Length of SAT Test

Hey folks, I've been trying to schedule my study sessions well and want to understand, how long do the SATs typically take? I mean the whole thing, from walking in to walking out, including breaks and instructions. Anyone?

Hi there! The length of the SAT test, from start to finish, typically lasts a little over four hours. This timing also accounts for the administrative procedures, instructions, and breaks.

The SAT itself is divided into different sections with individual time allotments (this accounts for the timings as per the new digital SAT structure introduced in Spring 2024):

1. Reading and Writing: It consists of two 32-minute modules to complete 54 questions, so this takes up 64 minutes of your time.

2. Math: This contains two 35-minute modules, totaling 70 minutes to finish 44 questions.

Together, these make up about 134 minutes, or roughly 2 hours and 14 minutes, of actual test-taking time.

But remember, this does not include the time allocated to breaks and instructions. The College Board typically schedules a 10-minute break after the first 2 hour period and a 5-minute break later during the test. Depending on your test center's protocols, the instructions and administrative process before the test can take around 30 minutes to an hour.

So, assuming maximum instruction time, the whole experience—walking in to walking out—generally takes around 4 to 4.5 hours. Specific circumstances can affect the exact timing, such as how efficiently your testing center manages administrative tasks or even your arrival time, but this should give you a reasonable benchmark for planning your day. Good luck!