How many questions are on the PSAT?
The digital PSAT/NMSQT has 98 questions: 54 in Reading and Writing and 44 in Math. Each section has two modules, with 27 questions in each Reading and Writing module and 22 in each Math module. Eight of the 98 are unscored pretest questions, 2 per module, so 90 questions count toward your score.
In more detail
The PSAT/NMSQT is built like the digital SAT and is taken in the Bluebook app. Both sections are adaptive by module: how you do on the first module of a section decides whether the second one is easier or harder. Most questions are multiple choice, and some Math questions ask you to type in your own answer. You cannot tell which questions are pretest, so treat every one as if it counts.
Reading and Writing questions come from four areas: Craft and Structure (13 to 15 questions), Information and Ideas (12 to 14), Standard English Conventions (11 to 15) and Expression of Ideas (8 to 12). Each question has its own short passage. Math splits into Algebra (13 to 15), Advanced Math (12 to 14), Problem-Solving and Data Analysis (7 to 9) and Geometry and Trigonometry (4 to 6). Those ranges are for the scored questions in each section. A built-in Desmos calculator is open for the whole Math section.
The College Board plans on 1.19 minutes per question in Reading and Writing and 1.59 in Math, about 71 and 95 seconds. Students who test on paper with approved accommodations take a nonadaptive paper version, so their modules and question counts differ.
PSAT/NMSQT questions by section (College Board, Fall 2026)
| Section | Per module | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing (2 modules) | 27 (25 scored + 2 pretest) | 54 | 64 min |
| Math (2 modules) | 22 (20 scored + 2 pretest) | 44 | 70 min |
| Total (4 modules) | - | 98 (90 scored) | 134 min (2 h 14 min) |
Step by step
- 1
Take one full practice PSAT in Bluebook so the module format feels normal.
- 2
Count your misses by section, then by area, such as Standard English Conventions or Algebra, to see where the points are.
- 3
Split practice time by question count: Algebra and Advanced Math together are 25 to 29 of the 40 scored Math questions.
- 4
Practice the Math questions with no answer choices, where you type in the answer.
- 5
Train the pace: about 71 seconds per Reading and Writing question and 95 seconds per Math question.
How StudyPDF helps
The PSAT is a dress rehearsal for the SAT, so practice for it the same way. Upload chapters from your prep book, class notes or photos of practice pages, and StudyPDF builds quizzes and a practice exam from them, with a timer if you want one. Every answer updates a per-concept score, so the next quiz targets what you missed. It uses your own material and does not include official College Board questions.
See also
More questions
How many PSAT questions are scored?
90 of 98. Each of the four modules has 2 unscored pretest questions that the College Board is trying out, and you cannot tell which ones they are.
Does everyone get the same number of questions?
Almost. Most students take the adaptive test with 98 questions. Students who test on paper with approved accommodations take a nonadaptive paper version, so their modules and question counts differ.
Do it on your own course
Upload your lectures and ask Bo. Cited answers, plus flashcards, exams, and more built from your material.