---
title: "New SAT vs ACT: Comparison Charts · PrepScholar"
description: How do you compare the new 2016 SAT with the ACT? Which test should you take? Read our charts to figure out how to decide between SAT vs ACT.
image: https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/feature_differencetree.jpg
---

**[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com/)**

CALL NOW:

[+1 (866) 811-5546](tel:18668115546)

[![Start Free Trial](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-171805697634.png)](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKJluK2NyG3jpAJh%2F2lClc1fhnVHyMZoQonqRxtJngB8FMX6lc78F84JqOaVAL0d36TA5%2FYuH%2FLCJw8AG3ewREi%2F7a3XDouZgjxWfYCBUge6z76KnSykOxONl3avMK0gUjJGpJdyJE2BDTx8g3bsgHwMtx4Kr9Jfh6Jr7WA2XEIgtLw1OoVvAMo4Kw%3D&webInteractiveContentId=171805697634&portalId=360031)

## Choose Your Test

SAT Prep ACT Prep

[PrepScholar Advice Blog](https://blog.prepscholar.com/)

 ☰

- Search Blogs By Category
- [SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat)
- [ACT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/act)
- [College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions)
- [AP and IB Exams](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/advanced-placement-ap)
- [PSAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/psat-info-and-strategies)
- [TOEFL](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/toefl)
- [GPA and Coursework](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/coursework-gpa)

# [New SAT vs ACT: Comparison Charts](https://blog.prepscholar.com/new-sat-vs-act-comparison-chart)

![author image](http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/author_alex.png)

Posted by [Alex Heimbach](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/alex-heimbach) | Updated on November 11, 2025

[SAT versus ACT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat-versus-act) , [New SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/new-sat)

 

![feature_differencetree](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/feature_differencetree.jpg)

**The SAT and the ACT are both recently underwent updates**: the ACT got a new writing test and some minor content tweaks, while the SAT was fully redesigned.

With all this change, it can be difficult to keep track of everything. I've created some **simple charts that outline the basic differences in structure and content for the new SAT vs the ACT.**

This post is more of an overview than a detailed side-by-side comparison, however, so for a more in-depth discussion of the differences between the updated versions of the two tests, you should take a look at [our full breakdown of the SAT vs ACT here](https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-new-sat-vs-the-act-a-full-breakdown).

 

*Image: [Zach Stern](https://www.flickr.com/photos/zachstern/87431231/in/photolist-8J7g2-diZBh6-2NjNpA-9GHepy-9jzk6U-8t7Xqa-pJRgvh-edRR9q-5uqnyL-qxSMyV-8NoDgQ-q2HNS1-rsqahC-5g6nVf-4k7jfr-fHEY7P-q8KxY8-MEEyj-oguTd8-5xD8Mu-rZgF6f-7iKpEY-anD95s-8uw1KJ-gaNLNX-5jhVkg-q29TqQ-gvKjt6-4umYTE-3egQyu-fHEXYT-qPkmQ5-h2WGou-awnQds-gppD1-6q5Fuy-4Wwjsb-nLwkjZ-541Sz5-boFgcy-5x9W4u-4EaxZ2-d7o1d-4WwCd3-z8s2A-rXLr-5XfXdz-6u5be7-5wYtS5-5x5vNW)/Flickr*

 

## General Test Structure

As you'll see in the chart below, **the redesigned SAT is radically streamlined**—there are now only four sections and the scoring has returned to the original 400-1600 (instead of the 600-2400 scale used from 2005-2015). The wrong answer penalty has also been eliminated.

**The ACT format, meanwhile, is essentially the same.** The essay is slightly longer, however.

 

|   | **New SAT** | **ACT** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Total Time** | 3 hrs (plus 50 min for essay) | 2 hrs 55 min (plus 40 min for essay) |
| **Number of sections** | 4 plus essay | 4 plus essay |
| **Sections** | Reading:  65 min Writing and Language: 35 min Math (No calculator): 25 min Math (with calculator): 55 min Optional essay: 50 min | English: 45 min Math:  60 min Reading: 35 min Science: 35 min Optional essay: 40 min |
| **Scoring** | Two section scores, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (includes Reading and Writing and Language) and Math, on  a 200-800 scale combined for a total score from 400-1600 | Four section scores scaled from 1-36 averaged for a composite from 1-36 |
| **Wrong answer penalty?** | No | No |

 

 

## Reading

Since the new SAT includes only long passages and the ACT recently added paired passages, **the two tests' reading sections have become much more similar**.

Nonetheless, there are still some **major differences in the types of questions** they ask: [the evidence questions on the redesigned SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/command-of-evidence-sat-reading) are especially different from ACT reading questions.

 

|   | **New SAT** | **ACT** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Time** | 65  min | 35 min |
| **Format** | 4 single passages and 1 pair, 10-11 questions each | 4 passages, potentially including 1 paired passage, 10 questions each |
| **# of questions** | 5 passages, 52 questions | 4 passages, 40 questions |
| **Time per passage/question** | 13 min/75 sec | 8 min, 45 sec/53 sec |
| **Passage types** | 1 U.S. or World Literature, 2 History or Social Studies, 2 Science | 1 Prose Fiction or Literary Narrative, 1 Social Sciences, 1 Humanities, 1 Natural Sciences |
| **Question types** | Main Idea, Vocab-in-Context, Inference, Evidence Support, Data Reasoning, Technique, Detail-Oriented | Main Idea, Vocab-in-Context, Inference, Detail-Oriented |
| **Key skills** | Reading comprehension, inferring ideas, identifying evidence | Reading comprehension, inferring ideas, locating details |

 

 

##  SAT Writing and Language/ACT English

SAT Writing and Language (formerly SAT writing) is the other SAT section that the redesign made **markedly more similar to its ACT equivalent**. The College Board ditched Identifying Sentence Errors and the rest of its unique question styles for an [ACT-style passage structure](https://blog.prepscholar.com/sat-writing-passages).

However, the new SAT writing section **still doesn't include [the big-picture organization](https://blog.prepscholar.com/macro-logic-in-act-english-sentence-and-paragraph-order) and [main idea questions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author-main-goal-act-english-questions)** that the ACT English section does.

 

|   | **New SAT** | **ACT** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Time** | 35  min | 45 min |
| **Format** | 4 passages, 11 questions each | 5 passages, 15 questions each |
| **Total # of questions** | 44 questions | 75 questions |
| **Time per passage/question** | 8 min, 45 sec/48 sec | 9 min/36 sec |
| **Content** | Standard English Conventions: 20 questions (45%), covering sentence structure, conventions of usage, and conventions of punctuation Expression of Ideas: 24 questions (55%), covering development, organization and effective language use | Usage and Mechanics: sentence structure (20-25%), grammar and usage (15-20%), and punctuation (10-15%) Rhetorical Skills: style (15-20%), strategy (15-20%), and organization (10-15%) |
| **Key Skills** | Understanding grammar rules, expressing ideas clearly, connecting sentences logically | Understanding grammar rules, connecting sentences logically, recognizing overall structure and argument |

 

 

## Math

The **redesigned SAT math section focuses on a limited set of topics**, primarily algebra. The diminished presence of geometry sets the new SAT math section apart from the one on the ACT, which is still roughly a third geometry and trigonometry questions.

Redesigned SAT math also includes [a no-calculator section](https://blog.prepscholar.com/sat-math-no-calculator-section), a significant number of data analysis problems, and simpler wording for questions.

 

|  | **New SAT** | **ACT** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Time** | 80 min | 60 min |
| **Format** | Divided in to two sections No calculator: 20 questions (4 grid-ins), 25 min With calculator: 38 questions (9 grid-ins), 55 min | 1 section, all questions multiple choice |
| **Total # of questions** | 58 questions | 60 questions |
| **Time per question** | No calculator: 75 sec With calculator: 87 sec | 1 min |
| **Content** | Heart of Algebra — 33% Problem Solving and Data Analysis — 28% Passport to Advanced Math — 29% Additional Topics in Math — 10% | Pre-algebra — 20-25% Elementary algebra — 15-20% Intermediate algebra — 15-20% Coordinate geometry — 15-20% Plane geometry — 20-25% Trigonometry — 5-10% |
| **Key Skills** | Doing simple calculations without a calculator, translating word problems, analyzing data | Memorizing formulas, translating word problems, working quickly without making errors |

 

 

## Science

The redesigned SAT still **doesn't have a separate science section**, but it does include science questions in all three of the other sections.

**Those questions are primarily focused on reading charts and graphs**, while ACT science tests a wider range of skills.

 

|   | **New SAT** | **ACT** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Time** | N/A | 35 min |
| **Format** | No specific section, 2 passages in reading (21 questions), 1 passage in Writing (6 questions), and 8 questions in Math | ~7 passages, with 5-7 questions each |
| **Total # of questions** | 35 questions | 40 questions |
| **Time per passage/question** | Varies by section | 5 min/53 sec |
| **Content** | Varies by section | Data Representation — 30-40% Research Summaries — 45-55% Conflicting Viewpoints — 15-20% |
| **Key Skills** | Understanding scientific ideas, reading charts and graphs | Doing simple calculations without a calculator, reading charts and graphs, analyzing experimental design |

 

 

## SAT Essay/ACT Writing

The [**ACT writing section**](https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-new-enhanced-act-writing-test-2015-complete-guide) (the essay) is the one part of the test that's **undergone major changes**. You're still presented with an issue and asked for your opinion on it, but you're also given three perspectives on the topics and asked to analyze them. 

The **new SAT essay**, on the other hand, is **more similar to the type of papers you write in English class**: the prompt asks you to read and analyze a persuasive essay.

 

|   | **New SAT** | **ACT** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Time** | 50 min | 40 min |
| **Optional?** | Yes | Yes |
| **Format** | Presented with an essay or article and asked to analyze the author's argument | Presented with 3 viewpoints on a topic and asked to analyze those ideas as well as argue for your own perspective |
| **Grading Critera** | Writing, Reading, and Analysis | Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions |
| **Scoring** | Given a score from 2-8 for each dimension | Score from 1-12, based on average of scores from the four domains |

 

 

## How do I decide which test to take?

Answer these simple questions to help you make an informed decision about which standardized test is better suited for you. Approximate duration: 2 min.

 

 

 

## What's Next?

If you **still have questions about the redesigned SAT**, check out our [full breakdown of the changes to the test](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-guide-to-the-new-sat-in-2016).

**Still not sure whether to take the SAT or the ACT?** [Check out our quiz!](https://blog.prepscholar.com/should-you-take-the-act-or-the-new-2016-a-guide)

And **if you are planning to take the new SAT**, don't panic! Take a look at these [five reasons the changes aren't as big of a deal as you might think](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-do-the-new-sat-changes-mean-for-you-5-things-to-consider) and get an early start on preparing with [our preliminary study guide](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-study-for-the-new-sat-in-2016).

 

[![Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?   We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-151856191907.png)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJLoeCI1klm57bgF1uMGws6ytZH7mbI49l81NVthlLm1BROyO5ddWua4NFcl2YA5S29g7gqnvxHMOkI%2FcWvzrUw%2FsYM2WogWI%2B4pK39LRJ7luj6iwgksLHWbGBOhyJjrkcgavhw8iyTnOjUS0JdU3Wxj1o3HGLy2%2FXongodx1d%2F7q87dh%2FKxiZD4olVzxwnKLVqWg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=151856191907&portalId=360031)

 

### Trending Now

[How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-into-harvard-and-the-ivy-league-by-a-harvard-alum)

[How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-4-0-gpa-and-get-better-grades-by-a-harvard-alum)

[How to Write an Amazing College Essay](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-write-a-college-essay)

[Should You Take the SAT or ACT?](https://quiz.prepscholar.com/sat-vs-act)

[What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-do-colleges-look-for)

[ACT vs. SAT: 10 Key Differences](https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-vs-sat)

[Calculate Your College Chances](https://mycollegechances.prepscholar.com/)

Get Your Free

**[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com/)**

eBook

[5 Tips to Raise Your SAT Score 160+ Points](https://www.prepscholar.com/rp/sat-5-tips-ebook/)

[5 Tips to Raise Your ACT Score 4+ Points](https://www.prepscholar.com/rp/act-5-tips-ebook/)

### SAT Prep

[Find Your Target SAT Score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-sat-score-a-bad-sat-score-an-excellent-sat-score)

[Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-sat-practice-tests-free-links)

### **[How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-sat-score-by-a-2400-sat-scorer)**

[Score 800 on SAT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-math-by-a-perfect-scorer)

[Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-reading-and-writing)

[Raise Your SAT Score by 160+ Points GUARANTEED. Start Your 5-Day Risk-Free Trial](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/?utm_source=databasepage&utm_medium=sidebar&utm_campaign=sat_guarantee)

### ACT Prep

[Find Your Target ACT Score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-act-score-a-bad-act-score-an-excellent-act-score)

[Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-act-practice-tests-free-links)

### **[How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-act-score-by-a-36-full-scorer)**

[Get a 36 on ACT English](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-english-9-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer)

[Get a 36 on ACT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-math-8-strategies-by-a-perfect-scorer)

[Get a 36 on ACT Reading](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-reading-11-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer)

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

- [![Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/facebook_logo.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar)
- [![Follow us on X (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/twitterx-50.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton)
- [![Follow us on Instagram (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/instagram-sidebar.webp)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/)

 Get Exclusive Tips for College Admissions

 Sign up to receive free guidance on everything from acing the SAT to writing a standout college admissions essay.

×

## Thanks for Subscribing!

![Check icon](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/file-2386656898.png/subscribe_check.png.png?width=175&name=subscribe_check.png)

 To receive immediate updates on all our helpful guides and strategies, **follow us** on social media: [![Facebook](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/26de6c2beb2b71ee5b8d660200359259.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) [![X](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/f233666501ea25d3fcf3c390d2f08c7b.png)](https://x.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) [![LinkedIn](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/) [![Instagram](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/download-1.png)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/)

**Have friends who also need help with test prep?** Share this article!

[![Share on email](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fnew-sat-vs-act-comparison-chart%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fnew-sat-vs-act-comparison-chart%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) [![Share on facebook](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fnew-sat-vs-act-comparison-chart%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on twitter](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fnew-sat-vs-act-comparison-chart%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fnew-sat-vs-act-comparison-chart%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fnew-sat-vs-act-comparison-chart%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin)

 About the Author

![author image](http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/author_alex.png)

 Alex Heimbach

 Alex graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT. She also has over 5 years of tutoring experience, during which she worked with almost a hundred students.

## Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

**[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-White.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com)**

- [WHO WE ARE](https://www.prepscholar.com/who-we-are/)
- [SUCCESS STORIES](https://www.prepscholar.com/case-studies/)
- [ADVICE BLOG](https://blog.prepscholar.com/)
- [FOR SCHOOLS](https://www.prepscholar.com/for-schools/)

- [SAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/)
- [ACT](https://www.prepscholar.com/act-test-prep/)
- [PSAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/psat-test-prep/)
- [AP](https://www.prepscholar.com/ap-tutoring/)
- [GRE](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre-test-prep/)
- [GMAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/gmat-test-prep/)
- [TOEFL](https://www.prepscholar.com/toefl-test-prep/)
- [ADMISSIONS](https://www.prepscholar.com/college-admissions-consulting/)

- [TERMS OF SERVICE](https://www.prepscholar.com/terms-of-service/)
- [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.prepscholar.com/privacy-policy/)

- [![follow us on X (icon)](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/twitter-64.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton)
- [![Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/facebook-64.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar)
- [![follow us on Instagram (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/instagram-64.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/)
- [![follow us on TikTok (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/tiktok-50.svg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@prepscholarofficial)
- [![Follow us on LinkedIn (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/linkedin50.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/)

© PrepScholar 2013-2025. All rights reserved

 SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this web site.   
 ACT® is a registered trademark belonging to ACT Education Corporation ("ACT"). ACT is not involved with or affiliated with PrepScholar Inc., nor does ACT endorse or sponsor any of the products or services offered by PrepScholar Inc.   
 GRE® and TOEFL® are registered trademarks of the ETS®. The ETS® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this web site.   
 GMAT® is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admissions Council®. The Graduate Management Admissions Council® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this website.

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Alex Heimbach",
    "url" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/alex-heimbach"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-11-11T17:33:58+00:00",
  "datePublished" : "2015-08-03T12:00:00+00:00",
  "description" : "How do you compare the new 2016 SAT with the ACT? Which test should you take? Read our charts to figure out how to decide between SAT vs ACT.",
  "headline" : "New SAT vs ACT: Comparison Charts",
  "image" : "http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/feature_differencetree.jpg",
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/new-sat-vs-act-comparison-chart",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png"
    },
    "name" : "PrepScholar"
  }
}
```