I’ve been mentoring students for the Digital SAT (DSAT) lately, and if there’s one thing I’ve noticed, it’s that knowing the formulas isn’t enough anymore. With the built-in Desmos calculator and the adaptive nature of the new test, the "how" you solve a problem is just as important as the "what." I put together this SAT Math Reference Sheet & Strategy Guide to bridge that gap. It’s not just a list of equations; it’s a manual on how to use them efficiently.
What’s inside this Guide?
I’ve broken the PDF down into four core pillars that the College Board loves to test:
Heart of Algebra: Linear equations, systems, and absolute values.
Passport to Advanced Math: Quadratics, functions, and those tricky exponents.
Problem Solving & Data Analysis: Ratios, percentages, and interpreting those complex scatterplots.
Geometry & Trigonometry: Circle theorems, volume, and the right-triangle trig you’ll definitely see.
Why this is different from the "Official" sheet:
The official reference sheet provided during the exam is... let's be honest, a bit bare-bones. It gives you basic geometry, but it won't help you with:
The Quadratic Formula: Understanding the discriminant ($b^2 - 4ac$) to find the number of solutions instantly.
The Vertex Form: Switching between forms to find the maximum or minimum of a parabola without doing extra math.
The "Smart Usage" Tips: I’ve added notes on when to use Desmos vs. when to solve by hand to save those precious seconds.
Quick Strategy Tip:
Whenever you see a geometry problem involving circles, immediately check if you can use the arc length or sector area formulas: