Last Updated: March 25, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The Digital SAT provides a reference sheet with 12 geometry formulas and 3 geometric facts, but nothing for algebra, statistics, or advanced math
- You need to memorize roughly 30 additional formulas covering linear equations, quadratics, exponents, statistics, and trigonometry
- Knowing which formulas are given and which are not is just as important as knowing the formulas themselves
- The most frequently tested formulas are slope-intercept form, the quadratic formula, and percent change
Every SAT math formula sheet you will ever need is on this page. The Digital SAT math section tests 44 questions across two modules, and while the College Board provides a reference sheet during the test, it only covers basic geometry. Everything else, from slope to the quadratic formula, needs to be in your head before test day.
This guide splits every formula into two clear groups: what the SAT gives you and what you must memorize. If you are looking for SAT math practice questions to drill these formulas, we have those too.
Formulas the SAT Gives You (The Reference Sheet)
When you open the Bluebook testing app on test day, the reference sheet is available at the top of both math modules. You can access it at any time by clicking the reference button. Here is exactly what it includes:
The reference sheet also states three facts:
- A circle contains 360 degrees of arc
- A circle contains 2π radians of arc
- The angles in a triangle sum to 180 degrees
Notice something important: every formula on the reference sheet is geometry. The SAT gives you zero algebra formulas, zero statistics formulas, and zero advanced math formulas. That means the formulas below are entirely on you.
SAT Math Formulas You Must Memorize
These are the formulas the Digital SAT expects you to know from memory. They cover the four main content domains: algebra, advanced math, problem solving, and geometry/trigonometry. Each formula below appears regularly on the test.
Linear Equations and Slope
Linear equations make up roughly 35% of SAT math questions, making these the most important formulas on this entire SAT math formula sheet.
Quadratic Equations
Quadratics are the second most heavily tested topic. You will likely see 6 to 10 questions involving these formulas.
Exponents, Radicals, and Functions
These formulas show up in the Advanced Math domain, which accounts for about 35% of questions. Exponent rules in particular are tested frequently.
Statistics and Probability
The Problem Solving and Data Analysis domain makes up about 15% of SAT math. These formulas are straightforward but easy to mix up under time pressure.
Geometry and Trigonometry (Beyond the Reference Sheet)
The reference sheet covers basic geometry, but the SAT also tests circle equations, arc length, sector area, and basic trigonometry. These formulas are not provided.
How to Memorize SAT Math Formulas
Knowing which formulas you need is only half the battle. You also need to recall them quickly under test day pressure. Here are five study methods that work, ordered from most effective to least.
- Practice problems first, flashcards second. Formulas stick when you use them in context. Start a practice quiz focused on algebra or geometry, and you will naturally drill the formulas that come up most often.
- Group formulas by topic. Study all the linear equation formulas together, then all the quadratic formulas, then exponents. Your brain builds stronger connections when related formulas are learned as a set.
- Write them out by hand. Research consistently shows that handwriting improves retention over typing. Write each formula on a physical flashcard with a sample problem on the back.
- Use spaced repetition. Review formulas at increasing intervals: today, tomorrow, three days later, one week later. This is how long-term memory forms.
- Focus on what you actually forget. After a practice session, note which formulas you could not recall. Those go into a separate "trouble" pile for extra review.
Most students can memorize all the SAT math formulas in two to three weeks of focused practice. If you are building a study schedule, plan to start formula review at least three weeks before test day.
Common Mistakes With SAT Math Formulas
Even students who know every formula make errors under pressure. Watch out for these traps, especially when tackling harder SAT math questions.
- Confusing the slope formula with the midpoint formula. Slope divides the difference in y by the difference in x. Midpoint averages the coordinates. One uses subtraction, the other addition.
- Forgetting the ± in the quadratic formula. If you only compute one root, you miss half the answer. Always check whether the question asks for one solution or both.
- Using the wrong base in percent change. Percent change always divides by the original (old) value. Dividing by the new value is wrong and will give you a different answer.
- Mixing up r and r² in circle equations. If the equation says (x−3)² + (y+2)² = 25, the radius is 5 (not 25). The equation uses r², so you need to take the square root.
- Applying exponent rules to different bases. The rule aᵐ × aⁿ = aᵐ⁺ⁿ only works when the base is the same. You cannot combine 2³ × 3² this way.
- Forgetting that the discriminant tells you how many solutions exist. If a question asks "how many real solutions does this equation have?" you do not need to solve. Just compute b² − 4ac.
SAT vs. ACT: Do You Need Different Formulas?
If you are deciding between the two tests or preparing for both, the good news is that there is significant overlap. About 80% of the formulas on this SAT math formula sheet also appear on the ACT. The key differences:
For the full list of ACT formulas, see our ACT math formulas cheat sheet. If you are undecided between the tests, our SAT prep guide and score calculator can help you figure out where you stand.
Frequently Asked Questions About SAT Math Formulas
Does the SAT give you a formula sheet?
Yes. The Digital SAT provides a reference sheet with 12 geometry formulas (areas, volumes, Pythagorean theorem, special right triangles) and three geometric facts. You can access it at any time during both math modules by clicking the reference button in Bluebook. However, it does not include any algebra, statistics, or advanced math formulas.
Is the quadratic formula given on the SAT?
No. The quadratic formula (x = (−b ± √(b²−4ac)) / 2a) is not on the reference sheet. You must memorize it. This is one of the most important SAT math formulas to know because quadratic equations appear on every single test.
How many formulas do you need to memorize for the SAT?
Beyond the 12 formulas provided on the reference sheet, you should memorize roughly 30 additional formulas. That sounds like a lot, but many are simple (like y = mx + b) and most students already know 10 to 15 of them from school.
Can I bring a formula sheet to the SAT?
No. You cannot bring any reference materials, formula sheets, or notes into the testing room. The only formulas available to you are the ones on the built-in Digital SAT reference sheet and whatever you have memorized. According to College Board policy, outside materials are not permitted.
What are the most important SAT math formulas to memorize first?
Start with the formulas that appear most frequently: slope-intercept form (y = mx + b), the quadratic formula, the equation of a circle, percent change, and the discriminant. These five alone cover a significant portion of SAT math questions. Once those are solid, move on to exponent rules and trigonometric ratios.
Are SAT math formulas the same as ACT math formulas?
About 80% overlap. Both tests require the same algebra, geometry, and statistics formulas. The main differences are that the ACT does not provide any reference sheet (so you need to memorize the geometry formulas too), and the ACT tests slightly more advanced trigonometry including law of sines and law of cosines. See our ACT formula guide for the full comparison.
How long does it take to memorize all SAT math formulas?
Most students can memorize all the essential formulas in two to three weeks with daily 15-minute review sessions. The key is spaced repetition: review new formulas daily, then space out reviews as they become more familiar. Combining memorization with practice questions speeds up the process significantly because you learn formulas in context.
What is the hardest SAT math formula to remember?
Students most commonly struggle with the quadratic formula, compound interest formula, and the circle equation. The quadratic formula has many parts that are easy to mix up, compound interest has multiple variables, and students often confuse the radius with the radius squared in circle equations. Writing these out by hand repeatedly is the best way to lock them in. For targeted practice on challenging problems, try our SAT math study guide.
