Typed-in answers and guessing

The entry rules

These follow the directions in Bluebook. Read them again on test day; they're shown at the start of the Math section.

• Length: up to 5 characters for a positive answer, and up to 6 for a negative one, counting the minus sign.
• Fractions or decimals: both are accepted. 7/2 and 3.5 are both right.
• Long decimals: if a decimal doesn't fit, fill the space you have. Don't round it more than the space requires.
• More than one right answer: some questions have several. Enter just one.
• No symbols: leave out units, percent signs, commas and dollar signs.

Formats that lose points

• Mixed numbers. Type 3½ as 7/2 or 3.5. 3 1/2 doesn't mean three and a half.
• Rounding too early. Two-thirds is 2/3, .6666 or .6667. .67 is rounded more than the space requires.
• A fraction that's too long. If a fraction won't fit, reduce it or switch to a decimal that fills the space.
• Answering a different question. If the question asks for 2x, typing x is wrong even when x is right. Reread the last line before you type.

Desmos helps here: type the expression and it shows the decimal. Use the fraction toggle when you need the exact value.

Always answer

The SAT doesn't take points off for wrong answers. A blank scores the same as a wrong answer, so a guess can only help.

• Multiple choice: cross out what you can rule out, pick from what's left, and mark it for review.
• Typed-in: type your best estimate. A reasonable number has a chance; a blank has none.
• Time running out: in the last minute, fill every blank before you check anything.

Then make your guesses count when you study. A question you got right by guessing is a skill you haven't learned yet. Graphite's diagnostic and score check ask how sure you were, so a lucky guess still shows up as something to fix.