Math

SAT Desmos Reference Sheet

Use this printable SAT Desmos sheet while practicing equations, systems, function values and data models. Learn what to type and which quantity to read. The reference sheet is a study aid; the test provides its own calculator and Math reference information.

Written by Luke Finigan

Updated Oct 2, 2026

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Download the SAT Desmos reference sheet (PDF)

SAT Desmos Reference Sheet, page 1: a four-step calculator workflow, high-value Desmos moves, and three worked setups

Four setups to keep beside your practice

Choose the setup from the task, then read only the quantity the question requests. A graph is evidence about your entered equations; it cannot fix a mistranslated word problem.

Task	Enter or do	Read/check
System of equations	$y = 2 x + 5$ and $y = - x + 14$	Intersection $(3, 11)$ ; $x + y = 14$ if requested
Function value	$f (x) = 3 x^{2} - 5 x + 2$ , then $f (4)$	Output 30, not input 4
Quadratic roots	$y = x^{2} - 6 x + 9$	One x-intercept at 3; confirm $(x - 3)^{2}$
Linear regression	Enter table columns $x_{1}, y_{1}$ ; fit $y_{1} \sim m x_{1} + b$	Use fitted parameters for the named prediction

A repeatable calculator workflow

First define variables and units. Second type the equation or data. Third read the intersection, input, output or coefficient needed. Fourth check that the number answers the wording.

For the system in the chart, the intersection is $(3, 11)$ . If the question asks for $x$ , answer 3; if it asks for $y$ , answer 11; if it asks for $x + y$ , answer 14. The same graph can support different answers.

Use the test’s calculator version

Desmos has a College Board testing configuration, and Bluebook provides the built-in calculator. Rehearse there before test day instead of depending on saved expressions or a feature seen only in another calculator version.

For table data, choose the model named in the question. A fitted relationship is not necessarily an exact equation through every point. If a question gives two exact points and asks for slope, direct slope calculation can be simpler than regression.

When paper is the shorter route

A one-step equation such as $4 x = 28$ can be solved directly as $x = 7$ . Factoring $x^{2} - 6 x + 9$ as $(x - 3)^{2}$ also confirms its repeated root without a graph. Choose the route that keeps the setup clear rather than opening Desmos automatically.

Practice both ways on a few fresh questions and compare your actual time and errors. Calculator-first is a choice to test, not a universal instruction.

Use the download, then put it away

Run five untimed questions with the sheet visible. Repeat the workflow on new questions without it, then do a timed Math module using only permitted tools. You need to recall the setup on test day rather than depend on this printable page.

Systems of Linear Equations · Easy

4 x + y = 22

8 x - y = 2

How many solutions does the given system of equations have?

AInfinitely manyBZeroCExactly twoDExactly one

Choose an answer.

Open the question and explanation

Try it yourself

The lines intersect at

(3, 11)

. The question asks for

x + y

. What do you report?

A3B11C14

Choose an answer.

Sources

Next steps

Practice systems with Desmos Practice nonlinear functions Practice SAT Math Practice hard Math Take timed modules

FAQs

Is Desmos available throughout SAT Math?

Yes. The built-in calculator is available throughout the Math section.

Can I bring the printed shortcut sheet into the SAT?

Use it for preparation. Personal study notes are not an approved test-day aid; follow College Board’s permitted-item rules.

Should I graph every problem?

No. Use a graph or table when it clarifies the task or reduces work; one-step arithmetic or clean factoring may be quicker on paper.

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