Content of the SAT Subject Test: Mathematics

There’s a lot of overlap between what’s tested on Level 1 and what’s tested on Level 2. But there’s
also a lot that’s tested on Level 2 only and even some math that’s tested on Level 1 only.

CONTENT AT A GLANCE

Level   1   covers  two years   of  algebra and one year    of  geometry.   Level   2   covers  two years   of

algebra,    one year    of  geometry,   and one year    of  trigonometry    and/or  precalculus.    There   is  no

calculus    on  either  test.

Level 1 is meant to cover the math you’d get in two years of algebra and one year of geometry. Level
2 is meant to cover that much math plus what you’d get in a year of trigonometry and/or
precalculus. There is no calculus on either test.

In order to make room for more questions on more advanced topics, Level 2 has fewer questions on
the more basic topics. In fact, it has no plane geometry questions at all. While we've included the
official breakdown here, please visit the College Board's website for additional information
regarding how the two tests differ in topic area.

Approximate Percentage  of  Content Coverage    by  Topic

Topic Approx.   %

Level   

Approx. %

Level   

Number  and Operations 10-14% 10-14%

Algebra and Functions 38-42% 48-52%

Geometry    and Measurement 38-42% 28-32%

Data    Analysis,   Statistics  and Probability 8-12% 8-12%