What’s on the SHSAT: Math
If you’re aiming for a seat at any of NYC’s elite specialized high schools, the Math section of the SHSAT is where you can truly set yourself apart. While the ELA section tests your nuance, the Math section is all about logic, precision, and accuracy. No calculators of any kind are allowed on the SHSAT Math section, which means students must be prepared to solve problems efficiently and use mental calculations when needed. Beginning in 2026, the SHSAT will use a computer-adaptive test (CAT), which will adjust the exam difficulty based on your performance. Keep reading to learn more about the SHSAT Math section.
[ READ NEXT: What’s Tested on the SHSAT ELA Section ]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SHSAT Math Overview
Past versions of the exam have contained 57 questions in the Math section, which accounts for one-half of your total points on the SHSAT. Each Math question is stand-alone, meaning you will need to submit an answer before moving to the next question. Although there may be adjustments to the exam for 2026, the Math section of the 2025 sample digital exams consisted of:
| Math Question Format | Total Number of Questions |
| Fill-in-the-Blank | 4-5 questions |
| Multiple-Choice | 44-47 questions |
| Tech-Enhanced Items | 6-8 questions |
SHSAT Math Topics
You’ve most likely been exposed to the majority of the math concepts you’ll see on the SHSAT, which include:
- Arithmetic
- Number properties (odds, evens, positives, negatives)
- Order of operations
- Ratios and proportions
- Algebra
- Expressions
- Equations
- Inequalities
- Geometry
- Angles
- Polygons
- Circles
- Statistics and Probability
- Mean, median, mode, and range
- Probability of single and compound events
SHSAT Math Question Types
On test day, you’ll see questions in a variety of formats on the SHSAT Math section. You will be asked to input your answer selection in different ways, depending on the question format. These new question formats on the digital SHSAT are called Tech-Enhanced Items (TEI). The following question formats are common on the SHSAT Math section. Note that more question formats may be possible.
Multiple-Choice Questions
This is the most common question type on the SHSAT. The question presents four answer choices, and only one of them is correct.
Strategy: Effective strategies include using straightforward math, elimination, and Picking Numbers for unknown values or variables.
Multiple-Select Questions
These questions are similar to Multiple-Choice questions except that more than one answer is correct. To get credit for the question, you must select all the correct answers (and no incorrect answers). The question will indicate how many answers you must select.
Strategy: As on Multiple-Choice questions, you may decide to use straightforward math to solve and/or strategically eliminate incorrect answer choices. Picking Numbers may be helpful on some questions.
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
These questions do not provide any answer choices. You must determine the answer and type your response into a box.
Strategy: Since these questions do not provide answer choices, be especially careful to double-check your work and make sure you’ve typed in the correct response.
Drag-and-Drop Questions
These questions require you to use your mouse or touchpad to drag the answer(s) you are selecting to a box on the screen. To move an answer choice, click the choice, hold the button, drag to the desired box, and then release. As selections are sorted, they will appear in the boxes. You may have to fill one box with an answer, or you may have to fill two or more boxes with answers. To receive credit, you must correctly answer all the boxes.
Strategy: Once you perform the required math calculations, match the answer choices to your calculations. Remember that you must correctly complete all the boxes to get credit, so be sure to double-check all your selections.
Inline Choice Questions
These questions require you to choose one or more responses from drop-down menus that appear within the question text. If there is more than one drop-down, keep in mind that you must correctly answer all the selections to receive credit for the question.
Strategy: On these questions, you may not be able to see the answer choices until you click on a drop-down menu. Whenever possible, predict your answer before looking at the choices. Doing this will make it easier for you to focus on the correct choice(s). As on any question with multiple parts, be sure to double-check that you answered all the selections before moving on to the next question.
SHSAT Practice Questions: Math
Test your readiness for the SHSAT Math section with these practice questions. Then, review the answer explanations to check your understanding.
Math Practice Question #1
If a + 2b + 2c = 5 and a + 2b + 3c = 5, what is the value of a + 2b + 4c ?
A. 0
B. 5
C. 10
D. 15
Answer Explanation
The correct answer is: (B)
Ordinarily, you would not be able to solve for three variables with only two equations. In this case, however, what can you deduce from the fact that both equations are identical except for the coefficient of c? By subtracting the first equation from the second, you will see that c = 0. This is the only way that both a + 2b + 2c and a + 2b + 3c can equal 5. Therefore, a + 2b = 5 and a + 2b + 4c = a + 2b + 0 = 5.
Math Practice Question #2
Ken owns 30 percent of the stock of Company X. Fifty percent of Ken’s stock is for his children.
What percentage of the total stock of Company X is for Ken’s children?
A. 15%
B. 45%
C. 50%
D. 80%
Answer Explanation
The correct answer is: (A)
The children get 50% of Ken’s stocks, which represent 30% of the company’s stocks. Therefore, they are getting 50% of 30%:
50% of 30% = (0.5)(0.3) = 0.15
0.15 = 15%
Alternatively, this question can be solved by Picking Numbers. Pick 100 for the total amount of stock. If Ken owns 30%, he owns 30. Fifty percent of 30 is 15.
Written by Kaplan experts, reviewed by Melissa McLaughlin, Pre-College Content Developer and Heather Waite, Director of Content and Curriculum, Pre-College at Kaplan North America.
