SHSAT Math prep
Pre-algebra through 9th-grade algebra, plus geometry, statistics, and word problems. No calculator. Here's how to think about the section and where to spend your prep time.
- What math is on the SHSAT?
- Pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, basic statistics and probability, and word problems. The content is roughly aligned with 7th and 8th grade math standards plus some 9th-grade algebra topics.
- Is calculus on the SHSAT?
- No. The SHSAT tests through pre-algebra and basic algebra. Geometry covers area, perimeter, volume, angle relationships, Pythagorean theorem, and similar topics. No trigonometry, no calculus.
- How many math questions are there?
- 57 total per section, of which 47 are scored. Typically 5 of those are grid-in (student-produced response) questions; the rest are multiple choice.
- Which math topics should I prep first?
- Master foundational arithmetic and basic algebra first. The first 20–30 questions of the math section depend on these. Then build up through harder algebra, geometry, and word problems.
SHSAT Math, organized by topic
Algebra
Linear equations, systems of equations, polynomials, factoring, quadratics, and word problems. The largest category by question count.
Geometry
Lines and angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, area, volume, and the Pythagorean theorem. Lower question volume than algebra but high-leverage to master.
Arithmetic
Fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, number theory, and order of operations. The calculator-free foundation underneath every other math topic on the test.
Word Problems
Translation strategy and common types: distance/rate/time, work/rate, mixture, age, and counting/probability. Translating English into math is the core skill.
Statistics & Probability
Mean, median, mode, range, basic probability (single and combined), counting principles, and data interpretation. Smaller share of questions but learnable.
How SHSAT Math actually works
The math section tests content most NYC students have seen by the end of 8th grade, but the questions are structured to differentiate between students who have memorized procedures and students who can apply concepts flexibly. A student who can solve "x + 5 = 12" but can't solve a word problem requiring them to translate a situation into "x + 5 = 12" will struggle on the SHSAT even if they've completed Algebra 1.
The content distribution, approximately:
- Algebra: ~35–40% of questions. Linear equations, systems, polynomials, factoring, quadratics, word problems.
- Geometry: ~20–25%. Angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, area, volume.
- Arithmetic and number theory: ~15–20%. Operations, fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, primes, divisibility.
- Word problems: ~15–20%. Multi-step problems requiring translation from English to math.
- Statistics and probability: ~5–10%. Mean, median, mode, probability, basic data analysis.
These percentages vary slightly between test administrations, but the rough distribution is stable.
The difficulty curve
Math questions on the SHSAT are roughly ordered by difficulty, with the easiest first and the hardest at the end. (Under the new Computer Adaptive Test format, the ordering is dynamic, but the same difficulty gradient exists across the question pool.) Strategically, this means:
- The first 15–20 questions are typically straightforward applications of foundational skills. Master these so you don't lose easy points.
- Questions 20–35 are moderate difficulty. This is the band where focused prep produces the biggest score gains for most students.
- Questions 35–47 are the hardest. These are what separate top scorers from middle scorers. Spend prep time here only after consistently getting the easier questions right.
A reasonable math prep approach
- Weeks 1–4: Diagnostic and foundational review. Identify topics where you have gaps. Spend weeks 1–4 closing the largest gaps in arithmetic and basic algebra.
- Weeks 5–12: Topic-by-topic mastery. Work systematically through algebra, geometry, and statistics. Practice 15–25 questions per topic until accuracy is consistent.
- Weeks 13–18: Mixed-topic practice. Start doing full math sections in untimed mode, then timed.
- Weeks 19–24: Pacing and endurance. Full-length timed math sections weekly. Focus on the question types where errors cluster.
Common questions
How many questions are on the SHSAT math section?
57 total questions. 47 are scored, 10 are unscored field questions. Typically about 5 of the scored questions are grid-in (student-produced response) format and the rest are multiple choice.
Are there grid-in questions on the SHSAT?
Yes. A small number of math questions (typically 5 per section) are grid-in format, where you enter a numerical answer directly rather than choosing from multiple choice options. See our grid-in definition for more detail.
Do I need to know geometry for the SHSAT?
Yes. Geometry questions are roughly 20–25% of the math section. The topics covered are mostly 7th–8th grade level: lines and angles, triangle properties, quadrilaterals, circles, area, volume, and the Pythagorean theorem. No trigonometry or analytic geometry beyond basics.
Can I use a calculator on the SHSAT?
No. The SHSAT does not allow calculators. The math is designed to be done by hand. Practice without a calculator to build the arithmetic fluency the test requires.