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Best SAT Reference Sheet & Formula Cheat Sheet: 35+ Formulas You MUST Memorize

SAT Formula Anxiety

Looking for a complete SAT formula sheet to ace the math section? You're in the right place.

Here's what most students don't realize: the official SAT math reference sheet only gives you 12 geometry formulas. But to score well, you need 35+ more formulas memorized.

The SAT reference sheet covers basic geometry—circles, triangles, and volumes. But roughly 85% of SAT math questions fall under Algebra, Advanced Math, and Problem-Solving & Data Analysis, where zero formulas are provided.

This SAT math formula sheet and cheat sheet covers every must-memorize formula organized by SAT's four content categories, with free interactive flashcards you can study right now.


What's on the Official SAT Math Reference Sheet?

Before diving into our SAT formula cheat sheet, let's look at what the official SAT reference sheet actually provides:

SAT Official Reference Sheet

The 12 formulas given:

  • Circle: A=πr2A = \pi r^2, C=2πrC = 2\pi r
  • Rectangle: A=wA = \ell w
  • Triangle: A=12bhA = \frac{1}{2}bh
  • Pythagorean theorem: c2=a2+b2c^2 = a^2 + b^2
  • Special right triangles (30-60-90 and 45-45-90 ratios)
  • Volume: rectangular prism, cylinder, sphere, cone, pyramid

Plus 3 facts:

  • Circle = 360° = 2π radians
  • Triangle angles sum to 180°

That's it. Everything below is NOT provided on the official SAT formula sheet—you must have it memorized. That's why you need this comprehensive SAT math cheat sheet.


SAT Math Formula Sheet: Content Breakdown

CategoryWeightFormulas Provided
Algebra~35% (13-15 questions)None
Advanced Math~35% (13-15 questions)None
Problem-Solving & Data Analysis~15% (5-7 questions)None
Geometry & Trigonometry~15% (5-7 questions)12 formulas

Notice the problem? 70% of SAT math has zero formula support. That's why this SAT math formula cheat sheet is essential. Let's fix that gap.


SAT Algebra Formula Sheet (~35% of SAT Math)

The first section of our SAT formula sheet covers algebra—linear equations, functions, and inequalities. These formulas appear constantly on the test.

01/08
You have reviewed 8/8 cards!

SAT Advanced Math Formula Sheet (~35% of SAT Math)

This section of our SAT math reference sheet covers quadratics, polynomials, and exponential functions—the most formula-heavy part of the test.

Quadratic Equations

01/06
You have reviewed 6/6 cards!

Factoring Polynomials

01/03
You have reviewed 3/3 cards!

Exponents & Radicals

01/08
You have reviewed 8/8 cards!

SAT Statistics Formula Sheet (~15% of SAT Math)

This part of our SAT formula cheat sheet covers statistics, probability, and percentages—essential formulas NOT on the official reference sheet.

01/08
You have reviewed 8/8 cards!

SAT Geometry & Trig Cheat Sheet (~15% of SAT Math)

The official SAT math reference sheet covers basic geometry, but these critical formulas are NOT included:

Geometry (Not on Reference Sheet)

01/08
You have reviewed 8/8 cards!

Trigonometry (SOHCAHTOA)

01/04
You have reviewed 4/4 cards!

Generate Your Own SAT Flashcard Set

Want flashcards for a specific topic? Mathos AI generates custom flashcard decks instantly.

Just type "SAT quadratic equations" or "exponent rules" and get a complete, study-ready deck in seconds.


2-Week SAT Formula Sheet Study Plan

DayFocus AreaFlashcard Groups
Days 1-2Algebra basicsSlope, line forms, intercepts
Days 3-4QuadraticsQuadratic formula, vertex form, discriminant
Days 5-6Polynomials & ExponentsFactoring patterns, exponent rules
Days 7-8StatisticsMean, median, mode, probability
Days 9-10GeometryCircle equation, arc length, sector area
Days 11-12TrigonometrySOHCAHTOA, angle relationships
Days 13-14Full reviewAll categories, focus on weak areas

Study tips:

  • 15-20 minutes of flashcard review daily
  • Focus on formulas you miss—don't waste time on ones you know
  • Practice applying formulas with real SAT questions after memorizing

SAT Math Cheat Sheet: Quick Reference (All 35+ Formulas)

Algebra (8 formulas)

FormulaExpression
Slopem=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}
Slope-Intercepty=mx+by = mx + b
Point-Slopeyy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)
Standard FormAx+By=CAx + By = C

Advanced Math (17 formulas)

FormulaExpression
Quadratic Formulax=b±b24ac2ax = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}
Vertex Formy=a(xh)2+ky = a(x - h)^2 + k
Difference of Squaresa2b2=(a+b)(ab)a^2 - b^2 = (a+b)(a-b)
Product Rulexaxb=xa+bx^a \cdot x^b = x^{a+b}

Problem-Solving (8 formulas)

FormulaExpression
Meanxn\frac{\sum x}{n}
Probabilitydesiredtotal\frac{\text{desired}}{\text{total}}
Percent Changenewoldold×100\frac{\text{new} - \text{old}}{\text{old}} \times 100

Geometry & Trig (12 formulas)

FormulaExpression
Circle Equation(xh)2+(yk)2=r2(x-h)^2 + (y-k)^2 = r^2
Arc Lengthθ360×2πr\frac{\theta}{360} \times 2\pi r
SOHCAHTOAsin, cos, tan ratios

FAQ

What formulas are on the SAT reference sheet?

The official SAT math reference sheet provides 12 geometry formulas at the start of each math section: circle area and circumference, rectangle and triangle area, Pythagorean theorem, special right triangles (30-60-90 and 45-45-90), and volume formulas for rectangular prisms, cylinders, spheres, cones, and pyramids. Plus 3 facts about degrees, radians, and triangle angles.

How many formulas should be on my SAT formula cheat sheet?

Beyond the 12 formulas on the official SAT reference sheet, you should memorize 35+ additional formulas covering Algebra (~8), Advanced Math (~17), Problem-Solving & Data Analysis (~8), and Geometry & Trigonometry (~12 not on the reference sheet). This SAT math formula sheet covers all essential formulas.

Which SAT math section has the most formulas to memorize?

Advanced Math requires the most memorization with ~17 formulas covering quadratics, factoring patterns, and exponent rules. This section makes up ~35% of SAT math questions.

How long does it take to memorize SAT formulas?

With consistent flashcard practice, most students can memorize all essential SAT formulas in 2 weeks. The key is daily review—15-20 minutes per day is more effective than cramming.

Is the Digital SAT formula sheet different from the paper SAT?

No. The Digital SAT uses the same SAT math reference sheet with the same 12 geometry formulas. The SAT formula sheet you need to memorize is identical for both formats. One key difference: calculators are now allowed throughout the entire math section.

Should I memorize formulas or learn to derive them?

Memorize them. The SAT is timed (~95 seconds per question), and deriving formulas wastes precious time and increases error risk. Understand the concepts, but have the formulas ready for instant recall.


Download Your SAT Formula Sheet & Start Memorizing

The SAT math section tests two things: understanding and recall. You can understand every concept perfectly, but if you can't recall the formula under pressure, you'll lose points.

Key takeaways from this SAT math cheat sheet:

  • The official SAT reference sheet provides only 12 geometry formulas—you need 35+ more
  • 70% of SAT math (Algebra + Advanced Math) has NO formula support
  • 2 weeks of daily flashcard practice is enough to memorize this entire SAT formula sheet

Bookmark this SAT math reference sheet and review the flashcards daily until test day. This is the most complete SAT formula cheat sheet you'll find online.

Don't walk into the SAT without these formulas locked in.