The PSAT/NMSQT covers two main sections: Reading and Writing and Math. Together they test reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, algebra, advanced math, problem solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry. The content is identical to the Digital SAT, just with slightly fewer of the hardest questions.
This guide breaks down exactly what is on the PSAT: every section, every topic, every question type, and the rough number of questions devoted to each area. Use it to plan what to study and what to expect on test day.
PSAT Content at a Glance
Both sections use a two-module adaptive format, where Module 2 difficulty is determined by your Module 1 performance. For more on the timing structure, see How Long Is the PSAT?
What Is on the PSAT Reading and Writing Section
The Reading and Writing section combines reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and rhetorical skills into a single section. Each question is paired with a short passage (typically 25-150 words) drawn from literature, history, social studies, science, or humanities.
The 54 questions are organized into four skill areas:
Craft and Structure
This skill area tests how well you understand word choice, text purpose, and how passages are organized. Question types include:
- Words in context: Choose the word or phrase that best fits the meaning of a passage
- Text structure and purpose: Identify why an author wrote a passage or how it is organized
- Cross-text connections: Compare two related passages and identify how the authors' views relate
Information and Ideas
These questions test reading comprehension and the ability to find evidence in a passage. Question types include:
- Central ideas and details: Identify the main idea or a specific detail from the passage
- Inferences: Draw a logical conclusion supported by the passage
- Command of evidence (textual): Identify which sentence or detail best supports a claim
- Command of evidence (quantitative): Use data from a graph or table to support an argument
Standard English Conventions
This skill area tests grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Question types include:
- Boundaries: Sentence fragments, run-ons, comma splices, semicolons, colons
- Form, structure, and sense: Subject-verb agreement, verb tense, pronoun agreement, parallel structure
For a complete breakdown of the 15 grammar rules tested, see Digital SAT Grammar Rules.
Expression of Ideas
These questions test how well you can revise and improve a piece of writing. Question types include:
- Transitions: Choose the best transition word or phrase between sentences
- Rhetorical synthesis: Use a set of student notes to write a sentence that achieves a specific goal (the most challenging question type in this section)
For an in-depth look at this section, see the SAT Reading complete guide (the PSAT and SAT use identical formats).
What Is on the PSAT Math Section
The Math section covers algebra, advanced math, problem solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry. A built-in Desmos graphing calculator is available for all 44 questions. About 33 of the questions are multiple choice and about 11 are student-produced response (where you type in your own answer).
Algebra
About one-third of math questions test algebra fundamentals. Topics include:
- Linear equations in one and two variables
- Linear inequalities
- Systems of linear equations
- Linear functions and their graphs
- Interpreting slope and y-intercept in real-world contexts
Advanced Math
Another third covers more challenging math topics:
- Quadratic equations and functions (factoring, quadratic formula, vertex form)
- Polynomial expressions and equations
- Exponential functions and growth/decay problems
- Nonlinear equations (radicals, rational expressions, absolute value)
- Function notation and composition
Problem Solving and Data Analysis
This domain covers real-world math:
- Ratios, rates, proportions, and unit conversions
- Percentages, percent change, and percent of a number
- Basic probability and conditional probability
- Mean, median, mode, range, and standard deviation
- Reading scatterplots, bar graphs, line graphs, and tables
- Linear and exponential models from data
Geometry and Trigonometry
The smallest content domain covers:
- Area and volume formulas (triangles, circles, prisms, cylinders)
- Angle relationships (parallel lines, triangles, polygons)
- Right triangle trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangent)
- Properties of circles (arcs, sectors, equation of a circle)
- Coordinate geometry (distance, midpoint, slope between points)
For a complete topic-by-topic breakdown, see SAT Math Topics. For formulas you should memorize, see the SAT Math Formula Sheet.
Question Types You Will See on the PSAT
The PSAT uses two main question formats:
Multiple Choice
About 87 of the 98 PSAT questions are multiple choice with four answer options (A, B, C, D). These appear in both the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. You can use elimination strategies, plug in answer choices, and backsolve from the options.
Student-Produced Response (Math Only)
About 11 of the 44 math questions are student-produced response (sometimes called grid-in or SPR). Instead of choosing from answer options, you type your answer directly into a text box. Common answer formats:
- Whole numbers (e.g., 42)
- Decimals (e.g., 3.14 or .25)
- Fractions (e.g., 3/4 or 7/2)
SPR questions test the same content as multiple choice questions, but they require more precision because there are no answer choices to verify against. Practice this format so it feels familiar on test day.
What Is NOT on the PSAT
The PSAT does not test:
- Essay writing: There is no essay or written response section. The Reading and Writing section tests writing skills through multiple-choice questions only.
- Long reading passages: The PSAT uses short passages (25-150 words), not the long 500-700 word passages from the old paper SAT.
- A separate science section: Unlike the ACT, the PSAT has no science section. Some passages cover scientific topics, but they are part of the Reading and Writing section.
- Pre-calculus or calculus: The math section covers up through basic trigonometry and some simple precalculus concepts, but not full precalculus or calculus.
- Foreign languages, history specifics, or literature analysis: All reading passages are self-contained. You do not need outside knowledge to answer any question.
How PSAT Content Compares to SAT Content
The PSAT and Digital SAT cover the exact same topics, in the exact same proportions, with the exact same question types. The only difference is difficulty range:
- The PSAT excludes some of the hardest question types found on the SAT
- The PSAT max score is 1520 vs. 1600 on the SAT, reflecting that 80-point gap in question difficulty
- Both tests use the same skill areas, content domains, formats, and adaptive structure
This is why preparing for the PSAT and preparing for the SAT are essentially the same activity. For a side-by-side comparison, see PSAT vs SAT.
How to Study What Is on the PSAT
Now that you know the content, here is how to prepare effectively:
- Take a diagnostic test. Use a free SAT practice quiz to identify which content areas are your weakest. The PSAT and SAT cover identical content, so SAT diagnostics work perfectly.
- Focus on Algebra and Advanced Math first. Together they make up 70% of the math section. Improving here gives you the biggest score boost per hour studied.
- Learn the 15 grammar rules. Standard English Conventions accounts for ~26% of the Reading and Writing section. Memorize the rules and you can pick up easy points. See the Digital SAT Grammar Rules guide.
- Build vocabulary in context. Many Reading and Writing questions test how a word is used in a passage rather than its dictionary definition. The SAT Prep Vocabulary list covers the most common words.
- Practice with real passages. Get used to the short-passage format. The College Board offers free Bluebook practice tests that mimic the real PSAT exactly.
- Take timed full-length tests. Simulate real test conditions with the same module structure (32 minutes for R&W, 35 minutes for Math).
For a complete study plan, see SAT Prep Tips and How to Create a Study Schedule for the SAT.
Frequently Asked Questions About PSAT Content
What is on the PSAT?
The PSAT has two sections: Reading and Writing (54 questions) and Math (44 questions). The Reading and Writing section tests vocabulary in context, reading comprehension, grammar, and rhetorical skills. The Math section covers algebra, advanced math, problem solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry.
How many sections are on the PSAT?
The PSAT has two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section is split into two adaptive modules, so you take four modules total during the test.
What math topics are on the PSAT?
The PSAT math section covers four content domains: Algebra (~35%, including linear equations and systems), Advanced Math (~35%, including quadratics and exponentials), Problem Solving and Data Analysis (~15%, including ratios, percentages, and statistics), and Geometry and Trigonometry (~15%, including area, volume, and basic trig).
Is there a science section on the PSAT?
No. The PSAT does not have a separate science section. Some Reading and Writing passages cover scientific topics, and some math problems use scientific contexts (like reading data from a scientific experiment), but there is no dedicated science section like on the ACT.
Is there an essay on the PSAT?
No. The PSAT has no essay or written response. Writing skills are tested entirely through multiple-choice questions in the Reading and Writing section.
Does the PSAT include trigonometry?
Yes, but only basic right-triangle trigonometry. Topics include sine, cosine, tangent, and the relationships between sides and angles in right triangles. The PSAT does not include unit circle trigonometry, trig identities, or advanced trig functions found in precalculus.
What kind of grammar does the PSAT test?
The PSAT tests Standard English Conventions, which includes punctuation (commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes), sentence structure (fragments, run-ons, parallel structure), and word forms (subject-verb agreement, verb tense, pronoun agreement). About 11-15 questions cover these rules. See the Digital SAT Grammar Rules for the complete list.
Is the PSAT content the same as the SAT content?
Yes. The PSAT and Digital SAT cover identical content using identical formats. The only difference is that the SAT includes some harder question types and has a slightly higher score ceiling (1600 vs. 1520). Studying for one test prepares you for the other. See PSAT vs SAT for a full comparison.
