PSAT/NMSQT Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the PSAT/NMSQT exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 PSAT/NMSQT Exam Format at a Glance
98
Questions
134 min
Time Limit
50%
Passing Score
📚 PSAT/NMSQT Topics to Study (69)
Math · 25 cardsAlgebra & Functions · 9 cardsData Interpretation & Analysis · 9 cardsEssay Writing & Analysis · 9 cardsGeometry & Measurement · 9 cardsGrammar & Writing Skills · 9 cardsMathematical Problem Solving · 9 cardsReading Comprehension · 9 cardsAlgebra & Functions · 7 cardsAlgebra & Functions · 7 cardsAlgebra & Functions · 7 cardsAlgebra & Functions · 7 cardsData Interpretation & Analysis · 7 cardsData Interpretation & Analysis · 7 cardsData Interpretation & Analysis · 7 cardsData Interpretation & Analysis · 7 cardsEssay Writing & Analysis · 7 cardsEssay Writing & Analysis · 7 cardsEssay Writing & Analysis · 7 cardsEssay Writing & Analysis · 7 cardsExpression of Ideas · 7 cardsExpression of Ideas · 7 cardsExpression of Ideas · 7 cardsGeometry & Measurement · 7 cardsGeometry & Measurement · 7 cardsGeometry & Measurement · 7 cardsGeometry & Measurement · 7 cardsGrammar & Writing Skills · 7 cardsGrammar & Writing Skills · 7 cardsGrammar & Writing Skills · 7 cards
✍️ Sample PSAT/NMSQT Questions & Answers
1. The function f(x) = 2x - 3. What is f(5)?
✓ 7
2(5) - 3 = 10 - 3 = 7.
2. A bag has 5 red and 3 blue marbles. What is the probability of drawing red?
✓ 5/8
5 red out of 8 total gives 5/8.
3. In the sentence 'The scientist's hypothesis was deemed *speculative* by her peers,' what does 'speculative' most nearly mean?
✓ Based on assumption rather than proof
Speculative means based on conjecture or assumption rather than on established evidence.
4. In a right triangle, one leg is 5 and the hypotenuse is 13. What is the other leg?
✓ 12
The other leg is √(13² − 5²) = √144 = 12.
5. A phone plan costs $30 plus $0.10 per minute. What is the cost for 200 minutes?
✓ $50
$30 + 200 × $0.10 = $30 + $20 = $50.
6. An author writes, 'Far from being obsolete, the technique remains essential.' This sentence:
✓ Refutes the idea that the technique is outdated
'Far from' negates obsolescence, asserting the technique is still essential.
🎯 Free PSAT/NMSQT Practice Tests
Math · 25 questionsGeometry & Measurement · 9 questionsAlgebra & Functions · 9 questionsReading Comprehension · 9 questionsEssay Writing & Analysis · 9 questionsMathematical Problem Solving · 9 questionsData Interpretation & Analysis · 9 questionsGrammar & Writing Skills · 9 questionsMathematical Problem Solving · 7 questionsMathematical Problem Solving · 7 questions
📖 PSAT/NMSQT Guides & Articles
Your PSAT/NMSQT Study Path
1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation