The College Board designed it to be comparable in difficulty. The skills are the same; the delivery is different.
Digital SAT Format: What Changed and What Stayed
Written by Ascend Academic mentors—students from top universities helping others succeed.
The SAT is now delivered digitally. The content and skills tested are aligned with the previous paper test, but the structure and delivery are different. Here’s what you need to know.
Section Structure
The test has two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each is split into two modules. The second module adapts to performance in the first—stronger performance leads to harder questions in module 2.
| Section | Modules | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 2 modules | Short passages, grammar, rhetoric, vocabulary in context |
| Math | 2 modules | Algebra, problem-solving, calculator allowed for one module |
Timing and Tools
You get a set amount of time per module. On-screen tools include a calculator for the Math section and a countdown timer. The College Board's Bluebook app is the official testing application—use it for practice.
Preparing for the Digital SAT
Focus on the same core skills: reading closely, grammar and rhetoric, algebra and problem-solving. See our SAT section breakdown and SAT study plan. For a plan that includes full-length digital practice, SAT tutoring can help.
FAQ
Yes. You can use an approved calculator. The test also includes an on-screen calculator for Math.
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