Compare PSAT 8/9 to PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT: Math

Compare Math content in the PSAT 8/9 to the PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT to help understand how to use the assessments over time.

  PSAT 8/9 PSAT 10 and
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 38 100% 48 100%
Multiple Choice
(4 options)
31 82% 40 83%
Student-Produced Response (grid-in) 7 18% 8 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 in Additional Topics in Math contribute to the total Math Test score but don't contribute to a subscore within the Math Test.
Math Calculator Permitted Section Specifications
  PSAT 8/9 PSAT 10 and
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
  PSAT 8/9 PSAT 10 and
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