How Much Time Does the Digital SAT Take?
What are the time limits on the reading and math sections of the Digital SAT, and how do they stack up against timing for the ACT?
The Digital SAT is divided into two main sections: Reading & Writing and Math. Students have 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes for the Math section, totaling 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Each section is split into two equally timed modules. There is a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing and Math sections. Based on a student's performance on the first module, the second module will adjust in difficulty, becoming either more challenging or easier.
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Digital SAT Timing
DSAT Reading & Writing Section:
64 minutes, in two 32-minute modules
Each module has 27 questions, for a total of 54 questions
Average Time Per Question on DSAT Reading & Writing: 1 minute, 11 seconds
DSAT Math Section:
70 minutes, in two 35-minute modules
Each module has 22 questions, for a total of 44 questions
Average Time Per Question on DSAT Math: 1 minute, 35 seconds
Digital SAT Total Testing Time: 2 hours, 14 minutes
Digital SAT Total Questions: 98
Average Overall Time Per Question on DSAT: 1 minute, 22 seconds
Timing Comparison: ACT vs. Digital SAT
The ACT is composed of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
ACT English Section:
45 minutes
75 questions
Average Time Per Question on ACT English: 36 seconds
ACT Math Section:
60 minutes
60 questions
Average Time Per Question on ACT Mathematics: 1 minute
ACT Reading Section:
35 minutes
40 questions
Average Time Per Question on ACT Reading: 52.5 seconds
ACT Science Section:
35 minutes
40 questions
Average Time Per Question on ACT Science: 52.5 seconds
ACT Total Testing Time: 175 minutes (2 hours, 55 minutes)
ACT Total Questions: 215
Average Overall Time Per Question on ACT: 49 seconds
Comparing the Digital SAT and the ACT
The Digital SAT provides approximately 1.37 minutes per question overall, while the ACT provides approximately 49 seconds per question overall. This difference in timing means that the Digital SAT allows more time per question compared to the ACT. Both the overall time and the average time per question can influence your decision about which test to take, as well as your test-taking strategies and approach to preparation.
To discuss which test is best for you and how best to reach your target scores, get in touch!