Preparing for the SAT in 2025 requires more than practice questions—it demands mastery of the most important math formulas. While the test doesn’t provide a formula sheet, success depends on knowing which formulas to apply and when. This guide gives you the 50 must-know SAT math formulas that will help you move quickly and confidently through the exam.
At RevisionDojo, we believe smart preparation is the key to scoring higher. Whether you’re tackling algebra, geometry, or data analysis, these formulas will be your best tools for success.
Quick Start Checklist
Before diving into the full list, here’s how to make the most of these formulas:
- Memorize them using flashcards or a formula notebook.
- Practice applying them to official-style SAT questions.
- Group formulas by topic (algebra, geometry, statistics) to reduce overwhelm.
- Review consistently—don’t cram the night before.
- Use RevisionDojo’s structured guides to connect formulas with real SAT problems.
Algebra Formulas You Must Know
Algebra dominates the SAT Math section. Expect linear equations, quadratic equations, and exponential growth problems. Here are the essentials:
- Slope formula: m = (y₂ - y₁) / (x₂ - x₁)
- Point-slope form: y - y₁ = m(x - x₁)
- Slope-intercept form: y = mx + b
- Standard form of a line: Ax + By = C
- Quadratic formula: x = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)] / (2a)
- Discriminant: b² - 4ac
- Factored form of a quadratic: y = a(x - r₁)(x - r₂)
- Vertex form: y = a(x - h)² + k
- Exponential growth/decay: y = a(1 ± r)^t
- Simple interest: I = Prt
- Compound interest: A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)
- Distance formula: √[(x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)²]
- Midpoint formula: ((x₁ + x₂)/2 , (y₁ + y₂)/2)
- Average rate of change: (f(x₂) - f(x₁)) / (x₂ - x₁)
- Direct variation: y = kx
Geometry Formulas You Can’t Skip
The SAT often tests geometry through area, volume, and coordinate geometry. Memorize these:
- Area of a rectangle: A = lw
- Area of a triangle: A = ½bh
- Area of a trapezoid: A = ½(b₁ + b₂)h
- Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c²
- Special right triangles:
- 45-45-90: sides x, x, x√2
- 30-60-90: sides x, x√3, 2x
- Circumference of a circle: C = 2πr
- Area of a circle: A = πr²
- Arc length: (θ/360°)(2πr)
- Sector area: (θ/360°)(πr²)
- Volume of a rectangular prism: V = lwh
- Volume of a cylinder: V = πr²h
- Volume of a cone: V = (1/3)πr²h
- Volume of a sphere: V = (4/3)πr³
- Surface area of a sphere: 4πr²
- Distance around a polygon = sum of sides
Trigonometry Formulas
While not heavy on trigonometry, the SAT includes some basics:
- SOHCAHTOA (sin = opp/hyp, cos = adj/hyp, tan = opp/adj)
- Pythagorean identity: sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
- Law of sines: a/sinA = b/sinB = c/sinC
- Law of cosines: c² = a² + b² - 2ab cosC
Statistics & Probability Formulas
Data analysis and probability appear frequently. Don’t skip these:
- Mean: sum of values ÷ number of values
- Median: middle value in ordered set
- Mode: most frequent value
- Range: max - min
- Standard deviation (conceptual understanding)
- Probability: P(E) = favorable / total outcomes
- Probability of independent events: P(A and B) = P(A) × P(B)
- Permutations: n! / (n - r)!
- Combinations: n! / [r!(n - r)!]
- Expected value: Σ(value × probability)
Essential Number Properties & Miscellaneous
- Difference of squares: a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b)
- Sum/difference of cubes formulas
- Absolute value definition: |x| = distance from 0
- Simple averages (weighted mean formula)
- Equation of a circle: (x - h)² + (y - k)² = r²
- Slope of perpendicular lines: negative reciprocal
How to Practice These Formulas
Memorizing is not enough—you need to apply these formulas under timed conditions. A strong study strategy includes:
- Working through SAT practice tests using only mental recall of formulas.
- Categorizing formulas by type (algebra, geometry, stats).
- Practicing with real SAT-level problems (RevisionDojo provides structured sets).
- Reviewing formula-heavy mistakes regularly.
For AP-level students who also juggle advanced classes, check out how to memorize AP Statistics formulas in one week for strategies that also apply to SAT math prep.
Pro Tips for Memorization
- Chunking: Group formulas into related sets (e.g., all circle formulas together).
- Flashcards: Digital or physical cards for rapid recall.
- Teach it: Explaining a formula to a friend reinforces memory.
- Error correction: Pay attention to which formulas you misuse most often.
- Timed drills: Simulate the SAT by solving mixed problems quickly.
You can also borrow strategies from AP prep, such as solving AP Statistics probability questions fast, which applies directly to SAT probability problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to memorize every SAT math formula?
Yes, because the SAT does not provide a formula sheet. While some geometry basics are given, most formulas—especially algebra and statistics—must be memorized. By mastering the 50 essential formulas listed here, you’ll cover the majority of math questions. Cramming isn’t effective, so build familiarity through consistent practice.
2. How do I know which formulas matter most?
Focus on formulas tied to high-frequency topics like linear equations, quadratics, circles, and probability. These appear repeatedly across SAT practice tests. While some formulas like the Law of Cosines show up less often, they’re still worth memorizing in case of advanced geometry problems.
3. What’s the best way to avoid formula mistakes on test day?
The key is not just memorizing but practicing under pressure. Many students confuse similar formulas, like area of a circle vs. circumference. Create side-by-side comparisons in your notes. During practice tests, circle questions where you second-guessed a formula and review them afterwards.
4. Should I use the same formula strategies for the ACT?
While the SAT and ACT share many formulas, the ACT often tests more advanced trig and geometry. If you plan to take both exams, extend your formula list to include more trigonometric identities. But for SAT-specific prep, the list above will keep you focused.
5. How can RevisionDojo help me master SAT math formulas?
RevisionDojo provides structured revision guides that show you exactly how formulas appear on real test questions. Instead of memorizing blindly, you’ll practice applying them in context, building speed and accuracy. This approach works far better than traditional prep books.
Conclusion
The SAT Math section in 2025 rewards students who know their formulas cold. From algebra to geometry to probability, mastering these 50 essentials ensures you can solve problems quickly and confidently. But remember—formulas are only half the battle. The other half is applying them strategically under time pressure.
That’s where RevisionDojo gives you the edge. Our step-by-step resources make sure you don’t just memorize, but also master how to use formulas in real exam conditions.
Start your SAT prep smarter—choose RevisionDojo today.
