The SAT Reference Sheet is a built-in tool in Bluebook, the application that College Board uses to administer the digital SAT. This reference sheet can be accessed in the math section and contains a list of geometry formulas and figures that can be used on math problems that involve area, volume, right triangles, and circles. Using the reference sheet on the SAT math section can be a significant advantage because it means you can get more questions right without having to memorize individual formulas.
Where is the SAT Reference Sheet?
In the Bluebook App (used by College Board to administer the SAT) the SAT Reference Sheet is located in the top toolbar next to the Desmos calculator button.
What math concepts does the SAT Reference Sheet cover?
The SAT reference sheet contains formulas for the geometry problems (15% of the math problems on the SAT) and the trigonometry portion of the advanced math section (advanced math questions as a whole make up 20% of the math problems). Importantly, if you are looking for strategies to use on the Algebra section (40% of the SAT math problems), invest some time in learning how to use the Desmos graphing calculator that is built into College Board’s Bluebook application.
1) The SAT Reference Sheet has Formulas for Triangles
The SAT Reference Sheet has formulas for the area of triangles (A = ½bh) and the number of degrees in a triangle (180o).
The SAT Reference Sheet also includes 2 out of the 3 Right Triangle concepts. It includes Pythagorean Theorem (a2 + b2 = c2) and the side lengths for special right triangles. However, the SAT Reference Sheet does not include instructions for applying similar triangle rules. You can review similar triangles at Khan Academy or with an expert tutor.
If you want to practice triangle problems, check out Khan Academy’s digital SAT course, which includes video lectures and graded practice quizzes. Working with a test prep tutor 1 on 1 to learn math strategies and review content is another great way to improve your score.
2) The SAT Reference Sheet has Formulas for Area and Volume
The SAT Reference Sheet includes the formulas for area and circumference of a circle (A = πr2
and C = 2πr), area of a rectangle (A = lw), and area of a triangle (A = ½ bh). Additionally, the reference sheet includes formulas for volume. It list the volume of a rectangular prism (V = lwh), volume of a cylinder (V = πr2h), volume of a sphere (4/3 πr3), volume of a cone (V = ⅓ πr2h), and volume of a pyramid (V = ⅓ lwh).
If you want to practice area and volume problems, check out Khan Academy’s digital SAT course, which includes video lectures and graded practice quizzes.
Working with a test prep tutor 1 on 1 to learn math strategies and review content is another great way to improve your score.
3) The SAT Reference Sheet has Formulas for Circles
The SAT Reference Sheet includes formulas for circles. It includes the formulas for area and circumference of a circle (A = πr2 and C = 2πr), the number of degrees in a circle (360o) and the number of radians in a circle (2π).
Notably, the SAT Reference sheet does not contain the formula for a circle (x-h)² + (y-k)² = r².
If you want to practice converting between degrees and radians, check out Khan Academy’s digital SAT course, which includes video lectures and graded practice quizzes.
Working with a test prep tutor 1 on 1 to learn math strategies and review content is another great way to improve your score.
Have you mastered Desmos?
Most students will likely benefit from learning how to use the built-in calculator, Desmos, before they practice the geometry skills on the reference sheet. Because Algebra questions make up 40% of the math section and because Desmos offers significant speed and accuracy advantages over doing algebra problems by hand, Desmos instruction likely comes before reviewing Geometry concepts in a standard test-prep program.
Are you ready to start preparing for the SAT?
Our experienced tutors work one-on-one with students to raise their SAT or ACT test scores. We recommend that most students start with the Practice Test Program to determine whether the SAT or the ACT is the best fit for them. If you’ve already started prepping and testing, we can design a custom program to meet you where you are in the process.
Interested in learning more about Test Prep at Mindfish?
Contact us today to find out what our dedicated tutors can help you achieve.
