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United States · Admissions test

SHSAT math questions: what they cover and how to answer them

There are 50 math questions on the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), all word problems and computation, on ratios and proportions, the number system and expressions, equations and inequalities, statistics and probability, and geometry. You can’t use a calculator, and SHSAT math questions come with no formulas, so you need to know them before test day.

  • 50Math questions
  • Grade 7Standards on the 8th grade form
  • Not allowedCalculators on test day
Where to study

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

What do SHSAT math questions cover?

The questions use skills, terms and concepts from the New York State Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards. On the Grade 8 form they’re based on standards through Grade 7, and on the Grade 9 form through Grade 8.

NYC’s guide says basic questions check skills such as simplifying fractions or applying statistics, while harder ones need multi-step equations and may mix skills, such as fractions, equations and statistics in one question.

Question types and the equation editor

  • Multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions, plus technology-enhanced items.
  • Some answers go in with the equation editor, which has symbols such as parentheses, square root and the multiplication dot.
  • You must answer each question to move on, and you can’t go back to a math question once you’ve moved past it.
  • The digital notepad in math starts fresh for each question. Scrap paper is provided too.

Formulas to know

Definitions and explanations of terms, symbols and formulas aren’t given on the test. The guide names the formulas for perimeter, area, volume and surface area of 2- and 3-dimensional figures, and grade-level terms such as parallel and perpendicular, as things to know by heart. The New York State Education Department publishes formulas and reference materials too.

Tips from NYC’s guide

  • Solve the problem first, then look at the options, rather than testing each option.
  • Turn the words of the question into math symbols.
  • Note how many answers or responses the question asks for.
  • Draw a diagram when a question doesn’t give one.
  • Write out multi-step problems one step at a time.
  • If your answer isn’t an option, check whether it can be written another way, then solve again. If it still isn’t there, make your best guess.
Official practice tests with explanations →
Sources: NYC Public Schools and 1 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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