SAT™ Math Formulas: Essential Formulas to Know

While the SAT provides a reference sheet with some basic geometry formulas, you’ll save a significant amount of time—and be able to solve a wider range of problems—by memorizing key formulas across different math topics. Here are the must-know formulas for the SAT.

Contents

• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Other

Algebra

• Slope-Intercept Form: y = mx + b
• Slope Formula: m = (y₂ - y₁) / (x₂ - x₁)
• Quadratic Formula: x = [-b ± sqrt(b² - 4ac)] / 2a
• Vertex of a Parabola: x = -b / 2a
• Distance Formula: d = sqrt((x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)²)

Geometry

• Area of a Circle: A = πr²
• Circumference of a Circle: C = 2πr
• Area of a Triangle: A = ½bh
• Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c²
• Volume of a Rectangular Prism: V = lwh
• Volume of a Cylinder: V = πr²h

Trigonometry

• SOHCAHTOA:
  • sin(x) = Opposite / Hypotenuse
  • cos(x) = Adjacent / Hypotenuse
  • tan(x) = Opposite / Adjacent
• Relationship: sin(x) = cos(90 - x)

Other

• Percent Change: (New - Old) / Old
• Average (Mean): Sum of Terms / Number of Terms

Committing these formulas to memory will allow you to tackle problems more quickly and confidently on test day. As you practice these math concepts, don’t forget to keep your English skills sharp with Panchi’s extensive QBank.