SAT Math Refrence Sheet PDF 2026

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At the beginning of both SAT Math sections, College Board provides the SAT Math Reference Sheet. Although it contains important geometry formulas and pictures, the sheet is not the only source of excellent scores.

Top scorers succeed because they:

• Know which formula to use instantly
• Understand what is NOT provided
• Avoid wasting time searching during the test

Only a small percentage of students score 700+ in SAT Math. Mastering the reference sheet and its limitations is one of the biggest differences between average scores and top results.

SAT Math Reference Sheet Resources (U.S. Students)

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What’s Included on the SAT Math Reference Sheet

The reference sheet focuses only on geometry. It does not include algebra, statistics, or advanced math formulas.

Circle Formulas

Example:
If diameter = 10 → radius = 5
Area = π(5)² = 25π

Rule of Thumb

• Rectangle/parallelogram → A = bh
• Any triangle → A = ½bh

High-frequency SAT topics:
Cylinder and sphere volume problems appear regularly.

Quick Rule

• Volume → How much fits inside
• Surface Area → How much material is needed

For non-special triangles, use a² + b² = c².

SAT Online Prep Course Details  

What Is NOT on the SAT Math Reference Sheet

Common Mistakes U.S. Students Make

SAT Math Section Structure

Digital SAT Reference Sheet Notes

• Accessed via on-screen icon
• Same formulas as paper test
• Navigation speed matters
• Practice using Bluebook

How to Practice with the Reference Sheet (Recommended)

Useful Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): SAT Math Reference Sheet

1. Do students get a reference sheet on the SAT Math exam?

Yes. College Board provides an official SAT Math reference sheet at the start of both Math sections. It is available for the entire duration of each section.

2. Is the SAT Math reference sheet the same for the Digital SAT and paper SAT?

Yes. The formulas and diagrams are identical for both formats. On the Digital SAT, the reference sheet appears inside the testing interface instead of on paper.

3. What formulas are included on the SAT Math reference sheet?

The reference sheet includes basic geometry formulas, such as:

• Circle area and circumference
• Triangle and rectangle area
• Volume and surface area of common 3D figures
• Pythagorean theorem
• Special right triangles (30-60-90 and 45-45-90)

It does not include algebra or statistics formulas.

4. What formulas are NOT on the SAT Math reference sheet?

You must memorize:

• Slope and linear equation formulas
• Quadratic formula
• Distance and midpoint formulas
• Mean, median, mode, probability
• Percent change and unit conversions
• Polygon angle sum, arc length, and sector area

Missing these formulas is a major reason students lose points.

5. Should students memorize formulas that are already on the reference sheet?

Yes. Time is saved and tension is decreased by memorizing commonly used formulas, such as circle area, the Pythagorean theorem, and special triangles. The sheet is exclusively used by top scorers for rapid verification.

6. Can students write or mark on the SAT Math reference sheet?

No. On the reference sheet itself, writing is not permitted. While working through problems, you might, however, transcribe formulas onto your test booklet or scratch paper.

7. How much time should students spend using the reference sheet during the exam?

Ideally, no more than 10–15 seconds per lookup. Spending longer usually indicates weak formula familiarity and hurts time management.

8. Is the SAT Math reference sheet enough to score high in math?

No. The reference sheet covers only basic geometry. High scores depend on:

• Memorizing non-listed formulas
• Understanding when to apply formulas
• Strong algebra and data analysis skills
• Efficient time management

9. Do SAT Math questions always tell you which formula to use?

No. Concept recognition, not memory, is tested on the SAT. Based on the context of the situation, students must determine which formula is applicable.

10. Are unit conversions provided on the reference sheet?

No. Common unit conversions, such as inches to feet and minutes to hours, must be committed to memory by the students.

11. How should students practice using the SAT Math reference sheet?

Students should:

• Use the official reference sheet in every practice session
• Practice locating formulas under timed conditions
• Avoid relying on the sheet for formulas they use often
• Practice full-length tests with real timing

12. Does the calculator replace the need to memorize formulas?

No. The calculator aids in computation rather than formula choosing. Students still need to know which formula to apply and how to put up the problem correctly.

13. Why do students still make geometry mistakes even with the reference sheet?

Common reasons include:

• Confusing radius and diameter
• Mixing volume and surface area
• Forgetting to square or cube values
• Misidentifying special triangles

The sheet does not prevent conceptual errors.

14. Is the SAT Math reference sheet harder than ACT or AP reference sheets?

Yes. There are fewer options on the SAT reference sheet. ACT and AP tests provide broader formula help, whereas the SAT expects stronger memorizing and thinking.

15. Can students bring their own formula sheet to the SAT?

No. Only the official SAT reference sheet is allowed. Bringing personal notes or formula sheets violates test rules.