Compare PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT: Math
| Element | PSAT 8/9 | Redesigned PSAT/NMSQT |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time Allotted | Amount | % of Test | Amount | % of Test |
| Total | 60 minutes | 100% | 70 minutes | 100% |
| Calculator Permitted Section | 40 minutes | 67% | 45 minutes | 64% |
| Calculator Not Permitted Section | 20 minutes | 33% | 25 minutes | 36% |
| Questions | Number | % of Test | Number | % of Test |
| Total | 38 questions | 100% | 48 questions | 100% |
| Multiple Choice (4 options) |
31 questions | 82% | 40 questions | 83% |
| Student-Produced Response (grid-in) |
7 questions | 18% | 8 questions | 17% |
| Content Categories | ||||
| Heart of Algebra | 16 questions | 42% | 16 questions | 33% |
| Problem Solving and Data Analysis | 16 questions | 42% | 16 questions | 33% |
| Passport to Advanced Math | 6 questions | 16% | 14 questions | 29% |
| Additional Topics in Math* | 0 questions | 0% | 2 questions | 4% |
| Contribution of Items to Cross-Test Scores | ||||
| Analysis in Science |
6 questions | 16% | 7 questions | 15% |
| Analysis in History/Social Studies |
6 questions | 16% | 7 questions | 15% |
* Questions under Additional Topics in Math contribute to the total Math Test score but do not contribute to a subscore within the Math Test.
Math Calculator Permitted Section Specifications
| Element | PSAT 8/9 | Redesigned PSAT/NMSQT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Question Type |
Number | % of Test | Number | % of Test |
| Total | 25 | 100% | 31 | 100% |
| Multiple Choice (4 options) |
21 | 84% | 27 | 87% |
| Student-Produced Response (grid-in) |
4 | 16% | 4 | 13% |
| Content Categories | ||||
| Total | 25 | 100% | 31 | 100% |
| Heart of Algebra | 8 | 32% | 8 | 26% |
| Problem Solving and Data Analysis | 16 | 64% | 16 | 52% |
| Passport to Advanced Math | 1 | 4% | 6 | 19% |
| Additional Topics in Math | 0 | 0% | 1 | 3% |
| Time Allocated | 40 minutes | 45 minutes | ||
Math Calculator Not Permitted Section Specifications
| Element | PSAT 8/9 | Redesigned PSAT/NMSQT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Question Type | Number | % of Test | Number | % of Test |
| Total | 13 | 100% | 17 | 100% |
| Multiple Choice (4 options) |
10 | 77% | 13 | 76% |
| Student-Produced Response (grid-in) |
3 | 23% | 4 | 24% |
| Content Categories | ||||
| Total | 13 | 100% | 17 | 100% |
| Heart of Algebra | 8 | 62% | 8 | 47% |
| Passport to Advanced Math | 5 | 38% | 8 | 47% |
| Additional Topics in Math | 0 | 0% | 1 | 6% |
| Time Allocated | 20 minutes | 25 minutes | ||