Introduction: Why Memorizing SAT Math Formulas Matters
When it comes to SAT math success, knowing your formulas can make or break your score. While the test provides a basic reference sheet, it doesn’t cover everything you’ll need. And when time is tight, you can’t afford to stop and think, “What was that volume formula again?” This is why understanding and memorizing the math formulas you must memorize for the SAT is so important—it helps you solve problems faster, avoid mistakes, and boost your confidence.
How the SAT Tests Your Formula Knowledge
Formulas Provided vs. Formulas You Must Know
The SAT reference sheet includes some formulas—like the area of a circle or volume of a cylinder—but leaves out many others that show up in questions. For example, you won’t find the quadratic formula or the distance formula on that sheet.
Common Pitfalls of Relying on the Reference Sheet
Relying too heavily on the provided formulas wastes precious seconds flipping back and forth. Worse, the sheet won’t help at all for concepts like slope, midpoint, or exponent rules—those you need to know cold.
25 Math Formulas You Must Memorize for the SAT
Algebra Formulas
1. Slope Formula: (y₂ - y₁)/(x₂ - x₁)
Finds the slope of a line between two points.
2. Point-Slope Form: y - y₁ = m(x - x₁)
Useful for writing equations of lines.
3. Slope-Intercept Form: y = mx + b
Common equation of a line.
4. Quadratic Formula: x = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)]/(2a)
Solves quadratic equations.
5. Factoring Techniques (Difference of Squares)
a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b)
6. Exponent Rules (e.g., aᵐ × aⁿ = aᵐ⁺ⁿ)
Important for simplifying expressions.
7. Systems of Equations Solutions
Methods include substitution and elimination.
Geometry Formulas
8. Area of a Triangle: ½bh
9. Area of a Rectangle: lw
10. Area of a Circle: πr²
11. Circumference of a Circle: 2πr
12. Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c²
13. Volume of a Rectangular Prism: lwh
14. Volume of a Cylinder: πr²h
15. Volume of a Sphere: 4/3πr³
16. Volume of a Cone: 1/3πr²h
17. Volume of a Pyramid: 1/3Bh
18. Surface Area of a Sphere: 4πr²
Trigonometry & Miscellaneous Formulas
19. Sine, Cosine, Tangent Ratios
sin = opp/hyp, cos = adj/hyp, tan = opp/adj
20. Special Right Triangles (30-60-90 and 45-45-90)
Know side ratios for quick answers.
21. Distance Formula: √[(x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)²]
22. Midpoint Formula: ((x₁ + x₂)/2, (y₁ + y₂)/2)
23. Average Formula: sum / number of items
24. Percent Change Formula: [(new - old)/old] × 100
25. Probability Formula: favorable / total outcomes
Tips for Memorizing SAT Math Formulas Effectively
Use Flashcards and Apps
Apps like Quizlet or Anki help reinforce formulas through spaced repetition.
Practice with Real SAT Questions
Apply formulas repeatedly in actual SAT-style problems to build speed and confidence.
Create Visual Aids and Diagrams
Drawing shapes or writing formulas out by hand helps reinforce memory.
FAQs About Math Formulas You Must Memorize for the SAT
1️⃣ Are all these formulas on the SAT reference sheet?
No—many crucial formulas like the quadratic formula or distance formula aren’t provided.
2️⃣ How can I remember so many formulas?
Break them into categories and use daily practice with flashcards or apps.
3️⃣ Do I need to memorize volume formulas?
Yes—while some are on the sheet, it’s faster and safer to know them.
4️⃣ What’s the most important formula to memorize?
It depends on your strengths, but the slope formula, Pythagorean theorem, and quadratic formula are essentials.
5️⃣ Can AI tools help me memorize formulas?
Absolutely! Many AI-powered SAT prep apps adjust practice to help you master formulas.
6️⃣ How early should I start memorizing formulas?
Start as soon as you begin SAT prep so you can reinforce them over time.
Conclusion: Turn Formulas Into Second Nature
Mastering these math formulas you must memorize for the SAT gives you the edge on test day. Don’t leave it to chance—make these formulas second nature through consistent practice, and you’ll approach the SAT with confidence.
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