The multiple-choice LSAT has four 35-minute sections under standard timing. Three sections are scored: two Logical Reasoning and one Reading Comprehension. The fourth is unscored. LSAT Argumentative Writing is completed separately.
The section breakdown
This is a breakdown by type, not a prediction of your test’s section order.
Logical Reasoning
Scored sections
Reading Comprehension
Scored section
LR or RC
Unscored section
How long is the LSAT?
Four sections at 35 minutes each give 140 minutes of active multiple-choice testing. Your appointment takes longer because of check-in, instructions and breaks. Approved accommodations can change timing or breaks, so use your own arrangements when planning a realistic practice session.
Writing has its own time allocation and is not included in those 140 minutes. Avoid describing section time as the entire appointment length.
What does each scored section involve?
Logical Reasoning
You examine short arguments and the relationship between evidence and conclusions. A useful starting habit is to identify the claim being defended before judging the answer options. Different questions ask for different tasks, so a statement that strengthens an argument is not automatically an answer to a question asking what must be true.
Reading Comprehension
You read extended material and answer questions about meaning, structure and reasoning. Keep the author’s position separate from views the passage describes. A passage map can be brief: topic, purpose of each paragraph and the main claim.
How many questions are on the LSAT?
Question counts vary by test form. There is no single raw-score denominator that should be imposed on every PrepTest. Count only the scored sections when converting a practice result, and use the count shown for that particular test.
For example, our PrepTest 101 table has 78 scored questions. That is an example for one supported test, not a promise about the question count on your exam. The calculator’s section mode uses test-specific counts.
What is the unscored section?
LSAC uses it to evaluate questions for future tests. It can be Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension and may appear in any position. Do not identify it by which section feels hardest. For a released practice test, use the published mapping or official report.
Where does Argumentative Writing fit?
LSAT Argumentative Writing is a separately administered, unscored writing sample. Standard timing provides 15 minutes for prewriting analysis and 35 minutes for writing. It does not add points to the 120–180 multiple-choice score.
“Unscored” does not mean irrelevant to an application. Read LSAC’s current writing instructions and complete any required sample. Practice organizing a position, addressing another perspective and explaining why your reasoning supports the position.
Build a realistic practice session
- Choose a current-format official practice test.
- Match timing and break arrangements to your intended testing conditions.
- Keep reference material away during a simulation.
- Record interruptions rather than hiding them in your result.
- Review reasoning after the session, using the scoring explanation for score context.
Use the LSAT study planner to fit practice and review into your week. Reserve separate time for breaks, setup and reviewing a full test.
Format questions
Does the current LSAT include Logic Games?
The current multiple-choice format uses Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Old Logic Games exams are not a full simulation of this format.
Does the unscored section always come last?
No. LSAC says it can occur at any point in the multiple-choice test.
Does everyone get the same timing?
The figures above describe standard timing. Approved accommodations may change the arrangement.