Why is the SAT test changing to a digital format?

The College Board is responding to student and teacher input. Key reasons include: a shorter test time (nearly an hour shorter), shorter reading passages with one question each, a calculator provided for all math questions, a reference sheet of common math formulas available within the test, shorter score reporting time (days instead of weeks), technology equity allowing students to use a personal or school-issued device, and more secure testing since each student receives a different test form.

How long is the Digital SAT® Test?

The Digital SAT® Test is 2 hours and 15 minutes with breaks, compared to the previous paper/pencil test which was 3 hours and 15 minutes with breaks.

What subjects and sections are on the Digital SAT® Test?

The Digital SAT® Test has two subjects: Reading & Writing (two 32-minute modules) and Math (two 35-minute modules). This replaces the previous three-subject format of Reading, Writing & Language, and Math.

Is the Digital SAT® Test adaptive?

Yes. The Digital SAT® Test uses multistage adaptive testing. The first module of each subject includes a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. If you answer many correctly, you will receive tougher questions in the second module.

Can students use a calculator on the Digital SAT® Test?

Yes. A calculator is allowed for all math questions on the Digital SAT® Test and is provided within the test via the Bluebook™ app, so students do not need to bring their own or worry about approved calculator lists.

What devices can students use to take the Digital SAT® Test?

Students can use a personal device such as a laptop or tablet, a device issued by their school, or one provided by the College Board. The test is delivered via the College Board's Bluebook™ testing app. Paper/pencil is only allowed for selected students with accommodations.

What are the new question types on the Digital SAT® Test?

Brand-new question types on the Digital SAT® Test include: Vocabulary in Context, Logical Completion of Text, Summary of Notes, and Identification of Claim Support. The Reading & Writing section uses a single short paragraph (3–4 sentences) for each question rather than long multi-paragraph passages.

What is the maximum score on the Digital SAT® Test?

The scoring range remains the same. The maximum score on the SAT® Test is 1600, and the top score on the PSAT® Test is 1520.

Is the Digital SAT® Test taken at home or at a testing center?

The Digital SAT® Test is still given at school or at official test centers with a proctor present. It is not taken independently at home.

The Digital SAT® Test

April 19, 2026

Why is the test changing?

The College Board is responding to student and teacher input.

Shorter Test Time. The Digital SAT® Test will be nearly an hour shorter than the current version.
Shorter Reading Passages. Each passage will have only one question rather than many.
Calculators for All Math Questions. A calculator is provided within the online test, so no more worries about whether your calculator is on the approved list, and one less item to bring to the test.
Reference Sheet. A list of common formulas for math will be available online within the test.
Shorter Score Reporting Time. Instead of weeks, scores can be accessed within days.
Technology Equity. Students can use a personal device (laptop or tablet) or a device issued by their school or one provided by the College Board.
More Secure Testing. Bubble answer sheets risk damage or loss during shipping. If one paper/pencil test is compromised, often those for the entire room are cancelled. The Digital SAT® Test provides each student with a different test form, which significantly reduces cheating issues.

What are the test changes?

Previous SAT® Test		Digital SAT® Test
Three subjects: Reading, Writing & Language, Math (two sections)		Two subjects: Reading & Writing (two 32-minute modules), Math (two 35-minute modules)
3 hours and 15 minutes (with breaks)		2 hours and 15 minutes (with breaks)
Paper/Pencil		Digital via the College Board testing app Bluebook™ (paper/pencil only allowed for selected students with accommodations)
Not adaptive		Multistage adaptive: The first module of each subject includes a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions; if you answer many correctly, you will receive tougher questions in the second module
Reading: Multiple-paragraph passages with 10-11 questions per passage		Reading & Writing: A single paragraph (3-4 sentences) for a single question
Comprehension questions cover details, best evidence, and main ideas		Brand-new question types include: Vocabulary in Context Logical Completion of Text Summary of Notes Identification of Claim Support
Writing & Language: Multiple-paragraph passages with 10-11 questions per passage		Reading & Writing: A single paragraph (3-4 sentences) for a single question
Covers grammar, some content analysis		Covers grammar with a high focus on commas, semicolons, and transition words
Math: Two separate sections, one with a calculator brought by the student (from the allowed list), and one section without a calculator		Math: Calculator allowed for all questions and provided within the test