Geometry & Trigonometry - Overview

Geometry & Trigonometry focuses on shapes, measurements, spatial reasoning, coordinate geometry, and trigonometric relationships. These questions often require visual thinking, formula knowledge, and careful interpretation of diagrams.

While this domain represents a smaller portion of the SAT than Algebra or Advanced Math, it offers many opportunities to earn points through strong conceptual understanding and efficient problem-solving strategies.

TipWhat You’ll Learn

By working through this domain, you’ll learn how to:

  • Analyze geometric figures and relationships
  • Solve problems involving angles, triangles, polygons, and circles
  • Apply area, volume, and surface area formulas
  • Use coordinate geometry to solve geometric problems
  • Understand and apply trigonometric relationships
  • Interpret diagrams efficiently and accurately

Course Structure

The Geometry & Trigonometry domain is organized into six units.

Lines & Angles

Build the foundation of geometric reasoning.

Topics include:

  • Points, lines, rays, and angles
  • Parallel lines and transversals
  • Angle relationships

Polygons

Learn how geometric shapes are classified and analyzed.

Topics include:

  • Polygon properties
  • Interior and exterior angle sums

Triangles

Study the most important figure in SAT Geometry.

Topics include:

  • Triangle properties
  • Triangle Inequality Theorem
  • Triangle area
  • Pythagorean Theorem
  • Pythagorean triples and special right triangles
  • Similarity and congruence
  • Composite figures

Circles

Explore relationships involving arcs, angles, and circular geometry.

Topics include:

  • Circle basics
  • Arcs and sectors
  • Central and inscribed angles
  • Radian measure
  • Tangent lines
  • Circles in the coordinate plane

Three-Dimensional Figures

Work with solids and spatial reasoning.

Topics include:

  • Common 3D shapes
  • Nets and geometric solids
  • Volume
  • Surface area

Trigonometry

Learn the trigonometric concepts commonly tested on the SAT.

Topics include:

  • Trigonometric ratios (SOH-CAH-TOA)
  • Complementary angle identities
  • Radians and unit circle basics
  • Benchmark angles

SAT Geometry & Trigonometry Tips

  • Draw or annotate diagrams whenever possible.
  • Label known angles, lengths, and relationships immediately.
  • Memorize commonly tested formulas and special right-triangle ratios.
  • Learn when similar triangles can simplify a problem.
  • Be comfortable switching between geometric and algebraic approaches.
  • Pay close attention to units when calculating area, volume, and surface area.

Assess Your Progress

After completing the lessons in each unit, reinforce your understanding with:

  • Unit assessments
  • The Geometry & Trigonometry Domain Test
  • Full-Length SAT Practice Tests

Select a unit from the sidebar to begin.