Data Analysis on the SAT

Data analysis questions require you to interpret tables, graphs, and scatterplots. These questions test real-world reasoning rather than pure computation.

What to Expect

• Reading bar charts, histograms, and pie charts
• Calculating mean, median, mode, and range
• Understanding standard deviation (conceptually)
• Interpreting scatterplot trend lines
• Survey sampling and margin of error

Ratios, Rates and Proportions

Set up ratios as fractions and cross-multiply: if 3 workers complete a job in 12 hours, 6 workers complete it in 6 hours (inversely proportional).

Percentages Trap

A 20% increase followed by a 20% decrease does NOT return to the original value. It leaves you at 96% of the original. Watch for these compound percentage questions.