabus, covering Math, Reading, and Writing sections.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the SAT Syllabus for 2025/2026, including the breakdown of each test section, skill expectations, topic coverage, and preparation tips that align with the current digital SAT standards.
What Is the SAT?
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a globally recognized standardized test used for college admissions, scholarship programs, and academic placement, especially in the United States.
The College Board transitioned fully to the Digital SAT, making the exam shorter, more adaptive, and more aligned with real-world skills.
The 2025/2026 SAT consists of two major sections:
Reading and Writing (RW)
Math
Total exam time: 2 hours and 14 minutes
Maximum score: 1600
SAT Syllabus 2025/2026 — Full Breakdown
Below is the complete and updated Digital SAT syllabus for the 2025/2026 academic year.
1. Reading and Writing SAT Syllabus Section
The Reading and Writing section tests your ability to:
Understand written passages
Analyze arguments
Edit sentences
Apply grammar rules
Interpret textual evidence
This section is divided into two modules, and each module adapts to your performance (adaptive testing).
Total Time: 64 minutes
Total Questions: 54
Core Areas Covered
A. Information and Ideas
This part measures your ability to:
Identify central ideas and themes
Interpret data from charts and tables
Understand logical relationships
Evaluate evidence in a passage
Topics Included:
Purpose and tone
Main ideas and supporting details
Informational text analysis
Data interpretation from graphs or tables
Cause-and-effect relationships
B. Craft and Structure
This assesses your understanding of:
Vocabulary in context
Text structure
Rhetorical strategies
Point of view
Transition words and sentence placement
Skills Tested:
Determining word meaning using context clues
Evaluating author’s choices
Understanding narrative and argumentative structure
Recognizing effective transitions
C. Expression of Ideas
This section tests your writing clarity and coherence.
Skills Tested:
Improving organization
Enhancing clarity
Strengthening argument flow
Selecting the most effective rewrite of a sentence
D. Standard English Conventions
This focuses on grammar and sentence structure rules.
Grammar Topics:
Subject-verb agreement
Pronoun usage
Verb tenses
Sentence fragments
Parallel structure
Comma and punctuation rules
Modifier placement
Transition and connector words
Types of Reading and Writing Questions
You will see:
Short passages (around 25–150 words)
One question per passage
Literary, scientific, historical, and social science contexts
2. Math SAT Syllabus 2025/2026
The Math section evaluates your:
Algebra skills
Problem-solving abilities
Geometry understanding
Advanced math concepts
Data analysis skills
Mathematical reasoning
Total Time: 70 minutes
Total Questions: 44
Like the RW section, the Math section also has two adaptive modules.
Major Math Domains Covered
A. Algebra
This forms the foundation of SAT Math.
Key Topics:
Linear equations and inequalities
Systems of equations
Linear functions
Slope and rate of change
Function interpretation
Simplifying expressions
B. Advanced Math
This part focuses on more complex algebraic concepts.
Topics:
Nonlinear equations
Quadratic functions
Polynomial operations
Rational expressions
Radical expressions
Exponential functions
Inequality systems
Function composition
C. Problem Solving and Data Analysis
This category tests real-world application of math.
Topics:
Ratios and proportions
Percentages
Probability
Statistics
Mean, median, mode
Scatterplots
Data tables
Unit conversions
D. Geometry and Trigonometry
Geometry plays a smaller but important role.
Topics:
Area and volume
Lines, angles, and triangles
Circles
Pythagorean theorem
Basic trigonometric ratios (sin, cos, tan)
Coordinate geometry
SAT Math Question Types
Multiple choice questions
Grid-in (student-produced responses)
Word problems
Data interpretation tasks
Graph-based questions
Digital SAT Format Overview (2025/2026)
To help you better understand how the exam works, here is a quick breakdown:
| Section | Timing | No. of Questions | Scoring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing | 64 minutes | 54 questions | 200–800 |
| Math | 70 minutes | 44 questions | 200–800 |
| Total | 2 hours 14 minutes | 98 questions | 1600 max score |
What’s New in the SAT 2025/2026?
The digital SAT includes updates designed to make testing easier and more efficient:
✓ Shorter test duration
✓ Shorter passages
✓ Fully digital format
✓ Calculator allowed for the entire Math section
✓ Adaptive testing for better accuracy
✓ Faster score delivery
How to Prepare for SAT 2025/2026
1. Study From Official College Board Materials
These reflect the real digital SAT format.
2. Practice With Bluebook App
This is the official testing platform.
3. Build Strong Vocabulary
Focus on academic words and context clues.
4. Strengthen Algebra Skills
Most math questions require strong algebra foundations.
5. Practice Data Interpretation
Expect tables, charts, and graphs.
6. Take Full-Length Practice Tests
They help improve speed and accuracy.
SEE ALSO:
WAEC Syllabus for English Language
FAQs About SAT Syllabus 2025/2026
1. Has the SAT syllabus changed for 2025/2026?
The core content remains similar, but the digital format and adaptive modules affect question difficulty and structure.
2. How many sections does the SAT have?
Two sections: Reading & Writing and Math.
3. Is the calculator allowed on all math questions?
Yes, the digital SAT allows calculators for the entire Math section.
4. What is the maximum SAT score?
5. Is the SAT harder now?
The digital format is more efficient but adaptive modules may feel challenging if you perform well in Module 1.
Conclusion
The SAT Syllabus 2025/2026 is designed to test essential academic skills required for college success. By understanding the updated digital exam structure, the two main test sections, and the exact topics covered, students can prepare more effectively and achieve higher scores.
Whether you’re aiming for admission into competitive institutions or applying for scholarships, mastering the SAT syllabus is your first step toward academic success.
