How the SAT Is Structured
The SAT is composed of two sections: the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. You have 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes to complete the Math section for a total of 2 hours and 14 minutes of testing time.
Each section is divided into two equal length modules, and there is a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. The first module of each section contains a broad mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on how you perform on the first module, the second module of questions will either be more difficult or less difficult.
The SAT provides 68% more time per question than the ACT®.
| Section | Time Allotted (minutes) | Number of Questions/Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 64 (two 32-minute modules) | 54 |
| Math | 70 (two 35-minute modules) | 44 |
| Total | 134 | 98 |
Some of our state partners offer the SAT Essay as part of their SAT School Day administrations. Please see the SAT School Day with Essay