Studying for the SAT isn’t just about practicing math problems and passage reading—it's also an exercise in timing and pacing. The length of the SAT test, as well as its difficult content, can make it an intimidating challenge.
Read on for our guide to the SAT’s length, individual section times, and section ordering. Moreover, learn how to deal with fatigue during the test.
This guide has been fully updated for the digital SAT!
Detailed Guide: SAT Test Length
The digital SAT is two hours and 14 minutes (134 minutes) long in total, excluding the ten-minute break. There are two main sections on the SAT: SAT Reading and Writing and SAT Math. Each of these sections is broken into two modules.
Here's an overview of the SAT test length:
| Section | # of Questions | Time (in Minutes) |
|
Reading and Writing |
27 | 32 |
| Reading and Writing (Module 2) |
27 | 32 |
| Break | -- | 10 |
| Math (Module 1) | 22 | 35 |
| Math (Module 2) | 22 | 35 |
| TOTAL | 98 | 134 (excluding break) |
As you can see, the entire SAT Reading and Writing section lasts 64 minutes, and the entire SAT Math section lasts 70 minutes.
The SAT Isn't Just Long—It's Also Intense
The SAT is a long test—well over two hours from check-in to the end. However, it can feel as though it moves fairly quickly because of the number of questions you have to answer on each section.
Here is an overview of the number of questions you'll have on each SAT section, in addition to the approximate time you'll have to answer each question:
| Section | # of Questions | Total Time | Time per Question |
| Reading and Writing | 54 | 64 minutes | 1 minute 11 seconds |
| Math | 44 | 70 minutes | 1 minute 35 seconds |
Even though your approximate time per question is more than a minute, on the actual SAT things will be a little more complicated.
First of all, you'll likely move through easier questions much more quickly and need more time for harder questions.
Secondly, if you want to leave time at the end of a section to check your answers, you'll have to spend less time on each question. Keep in mind that for the Reading and Writing section, you will also have to spend some time reading the passages.
In addition, note that stamina is incredibly important. Not only do you have to move quickly question-to-question, but you also need to maintain your test-taking speed for a long period of time. Building that kind of stamina takes practice!
How to Prepare for the SAT Exam Length: 3 Tips
Below, we go over our three best tips for preparing for the SAT exam length. These will help you feel prepared for test day and teach you how to stay focused during the exam.
#1: Take Full-Length Digital SAT Practice Tests
The best way to prepare for the timing and intensity of the digital SAT is to take full-length, strictly timed practice tests. This way, even if you're someone who easily gets tired during long stretches of testing, you can get used to the SAT’s format and time expectations.
Make sure you're using official practice tests (i.e., those created by the College Board). Don't rely on old practice tests to help you out since these differ a lot from the current digital SAT's structure. It's best to take the exam on the computer, as that's how you'll be taking it on test day. The College Board's Bluebook app offers six free practice SATs you can take online. The six available practice tests provide you with a sneak peek of the interface, format, and scoring of the online test, so they’re a useful tool as you prepare for the digital format.
As you take your test, time yourself as you'll be timed on the actual SAT. This means no giving yourself extra time on a section and no skipping ahead if you finish one early!
You need to build up endurance and practice your pacing for the SAT—just like training for a race.
#2: Do Practice Tests on Weekends
The best time to take official SAT practice tests is on a Saturday or Sunday morning so you can get a good idea of what your energy level will be like the day of the actual test. Sure, it might be easier to fit in a practice test late on a Sunday night, but you'll have to take the real test in the morning, so you should practice with that time in mind.
Pretend you're waking up for the actual test. Waking up early and jumping into an SAT practice test probably isn’t your ideal way to start a Saturday, but it’s the best way to be prepare for the actual SAT. Plus, it'll preserve your Saturday afternoon and evening for more fun activities!
#3: Time Yourself on Individual Practice Sections
As you study for the different SAT sections, make sure to periodically take an entire practice section with only the time you're given on the test.
For example, after a week of focusing on SAT Reading and Writing, take one or two Reading and Writing practice tests and give yourself 64 minutes—the time you'll have on the actual exam for that section. This will allow you to get used to the timing on the SAT and further build up your test-taking stamina.
What’s Next?
Now that you know how long the test will take, read about the best places to take the SAT.
Want additional SAT help? Get tips on how to work quickly and save time during the SAT.
Preparing for test day? Check out our top SAT test-day tips so you can be both mentally and physically ready to take on the SAT.
