Essential SAT Math Formulas

Master every formula you need for SAT Math success. While the digital SAT provides some formulas, knowing them all will save you valuable time.

✓ Formulas Provided on Test Day

The digital SAT includes a reference sheet with these formulas.

Area of a circle: A = πr²
Circumference: C = 2πr
Area of a rectangle: A = lw
Area of a triangle: A = ½bh
Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c²
Volume formulas for common 3D shapes

Algebra (35% of test)

Slope-Intercept Form

y = mx + b

m is slope, b is y-intercept

Point-Slope Form

y - y₁ = m(x - x₁)

Use when you have a point and slope

Slope Formula

m = (y₂ - y₁) / (x₂ - x₁)

Find slope between two points

Quadratic Formula

x = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)] / 2a

Solve ax² + bx + c = 0

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Geometry & Trigonometry (15% of test)

Circle Area

A = πr²

r is the radius

Circle Circumference

C = 2πr or C = πd

d is diameter (2r)

Triangle Area

A = ½bh

b is base, h is height

Rectangle Area

A = lw

l is length, w is width

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Advanced Math (35% of test)

Vertex Form (Parabola)

y = a(x - h)² + k

Vertex is at (h, k)

Exponential Growth/Decay

y = a(1 ± r)ᵗ

+ for growth, - for decay

Compound Interest

A = P(1 + r/n)ⁿᵗ

P is principal, r is rate, n is times per year

Simple Interest

I = Prt

P is principal, r is rate, t is time

Volume Formulas

Rectangular Prism

V = lwh

length × width × height

Cylinder

V = πr²h

r is radius, h is height

Sphere

V = (4/3)πr³

r is radius

Cone

V = (1/3)πr²h

r is radius, h is height

Exponent Rules

aⁿ × aᵐ = aⁿ⁺ᵐ
Same base, add exponents
aⁿ / aᵐ = aⁿ⁻ᵐ
Same base, subtract exponents
(aⁿ)ᵐ = aⁿᵐ
Power to a power, multiply
a⁰ = 1
Any number to the zero power is 1

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Statistics & Data Analysis

Mean (Average)

Mean = (Sum of values) / (Number of values)

Add all values and divide by count

Median

Middle value when ordered

If even count, average the two middle values

Probability

P(A) = (Favorable outcomes) / (Total outcomes)

Always between 0 and 1

How to Memorize These Formulas

📝 Create Formula Flashcards

Write each formula on one side and its application on the other. Review daily for 10 minutes.

🔄 Practice Application

Don't just memorize—solve practice problems using each formula to understand when to apply it.

📊 Group by Category

Study formulas in groups (algebra, geometry, etc.) to create mental connections and patterns.

⏰ Test Yourself Weekly

Write out all formulas from memory once a week to identify which ones need more review.

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