SAT Math Formula Chart
The SAT gives you some formulas, but not every formula worth knowing. This chart separates what appears on the reference sheet from what you should memorize.
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High-value formulas
Prioritize formulas that save time or appear inside multi-step problems.
| Topic | Formula | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Slope | (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1) | Lines and rates |
| Quadratic formula | x = (-b +/- sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)) / 2a | Non-factorable quadratics |
| Circle area | A = pi r^2 | Geometry |
| Triangle area | A = 1/2 bh | Geometry |
| Exponential growth | y = a(1 + r)^x | Growth models |
What to memorize
Memorize formulas that let you move faster than opening the reference sheet.
- Slope-intercept form
- Point-slope form
- Vertex form
- Distance formula
- Percent change
How to turn this into SAT Math points
For Math resources, the useful question is always: which setup gets me to the answer fastest? Decide between mental math, paper algebra, Desmos, or answer-choice testing before you start calculating.
- Use Desmos for intersections, roots, vertices, tables, and regression.
- Use paper algebra when the equation is short or already factored.
- Use answer choices when they are ordered and easy to substitute.
- After every miss, label it as setup, algebra, calculator, or reading error.
Next steps
FAQs
Does the SAT provide a formula sheet?
Yes. The Math section includes a reference sheet, but you should still memorize common algebra and function forms.
What formula matters most for SAT Math?
Slope is the highest-frequency formula because it appears in lines, functions, tables, graphs, and word problems.
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