One of the most common questions among prospective test-takers is: “How many questions are on the LSAT?”
The short answer is around 100-101 questions with five sections total.
However, as of August 2024, the exam will change, and you may take an exam with fewer questions (approximately 75).
I’ve written this article to help educate future law school students about the number of questions on the LSAT and how this might be reduced in the near future.
Key Takeaways
- Number of Questions: The current LSAT consists of approximately 100–101 questions across its scored sections, which include Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension.
- New Format: The revised LSAT will include two scored Logical Reasoning sections, one scored Reading Comprehension section, and one unscored section, either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension.
- Potential Reduction in Questions: With the removal of the Analytical Reasoning section, the total number of questions might be fewer than the current 100–101.
Structure of the LSAT
The current LSAT structure consists of several sections designed to assess various skills necessary for success in law school. These sections include Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension. Each plays a crucial role in evaluating your ability to understand and analyze complex texts, draw logical conclusions, and solve problems efficiently.
Logical Reasoning Sections
The LSAT contains two Logical Reasoning sections. These LSAT sections test your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments. Each Logical Reasoning section consists of approximately 24-26 multiple-choice questions. These questions require you to read short passages and answer questions about the arguments presented. The Logical Reasoning sections are considered the most significant part of the LSAT, accounting for half of the scored sections.
Analytical Reasoning Section
The Analytical Reasoning section, or the Logic Games section, includes 23–24 questions. This LSAT section tests your ability to understand and analyze complex relationships between concepts or entities. You’ll encounter various puzzles and must determine the relationships between elements based on conditions. Mastering the Analytical Reasoning section is crucial for a high LSAT score.
Reading Comprehension Section
The Reading Comprehension section includes about 26–28 questions. This section assesses your ability to read and comprehend complex texts similar to those you will encounter in law school. You’ll be presented with several passages followed by questions that test your understanding of the material, ability to make inferences, and skills in identifying the main ideas and details.
Unscored Section
The LSAT also includes one unscored section, which can be any of the abovementioned types. This section is used to pretest new questions for future use and does not count toward your overall LSAT score. Test-takers will not know which section is unscored, so it is essential to approach each section with the same level of effort.
LSAT Writing Sample
In addition to the multiple-choice sections, the LSAT includes an unscored writing sample. This section is administered separately and is used by law schools to assess your writing mechanics and ability to construct a coherent argument. The writing sample is sent to law schools along with your LSAT score report but does not affect your LSAT score.
LSAT Scoring
The LSAT score is on a scale from 120 to 180, with a median LSAT score of around 150. Your raw score, which is the number of questions you answer correctly, is converted into a scaled score. This scaled score is what law schools use to evaluate your application. Achieving a perfect LSAT score of 180 is rare and requires answering all or nearly all questions correctly.
LSAT Prep Courses and Practice Tests
Preparing for the LSAT is essential for achieving a competitive score. Many test-takers enroll in LSAT prep courses offering structured study plans, practice tests, and expert guidance. Practice tests are particularly valuable, as they help you become familiar with the LSAT test format, question types, and time constraints. Taking multiple practice tests can also help identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
Conclusion
Understanding the structure and scoring of the LSAT is crucial for effective preparation. The LSAT consists of multiple sections, each designed to test different skills necessary for law school success. Knowing how many questions are on the LSAT and what to expect in each section can help you develop a strategic study plan and perform your best on test day to achieve your desired LSAT score.
FAQ
You can usually miss around 8–11 questions to score a 170.
You can generally miss about 23–26 questions to score a 160.
The LSAT is composed of approximately 100-101 questions.
Around 100–101 questions are scored, excluding the unscored section.
A score of 160 or above is competitive for many law schools; top schools often seek scores in the 170s.
