Problem-Solving & Data Analysis
Ratios, rates, percentages, statistics and probability — the quantitative literacy strand.
12 skill topics sit under Problem-Solving & Data Analysis on the SAT Math taxonomy. Each one has its own dedicated page with concept notes and six worked practice questions. Work through the list top to bottom, or jump straight to the topic you struggle with.
This category accounts for a meaningful slice of your overall math score, so spend the time. The fastest way to gain points is to convert one weak topic per week into a strong one — not to skim every topic at surface depth.
Need the formulas at a glance? See the Problem-Solving & Data Analysis formula sheet. Studying for a specific score range? Use the score-band guides to focus on the topics that move the needle for your current score.
All Problem-Solving & Data Analysis topics
Ratios and Units
Use unit-rate reasoning and dimensional analysis to convert between measurement systems.
Open topic
Percentage Problem-Solving
Use percent change, percent of, and percent off in multi-step real-world contexts.
Open topic
Mean, Median and Mode
Compute the three centres of a data set and decide which best describes the typical value.
Open topic
Standard Deviation and Spread
Compare data sets with the same mean by reasoning about range, IQR and standard deviation visually.
Open topic
Scatterplots and Trends
Identify the line or curve of best fit, interpret slope and intercept in context and detect outliers.
Open topic
Two-Way Frequency Tables
Compute conditional, joint and marginal frequencies and translate them into probabilities.
Open topic
Probability Basics
Use the equally-likely outcomes definition and the addition and multiplication rules.
Open topic
Conditional Probability
Apply P(A | B) = P(A and B)/P(B) using table or tree-diagram reasoning.
Open topic
Sampling and Margin of Error
Distinguish random vs convenience samples and read margin of error from a confidence interval.
Open topic
Data Inference and Conclusions
Decide what conclusions a data set can — and cannot — support based on how it was collected.
Open topic
Line of Best Fit
Use the regression line to estimate values inside the data range and recognise the limits of extrapolation.
Open topic
Linear vs Exponential Models
Decide whether a real situation is best modelled by a linear or an exponential function.
Open topic
Recommended study order
If this category is brand new to you, start with the first three topics in the list above — they tend to be the most foundational. Then work outward to the others. If you're already comfortable, go straight to a recent past paper, identify which Problem-Solving & Data Analysis question you missed, and drill that specific topic page.
For broader test-prep advice, see our study tips. For real test reference, browse the SAT Math past paper index.