The Digital SAT: Structure & Logic

The paper SAT is dead. The Digital SAT is adaptive, shorter (2 hours), and allows a calculator on every math question.

The Digital Format

Section	Time	Questions	Key Feature
Reading & Writing	64 Minutes	54 Questions	Short passages (25-150 words). One question per passage.
Math	70 Minutes	44 Questions	Calculator allowed on ALL questions.
Total	2 Hrs 14 Mins	98 Questions	Taken on the "Bluebook" App.

Module-Adaptive Logic

The SAT works in "stages." It does not adapt after every question (like GMAT), but after the first module.

Module 1: The Baseline

Mix of Easy, Medium, and Hard questions.

The Pivot

High Accuracy → Hard Module 2
Low Accuracy → Easy Module 2

The Score Cap

You MUST trigger the Hard Module 2 to score 600+ per section.

Inside the "Bluebook" App

The Digital SAT interface is unique. It features a split-screen layout for Reading & Writing and built-in tools that you must master to save time.

Section 1: Reading and Writing 32:00 Remaining

Reading Passage

While researching the effects of urban noise on bird communication, ecologist Sarah Davis noticed that robins in city centers sing at a higher pitch than those in rural areas. Davis hypothesizes that this shift allows the urban robins' calls to be heard over the low-frequency rumble of traffic.

[Passage continues...]

Question 4 of 27

Which finding, if true, would most directly support Davis's hypothesis?

A. Urban robins are genetically distinct from rural robins.

B. Traffic noise in the city is primarily low-frequency.

C. Rural robins sing louder than urban robins.

Process of Elimination

The "Strikethrough" tool (visually shown in Option C above) is vital. You can physically cross out wrong answers, which helps focus your brain on the remaining contenders.

Mark for Review

The Digital SAT allows you to "flag" questions. Unlike paper tests where you might lose your place, the app keeps a neat list of flagged questions for you to revisit at the end.

Built-in Desmos

In the Math section, a graphing calculator is available on-screen for every single question. You don't need to bring your own device if you master this tool.

The 400-1600 Scoring Scale

The Digital SAT keeps the classic 1600-point scale. There is no penalty for guessing, so you should never leave a question blank.

Total Score400 - 1600

Sum of two sections.
Competitive: 1400+

Reading & Writing200 - 800

Combined into one score.
10-point increments.

Math Section200 - 800

Calculator allowed for all.
10-point increments.

Official Syllabus Breakdown

Reading & Writing

54 Questions | 64 Mins

Key Domains:

Craft & Structure: Vocabulary in context, text structure, and cross-text connections.
Information & Ideas: Central ideas, command of evidence, and inferences.
Standard English Conventions: Strict grammar rules (punctuation, verb tense, agreements).

Math

44 Questions | 70 Mins

Key Domains:

Algebra: Linear equations, systems of equations (Desmos heavy!).
Advanced Math: Quadratic equations, exponential functions, non-linear graphs.
Problem Solving & Data: Ratios, percentages, probability, scatterplots.
Geometry & Trig: Area, volume, angles, SohCahToa (approx 15% of test).

Ready to Master the Digital Format?

Now that you understand the rules and tools, it's time to practice. Start with our free SAT Math and Reading modules.

Start Free SAT Prep