How the SAT Is Structured
The SAT takes three hours and consists of three tests: (1) the Reading Test, (2) the Writing and Language Test, and (3) the Math Test. Compared to the ACT®, the SAT provides 43% more time per question:
| Component | Time Allotted (minutes) | Number of Questions/Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 65 | 52 |
| Writing and Language | 35 | 44 |
| Math | 80 | 58 |
| Total | 180 | 154 |
Most of the questions are multiple choice, though some of the math questions ask you to write in the answer rather than select it.
On all questions, there’s no penalty for guessing: if you're not sure of the answer, it's better to guess than leave the response blank.