Question 1
Rank the four angles from smallest to largest.
DAT format: sections, questions and timing
The DAT is 280 multiple-choice questions in four timed tests, in this order: the Survey of the Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension and Quantitative Reasoning. With the optional tutorial, break and survey the appointment is 5 hours 15 minutes.
| Survey of the Natural Sciences | 100 questions in 90 minutes: Biology 40, General Chemistry 30, Organic Chemistry 30 |
|---|---|
| Perceptual Ability | 90 questions in 60 minutes, six subtests |
| Reading Comprehension | 50 questions in 60 minutes, three science passages |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 40 questions in 45 minutes, on-screen calculator |
| Whole appointment | 5 hours 15 minutes, with an optional 15-minute tutorial, an optional 30-minute break and an optional 15-minute survey |
Survey of the Natural Sciences
Biology (40 questions) covers cell and molecular biology, the diversity of life, the structure and function of body systems, genetics, and evolution and ecology. General Chemistry (30) runs from stoichiometry, gases and solutions to equilibrium, thermodynamics, kinetics, redox, atomic structure, periodic properties, nuclear reactions and the laboratory; a periodic table is on screen. Organic Chemistry (30) follows new specifications from 2026: mechanisms with curved arrows, chemical synthesis, acid-base chemistry, chemical and physical properties including spectroscopy and lab technique, and structural evaluation.
Perceptual Ability
- Apertures: pick the opening a solid object can pass through.
- View recognition: complete the top, front and end views of a solid.
- Angle discrimination: rank four angles from smallest to largest.
- Paper folding: unfold a folded, punched sheet and find the holes.
- Cube counting: count cubes by how many sides are painted.
- Spatial relations: pick the solid a flat pattern folds into.
Reading and Quantitative Reasoning
Reading Comprehension has three passages on scientific topics; you do not need to know the topic beforehand. Quantitative Reasoning covers algebra, data analysis and sufficiency, quantitative comparison, probability and statistics, and applied word problems, with a basic calculator on screen. Both US customary and metric units are used.
The only scheduled break is the optional 30 minutes after the first two tests. You are not penalized for guessing, so answer every question.
Try 2 questions
Question 2
(R)-2-Bromobutane is treated with sodium cyanide in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). What is the major product?
Next step
The ADA's Dental Admission Test page and 2026 Candidate Guide
Questions people ask
How many questions are on the DAT?
280: 100 in the Survey of the Natural Sciences, 90 in Perceptual Ability, 50 in Reading Comprehension and 40 in Quantitative Reasoning.
How long is the DAT?
The four tests take 4 hours 15 minutes. With the optional tutorial, break and survey the appointment is 5 hours 15 minutes.
Is there a calculator on the DAT?
Yes, a basic on-screen calculator in Quantitative Reasoning only.