MathGeometry & TrigonometryHigh frequency

SAT Math: Area and Circumference of a Circle

38+ practice questions in Praczo

What you need to know

The concept, explained

  • 1

    Area: A = πr². Circumference: C = 2πr = πd. These are on the SAT reference sheet, but use them fluently.

  • 2

    Radius is half the diameter. Always confirm which one you are given before substituting.

  • 3

    Sector (pizza slice): sector area = (θ/360°) × πr² and arc length = (θ/360°) × 2πr, where θ is the central angle in degrees.

  • 4

    Working backward: given circumference C = 2πr → r = C/(2π). Given area A = πr² → r = √(A/π).

  • 5

    Key radian conversions: 360° = 2π rad. 180° = π. 90° = π/2. 45° = π/4.

Common mistakes
  • Using diameter instead of radius: a circle with diameter 10 has r = 5, so A = π(5)² = 25π — not π(10)² = 100π.
  • Forgetting to square r: A = πr², not πr. If r = 6, area = 36π.
Try a sample question

SAT-style practice

A circle has a circumference of 10π. What is the area of the circle?

38+ questions ready to practice

Ready to master this concept?

Praczo tracks your mastery on all 179 SAT concepts — not just broad topics. One sample question is a start; drilling to mastery is how scores move.

3-day free trial — no credit card required

Related concepts