By Maybe math is your comfort zone — numbers and letters aligning in perfect harmony — or maybe you simply dread classes discussing algebra and geometry. Or, perhaps you’re more focused on why those word-problem characters always need hundreds of whatever they’re purchasing. How are they going to carry all of those watermelons home, anyway?
Still, whether you daydream of the math classes you’ll get to take in college or if you’re in the camp that is looking forward to the math involved in baking and nothing more, you’ll need those academic skills for your ACT and SAT tests.
Whatever your feelings on the subject, these exams are perfect opportunities to show your future college and university that you know your stuff. So don’t go thinking that you’re no good at math or that the testing situation will be too difficult for you to master. These math sections are just a demonstration that you’ve paid attention in your high-school classes and that you can apply all of those skills.
Whether you’re trying to decide which test to take, or prepping for one or the other, you need a firm foundation to understand what exactly these exams will be asking of you. When it comes to ACT vs SAT math, there are a few key distinctions you should keep in mind.
Here’s a complete guide to everything you need to know about these testing situations and the math you’re likely to see. Remember that you already have all of the subject matter stored somewhere in your brain. But knowing the layout and breakdowns should help organize and streamline the process. Read on for a full debrief on the structures of these sections and the skills you should brush up on before filling in your first bubble.
ACT vs SAT Math Structure
Let’s take a look at what’s included in the ACT and SAT math sections, how much time you’ll be given, and the areas that are covered. This way, when you sit down at your desk you’ll know what’s coming at you, and testing day will be a breeze!
ACT Math
The ACT consists of several sections. In order these are:
- English
- Mathematics
- Reading
- Science
- Writing (Optional)
During the math section, testers have 60 minutes to answer 60 questions. That may seem like a lot, but remember, this is all information that you’ve likely seen in classes. These questions cover multiple areas that are prerequisites for entry-level college mathematics
There are nine scores associated with ACT mathematics, one for the entire section and eight for the individual categories. The official ACT test site has more information on these subjects, but here’s our concise breakdown of what you may see on test day.
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Section one: Preparing For Higher Math
This area will account for the math questions themselves and is the largest section in terms of grading. Anywhere from 57-60% of your math score resides in this section, and the problems pull from any of the five subcategories.
Numbers and Quantity:
Included in this section are numerical quantities, integers, rational exponents, vectors, and matrices. Test takers will need to demonstrate their ability to manipulate and understand numbers and quantities. This section is responsible for 7-10% of the Preparing For Higher Math grade.
Algebra:
Accounting for 12-15% of the section one amount, students are tested in this arena on different kinds of equations, graphs, and models using various expressions. These may include solving linear, polynomial, and radical relationships and other systems of equations.
Functions:
Here, the ACT tests students’ knowledge of the notation, function, representation, and application of functions. For 12-15%, students need to prove their ability to manipulate and translate functions, as well as find and apply features of graphs.
Geometry:
Another 12-15% of the Preparing For Higher Math section consists of knowledge of shapes and solids. This may include questions on congruence or similarity relationships concerning anything from surface area to volume measurements. Students must prove that they understand the composition of objects by solving for missing values and using trigonometric ratios and equations.
Statistics and Probability:
In this subcategory in the ACT math section, 8-12% of the score rests in describing and analyzing data collection methods. Questions will test students on their ability to apply and model data and data distributions, and their understanding of probability calculations.
Section Two: Integrating Essential Skills
This is the second area of the math ACT test that accounts for the other 40-43% of the math score. This section can be most simply described as the “show your work” of problem-solving. It evaluates a student’s ability to synthesize and apply their skills to complex problems, their ability to solve non-routine problems, and demonstrate their understanding and abilities through a series of steps.
Section Three: Modeling
This section doesn’t have a percentage associated with it, rather it relates to the questions answered in the previous two sections that have something to do with models. When a student is asked to manipulate, interpret, or evaluate a model, this section measures their ability to do so.
The SAT Math Section
The SAT, on the other hand, breaks their subjects down a little differently. Evidence-based reading and writing encompasses the reading and writing sections, and math is broken into a 55-minute calculator-optional section and a 25-minute section without a calculator. There are a total of 80 minutes allotted for the math section for 58 questions — 38 with a calculator, 20 without.
Familiarize yourself with the commonly tested concepts we’ve listed below, and don’t forget to take the time to study the corresponding equations and formulas. In the question of ACT vs SAT math, we turn to Collegeboard and the types of math that are tested. There are four overarching categories, let’s get a little into them here.
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Heart of Algebra
These questions cover all things algebraic, everything from linear equations to functions. Students will need to create equations, solve given systems for equations, and form representations of linear relationships.
Problem Solving and Data Analysis
Problems that fall into this category cover an array of topics, including ratios, percentages, and other proportional reasoning. Test takers will need to solve problems with multiple steps, measure and evaluate data models and solve problems with percentages.
Passport to Advanced Math
As the title suggests, problems within this area relate to the math that is needed for further study in STEM-related fields. Students will need to be familiar with complex equations and functions, such as quadratic discriminant problems or exponential functions, and create and understand simple rational expressions.
We know this section is a little broader, but remember that it’s the passport into higher-tier math, not the destination.
Additional Topics in Math
There are six questions that make up this category, three in the first calculator-allowed section, and three in the calculator-free one. Here, students will be tested on problems related to geometry, trigonometry, and complex numbers, to name a few. There may be questions that ask students to determine arc lengths or apply theorems and trigonometric ratios for measurements of angles.
This may sound like the ‘catch all’ section, but don’t be intimidated by the broad nature of “Additional Topics.” There are hundreds of practice tests online, and a tutor can help you cement your understanding. With a little prep, you’ll be well-braced for any additional topic.
The Main Differences: ACT vs SAT Math
While the ACT and the SAT often get lumped together as standardized exams, it’s worth taking some time to highlight the main differences between the two. You may need to decide which one is more your style and can give you the best outcome. If you plan to take both, a little distinction between the two can help you prepare.
Let’s jump into it.
Testing Logistics for ACT vs SAT math
Standardized testing has the same routine, but there are a few key differences between the ACT and SAT exams, particularly the math sections. You need to be well equipped to walk into your testing location with the right mindset and tools. If you mix any of these up, you may end up surprised when they tell you to put away your calculator!
First is the placement of the math section within the overall test. The ACT math section comes after the English section and before the reading section, while the SAT math section comes after both reading and writing. Bear this in mind when you’re preparing and as you go through the test itself, you’re going to want to save some of that brain-power for your other sections and for every math question. SAT math is broken into two sections as we’ve discussed above, with another important qualifier. Calculators.
While the ACT allows testers to use their calculators throughout every mathematics problem, the SAT wants to see how students handle problem-solving without a calculator. This means that when you’re practicing make sure to do some of your work in test-like situations. Practice working through problems with just your brain and a pencil. And don’t forget to do it timed.
Timing of ACT vs SAT math sections
It can be intimidating to undergo the SAT and ACT because of the time constraints. If you plan accordingly, however, and practice problems with test-like timing, you should be able to save yourself a headache or two.
The SAT gives students a range of multiple-choice questions and some response questions without answer choices. These are all answered in 80 minutes (covering both sections), meaning you’ll have more than a minute with each question. Of course, some problems will take longer and others shorter, but on average you can expect to give each question a little more time.
The ACT, on the other hand, keeps questions and timing a little more rigid. You’ll have 60 minutes for 60 questions, which equals a minute per question — aren’t you glad we got you to do a little math? The questions are all multiple-choice, but you’ll have less time on average to respond to them.
Bear all of this in mind when you’re practicing. A tutor can help you shape your practice sessions and keep you on task. If you’re on your own, try going through practice tests with a timer. As you take these practice tests, be sure to note which style of timing works best with your specific needs and abilities.
Content Covered in ACT vs SAT math
While the ACT and SAT use their own structure for categorizing the problems a tester will work through, in general, the mathematical concepts are the same. This means that regardless of which you’re studying for — or if you’re prepping for both — you don’t have to go too far out of your way to cover all of the material tested. Hooray!
But even when you can expect to see linear equations and integers in both tests, pay attention to the focus each exam pays to different categories. Take geometry, which has its own 12-15% importance for the ACT, but which only has a chance of appearing in the “additional topics in math” section of the SAT.
Your time is valuable. Between extra-curricular activities and regular schoolwork, prepping for the ACT and SAT math sections should play to your strengths so as to maximize the value of your time. Breaking down the categories should help you prepare for the covered content, and help shape study habits. In general, the content covered by the ACT focuses on recalling information quickly and accurately, while the SAT math problems give you more time to apply your knowledge to complicated scenarios.
ACT vs SAT Math: Key Similarities
So maybe these tests are a little different, but they both draw on the knowledge you already have. Sure, the last time you heard of that principle may have been in one class years ago, and some of your notes may need to be dusted off, but chances are you’ve seen it before. These standardized tests differ in some key ways, but be sure to give yourself a pat on the back, after all, you’ve been preparing for these exams since your first high school math class.
So if you’re making a testing decision based on which exam is “easier,” ACT vs SAT math, chances are it’ll come down to your personal testing habits and math strategies rather than the math itself. If you know your stuff and put in the legwork you’ll have a foundation for both exams’ content, even if practice and studying look different for each test.
There are no penalties for guessing on either exam and taking an educated guess. While second to knowing for sure, this is a great testing technique. If you’re working with a tutor, take the time to go over these ACT vs SAT math strategies. You should be able to walk into testing day with sharp pencils and a firm footing on what will be asked of you.
Feeling Overwhelmed? You Don’t Have To Do It Alone
You’re not the first one to take these tests, nor will you be the last. There are people around you, parents, friends, and tutors, who can help. Whether you’re deciding which test you want to take, or if you’re trying to sort out the mathematical needs of both tests, be sure to get support from those who know the material.
No matter what your feelings are towards math, these tests will signal to colleges how ready you are for their early-stage curriculum. You’ll need these skills for your first classes, so start preparing for them now. The question of ACT vs SAT math can help you get a head start in getting the scores you want.
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