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%