PSAT Math – An Overview of the PSAT Math Sections
The PSAT Math section is composed of two sub-sections: a 45 minutes 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 general information about the PSAT Test, visit our PSAT Test page.
- For information about the PSAT Reading sections, visit our PSAT Reading page.
- For information about the PSAT Writing and Language section, visit our PSAT Writing and Language page.
- For information about upcoming PSAT test dates, visit our PSAT Test Dates page.
- Wondering how PSAT scores are calculated? Visit our PSAT Scores page to find out.
- Visit our National Merit Scholarship Qualifications page to find out if your child’s scores qualify him or her for a National Merit Scholarship.
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