Study tips · 3 min read
Math Formulas to Know for the SAT, ACT and Similar Exams
Algebra
- Slope: m = (y₂ − y₁)/(x₂ − x₁); line: y = mx + b
- Quadratic formula and discriminant
- Exponent and log rules
- Special products: (a ± b)², a² − b²
Details in the algebra cheat sheet.
Geometry
- Area and perimeter of rectangles, triangles, circles
- Volume of cylinders, cones, spheres
- Pythagorean theorem
- Angle sums: triangle 180°, quadrilateral 360°
See the geometry cheat sheet.
Trigonometry and statistics
- SOH CAH TOA and sin² + cos² = 1
- Mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation
- Probability = favourable ÷ total
- Percent change and reverse percentages
More: trigonometry cheat sheet and percent change.
How to prepare
Practise under timed conditions, review every mistake in an error log, and use estimation to sanity-check answers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to memorise every formula?
Memorise the core ones; check which formulas your exam provides.
Can I use a calculator?
Rules vary by exam and section; check the official calculator policy.
Keep reading
Algebra Formulas Cheat Sheet: Identities, Exponents, Quadratics
The algebra formulas you need most: special products, exponent and log rules, the quadratic formula, slope and distance, with a worked check.
Charts & referencesGeometry Formulas Cheat Sheet: Area, Perimeter, Volume
A one-page geometry formula sheet for area, perimeter, circumference, surface area and volume of common shapes, with worked examples.
Study tipsHow to Study Math Effectively: Habits That Work
Practical habits for learning maths: practise retrieval, space your sessions, keep an error log, study worked examples, and check with step-by-step tools.
ConceptsStandard Deviation Explained With a Worked Example
What standard deviation measures, how to calculate it step by step, the sample vs population difference and the 68-95-99.7 rule.