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SAT · Math · Problem-Solving and Data Analysis

Ratios, Rates, Proportions, and Units on the Digital SAT: How to Answer These Questions

Whether you can solve problems with ratios, rates, proportional relationships and unit conversions.

By Hourly Prep Editorial TeamReviewed October 1, 2026

How to answer it

  1. Write the known ratio as a fraction with units.
  2. Set it equal to the unknown ratio, with the same units in the same places.
  3. Cross-multiply and solve.

Worked example

An original question in the SAT format, already answered.

SAT MathWorked example

A recipe uses 3 cups of flour for every 2 cups of milk.

How many cups of flour are needed with 7 cups of milk?

  1. A4.5
  2. B9
  3. C10.5
  4. D14

Answer: C. 3/2 = f/7, so f = 21/2 = 10.5 cups. Choice A comes from flipping the ratio.

The most common trap

Putting flour on top on one side and milk on top on the other. Keep units in the same positions.

Practice it

Hourly Prep’s daily sets mix ratios, rates, proportions, and units with the rest of SAT Math, and send more of it your way when it’s a weak spot. See how the SAT prep plan works, or browse the other SAT skill guides.

Primary sources

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Practice ratios, rates, proportions, and units in 15 minutes a day.

Short SAT sets on the test-day screen, with an explanation for every question.

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