How Long Does the SAT Take?

The total time for the SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes, not including breaks, and the test consists of:

• Reading and Writing: 64-minute section with 54 questions (1 minute 11 seconds per question)
• Math: 70-minute section with 44 questions (1 minute 35 seconds per question)

Compared to the ACT®, the SAT gives you 41%–44% more time per question —depending on whether you take the ACT Science section.  That means you can show what you know, not how fast you are.

Each section of the SAT is divided into two equal-length modules, with a ten-minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section.

Because the SAT is adaptive, it can accurately measure the same knowledge and skills in less time. The first module consists of questions with varying difficulty levels. Once the first module ends, the second module begins.  The second module’s difficulty depends on how the student performed on the first module. Either way, the module will always have the same number of questions.

What About the Essay Section?

The essay is only available in states where it's required as part of SAT School Day administrations. Students taking the SAT on a school day can check with their school to see whether the essay will be included. If it's included, the essay section adds 50 minutes.

When Does the SAT Start?

If you're taking the SAT on a weekend, test center doors open at 7:45 a.m. local time on test day and close at 8 a.m. Once students are checked in and seated, the proctor reads the preliminary instructions. The test begins between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m., depending on how long check-in takes.

For most students taking the standard test, plan to be at the test center until approximately 10:45–11 a.m., about three hours total. See What to Expect on Test Day for details.

How Do I Know How Much Time I Have Left?

A testing timer in College Board’s digital testing app Bluebook™ shows how much time remains. You can hide it until 5 minutes remain. Then you'll get an alert.

The proctor can see when each student starts and finishes each section.

Other Time Factors

Travel Time: Plan the route to your test center and make sure you can be there before the doors close at 8 a.m. on test day.

Special Accommodations: Students with medical conditions or other circumstances may be eligible for extended or more frequent breaks, or extra testing time for each section. If you think you may qualify, you can request accommodations.

Additional SAT Test Day Information

Get more details on what to expect on SAT test day so nothing slows you down. Bring your fully charged, approved testing device with the Bluebook application installed, a valid ID, and a pencil or pen for scratch work. Find out What to Bring on SAT Test Day. The proctor will hold your electronic devices until the test is over.

Most weekend SAT scores are released within 2–4 weeks. Check Score Release Dates for Students and Educators for exact dates.

Now you know how long the SAT takes and what affects your timing on test day. Good luck!