PSAT Math - An Overview of the PSAT Math Sections
The PSAT Math section is composed of two sub-sections: a 45-minute calculator-optional section, and a 25-minute no-calculator section. These sections include a total of 48 questions: 40 multiple-choice questions and 8 student-produced response (or "grid-in") questions. The multiple-choice questions provide four possible answers; students must determine which of the four choices is the correct solution to the question. The grid-in questions require students to calculate and grid the correct answers; no answer choices are given. Some grid-in questions can have more than one correct answer.
The PSAT Math questions focus on four areas: heart of algebra; problem solving and data analysis; passport to advanced math, and additional topics in math, including limited geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus. The chart below provides more information about the specific skills these questions test. While students are allowed to use a calculator on a portion of the PSAT math section, all test-takers should check the College Board website for details about approved and restricted calculators.
Math Area
- Examples
- Heart of Algebra
analyzing and fluently solving equations and systems of equations; creating expressions, equations, and inequalities to represent relationships between quantities and to solve problems; rearranging and interpreting formulas
Problem Solving & Data Analysis
substitution and simplifying algebraic expressions; properties of exponents; algebraic word problems; linear equations and inequalities; systems of equations and inequalities; rational and radical equations; equations of lines; absolute value; direct and inverse variation; quadratic equations; algebraic functions
Passport to Advanced Math
area and perimeter of a polygon; area and circumference of a circle; volume; Pythagorean theorem; isosceles, equilateral, and right triangles; parallel and perpendicular lines; coordinate geometry; slope; transformations
- Additional Topics in Math
- data interpretation; statistics; mean, median, and mode; probability
To access sample PSAT Math multiple-choice questions, visit the College Board website.
To access sample PSAT Math grid-in questions, visit the College Board website.
Related Topics
For more information about the PSAT Reading sections, visit our PSAT Reading page.
For more information about the PSAT Writing and Language section, visit our PSAT Writing and Language page.
To learn how the PSAT is scored, visit our PSAT Scores page.
Looking for PSAT test dates? Visit our PSAT Test Dates page.
Wondering how a student qualifies for the National Merit Scholarship? Visit our National Merit Scholarship Qualifications page.
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