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SAT Math skill page

SAT Data Analysis Practice

Read tables, charts, and statistics carefully so you can turn data into the exact comparison the question asks for.

Practice data analysis in Dolphin Try examples
10-16 min practice time 3 examples on page Problem-Solving and Data Analysis
Practice time 10-16 min
On-page examples 3 examples
Best for Problem-Solving and Data Analysis

What this tests

What to know for this SAT skill

Practice examples

Try a few SAT-style questions

Example 1 Easy

A table shows that 18 of 60 students chose biology. What percent of the students chose biology?

  1. 18%
  2. 30%
  3. 42%
  4. 60%
Show answer and explanation

Answer: 30%

Divide 18 by 60 to get 0.30, then convert to 30%.

Example 2 Medium

The mean of 8, 10, 12, and x is 11. What is x?

  1. 10
  2. 12
  3. 14
  4. 16
Show answer and explanation

Answer: 14

A mean of 11 for four numbers means the total is 44. Since 8 + 10 + 12 = 30, x = 14.

Example 3 Hard

A store sold 240 items in May and 300 items in June. By what percent did the number of items sold increase?

  1. 20%
  2. 25%
  3. 60%
  4. 80%
Show answer and explanation

Answer: 25%

The increase is 60 items. Since 60 / 240 = 0.25, the percent increase is 25%.

Avoid these traps

Common mistakes on this skill

Using the new value as the original

Percent change questions use the original value in the denominator.

Reading the wrong axis

Always check labels and units before choosing a value from a graph.

Overstating what the data proves

The SAT often includes answers that sound reasonable but are not supported by the table or graph.

Study plan

How to practice this skill in Dolphin

  1. Circle the exact quantity the question asks for.
  2. Check whether the question needs a value, difference, ratio, or percent change.
  3. Write the formula before substituting table or graph values.
  4. Reread the units in the answer choices before selecting an answer.
Practice data analysis in Dolphin

Related practice

Build the surrounding skills

SAT Probability PracticeSAT Percentages PracticeSAT Ratios and Proportions PracticeSAT Math skill hub

Skill cluster

Keep practicing SAT Math

SAT Math skill hub SAT Linear Equations PracticeSAT Systems of Equations PracticeSAT Linear Functions PracticeSAT Quadratic Equations PracticeSAT Percentages PracticeSAT Ratios and Proportions PracticeSAT Probability PracticeSAT Geometry PracticeSAT Right Triangles PracticeSAT Circle Equations Practice SAT Reading and Writing Practice Pages Dolphin SAT study guides SAT score guides by college

FAQ

Questions about SAT Data Analysis Practice

What is data analysis on SAT Math?

It includes questions about tables, graphs, statistics, rates, percentages, and conclusions based on data.

Do I need advanced statistics for SAT data questions?

No. Most questions focus on reading data precisely and applying basics like averages, percentages, and comparisons.

How do I get faster at data questions?

Practice naming the calculation first, then pulling only the necessary numbers from the table or graph.