LSAT format overview - Test sections and timing

Learning Outcomes

This article provides a structured overview of the LSAT exam format. By the end, you will be able to identify each section, understand the timing and order, recognize the question types, and explain the scoring process. You will also know the rules for experimental and unscored sections, and the main practical requirements of the digital exam. This ensures you meet key requirements for LSAT test day.

LSAT Syllabus

For the LSAT, you are required to learn the specific structure and timing of the test, including regulations surrounding scored and unscored content. When revising this topic, focus on:

• the different LSAT test sections (Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, plus unscored variable and writing sections)
• the exact timing and sequence of each section
• how the digital test is administered (including breaks and requirements)
• which sections count toward your score, and which are unscored or experimental
• the process and rules for the Writing Sample
• how your LSAT score is calculated

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. How many scored multiple-choice sections are included in a standard LSAT administration, and which ones are they?
2. Where does the unscored section appear during your LSAT, and how does it affect your score?
3. What is the length (in minutes) of each LSAT multiple-choice section?
4. When and how is the LSAT Writing section completed?

Introduction

An exact understanding of LSAT format and timing is essential for effective preparation and performance on test day. The LSAT is a digital, standardized exam used for law school admissions in the United States, Canada, and other jurisdictions. It assesses critical reasoning and reading skills through a series of timed, multiple-choice sections and a separate writing task. The structure, timing, and scoring are carefully regulated by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). This article outlines the compulsory elements you must know for effective LSAT revision.

LSAT Test Sections: What to Expect

The standard LSAT is divided into several components. Recognizing which contributes to your score and which does not is essential for test-day focus.

• Number and Type of Sections:
  The test comprises four sections in total during a standard administration:
  1. Logical Reasoning (two scored sections)
  2. Reading Comprehension (one scored section)
  3. Variable section (one unscored section, testing either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension)
  4. Writing Sample (unscored, completed separately)

Each multiple-choice section contains 24–26 questions. The order of sections varies, and you cannot determine which is unscored during the test.

Key Term: Logical Reasoning section
The LSAT component that evaluates the ability to analyze and evaluate arguments. Two such sections are scored.

Key Term: Reading Comprehension section
The LSAT component that tests the ability to read, interpret, and answer questions about complex texts. One such section is scored.

Key Term: Variable section
An unscored section of Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension included for pretesting new questions. Does not affect your score.

Key Term: Writing Sample
A written essay task required as part of the LSAT. Unscored but sent to law schools as part of your application.

Section Timing and Sequence

• Each multiple-choice section: 35 minutes
• Total number of multiple-choice sections: 4 (including 1 unscored)
• Total testing time (multiple-choice only): 140 minutes
• Order: Unpredictable. You may encounter the variable section at any point.
• Breaks: Usually a short break is scheduled after the second section.

Unscored (Variable) Section

The unscored section does not count toward your LSAT score. Its exact placement within the test is unknown, and its topic—either Reading Comprehension or Logical Reasoning—blends in with your scored sections. You must treat all sections as if they count.

LSAT Writing

This is a separate, unscored essay section:

• Administered online (at home) via LSAC's secure platform
• Must be completed once and released before law schools will receive your score
• 35 minutes, single prompt; argue for one of two options with reasons

Scoring Structure

• Raw Score: Based on number of multiple-choice questions answered correctly; no penalty for incorrect guesses.
• Scaled Score: Converted from raw score to a range of 120–180 using a formula that accounts for minor differences in test difficulty.
• Which sections count: Only the two Logical Reasoning and one Reading Comprehension section contribute to your score.

Worked Example 1.1

An LSAT candidate completes four multiple-choice sections in the following order: Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Variable (Logical Reasoning, unscored), Logical Reasoning. Which three sections will form the score used by law schools?

Answer:
Only the first Reading Comprehension and the two Logical Reasoning sections count toward the candidate's score. The variable (unscored) section does not.

Worked Example 1.2

A candidate is unsure which multiple-choice section is unscored. What is the correct exam-day strategy?

Answer:
Treat every multiple-choice section as scored. You must give full effort in all four, as you will not be told which is the unscored (variable) section.

Exam Warning

A common mistake is assuming an easy section is unscored, leading to poor effort. This risks losing valuable points. Do not try to guess which section is unscored.

Revision Tip

Practise strict section-by-section timing during preparation. Stick to 35 minutes per section with no interruptions to simulate the real test.

Summary

All multiple-choice sections are 35 minutes. Only three contribute to your score. The variable section is unscored but indistinguishable during the test.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• The LSAT includes three scored multiple-choice sections: two Logical Reasoning and one Reading Comprehension
• Each multiple-choice section is exactly 35 minutes long
• There is a fourth, unscored variable section that cannot be identified during the test
• Only the three scored sections impact your raw and scaled LSAT score; the variable section does not
• The Writing Sample is required but unscored; it is delivered separately online
• The test is delivered digitally, with timing controls enforced and a short break after two sections
• Scoring is based on total correct answers, with a 120–180 scale; there is no penalty for incorrect answers

Key Terms and Concepts

• Logical Reasoning section
• Reading Comprehension section
• Variable section
• Writing Sample