SAT Cheat Sheet

Key formulas, strategies, and tips. Bookmark this page or print it for quick reference.

Math Formulas (Given on the Test)

Area of a circle: A = pi r^2

Circumference: C = 2 pi r

Area of a rectangle: A = l w

Area of a triangle: A = (1/2) b h

Pythagorean theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Volume of a box: V = l w h

Volume of a cylinder: V = pi r^2 h

Volume of a sphere: V = (4/3) pi r^3

Volume of a cone: V = (1/3) pi r^2 h

Volume of a pyramid: V = (1/3) l w h

Math Formulas (Memorize These)

Slope: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Slope-intercept form: y = mx + b

Standard form (line): Ax + By = C

Quadratic formula: x = (-b +/- sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)) / 2a

Vertex form: y = a(x - h)^2 + k

Discriminant: D = b^2 - 4ac

Distance formula: d = sqrt((x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1)^2)

Midpoint formula: M = ((x1+x2)/2, (y1+y2)/2)

Percent change: ((new - old) / old) * 100

Average (mean): sum of values / count

Special right: 30-60-90: x, x sqrt(3), 2x

Special right: 45-45-90: x, x, x sqrt(2)

Reading & Writing Strategies

Evidence is everything

The correct answer is always supported by specific words in the passage. If you cannot point to the evidence, pick a different answer.

Read the question first

For line-reference and vocabulary questions, read the question before the passage to know what to look for.

Eliminate wrong answers

Cross off answers that are too extreme, too narrow, or not supported by the passage. Often easier than finding the right one.

Watch for transition words

Words like "however," "therefore," and "moreover" signal the logical structure. They tell you the direction of the argument.

Concise is correct

For writing questions, the shortest answer that is grammatically correct and maintains the meaning is usually right.

Subject-verb agreement

Find the actual subject (ignore prepositional phrases between subject and verb). Make sure the verb matches.

Comma rules matter

Know the four comma uses: lists, introductory phrases, non-essential clauses, and joining independent clauses with a conjunction.

Test Day Tips

Bring your ID, admission ticket, calculator, pencils, and a snack.

Get a full night of sleep. Cramming the night before does more harm than good.

Eat a real breakfast with protein. You need energy for 3+ hours of focus.

Arrive early. Rushing increases anxiety and hurts performance.

Read every answer choice before selecting one. The first plausible answer is often a trap.

If stuck, skip and come back. Do not spend 5 minutes on a single question.

For math, plug in answer choices when algebra feels stuck.

Trust your preparation. You have done the work. Stay calm and execute.

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