Math Test

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It’s About the Real World

Instead of testing you on every math topic there is, the PSAT 8/9 asks you to use the math that you’ll rely on most in all sorts of situations. Questions on the Math Test are designed to mirror the problem solving and modeling you’ll do in:

  • College math, science, and social science courses
  • The jobs that you hold
  • Your personal life

For instance, to answer some questions you’ll need to use one or two steps—because in the real world a single calculation is rarely enough to get the job done.

Quick Facts



The Math Test will focus in depth on two of the areas of math that play the biggest role in a wide range of college majors and careers:

There will also be some Passport to Advanced Math questions; these require the manipulation of complex equations.

What the Math Test Measures


The Math Test is a chance to show that you:


Conceptual Understanding




Calculator Use

Calculators are important tools, and to succeed after high school, you’ll need to know how—and when—to use them. In the Math Test–Calculator portion of the test, you’ll be able to focus on complex modeling and reasoning because your calculator can save you time.

However, the calculator is, like any tool, only as smart as the person using it. The Math Test includes some questions where it’s better not to use a calculator, even though you’re allowed to. In these cases, students who make use of structure or their ability to reason will probably finish before students who use a calculator.

The Math Test–No Calculator portion of the test makes it easier to assess your fluency in math and your understanding of some math concepts. It also tests well-learned technique and number sense.

Grid-In Questions

Although most of the questions on the Math Test are multiple choice,18 percent are student-produced response questions, also known as grid-ins. Instead of choosing a correct answer from a list of options, you’ll need to solve problems and enter your answers in the grids provided on the answer sheet.

Gridding-In Answers

  • Mark no more than one circle in any column.
  • Only answers indicated by filling in the circle will be scored (you won’t receive credit for anything written in the boxes located above the circles).
  • It doesn't matter in which column you begin entering their answers; as long as the responses are recorded within the grid area, you’ll receive credit.
  • The grid can hold only four decimal places and can only accommodate positive numbers and zero.
  • Fractions like 3 over 24 do not need to be reduced to their lowest terms.


Example 1: If your answer is a fraction such as seven twelfths, it should be recorded as follows. Enter seven in the first space, the fraction bar (a slash) in the second space, one in the third space, and two in the fourth space. All four spaces would be used in this example.  Example 2: If your answer is a decimal value such as two point five, it could be recorded as follows. Enter two in the second space, the decimal point in the third space, and five in the fourth space. Only three spaces would be used in this example.  Example 3: Acceptable ways to record two thirds are: two slash three, point six six six, and point six six seven.