Graduate admissions, 3 sections

LSAT exam guide

Study the LSAT section by section, with the current two-Logical-Reasoning format, the Reading Comprehension passage types, and the separate Argumentative Writing task.

Follows the LSAT format introduced in August 2024, from 9 Aug 2024

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Overview

What LSAT covers.

The LSAT is the law school admission test administered by the Law School Admission Council. The scored test is made up of multiple-choice sections that measure reading, analysis, and reasoning skills rather than legal knowledge: two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section. A fourth, unscored section, which can be either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension, is used to pretest new questions and is not identified during the exam.

Every section is 35 minutes long, and a 10-minute break follows the second section, so the multiple-choice portion runs about two hours and twenty minutes plus the break. The test is delivered digitally through LSAC's LawHub platform, either remotely with online proctoring or at a testing center, and it is offered several times each year.

LSAT Writing is completed separately from the multiple-choice sections. It is an unscored argumentative writing task with dedicated prewriting time, and a completed writing sample must be on file before LSAC releases a score to law schools. Because the writing sample is sent with every score report, it deserves deliberate practice even though it does not change the 120 to 180 score.

At a glance

Scored sections: Two Logical Reasoning and one Reading Comprehension
Unscored section: One additional Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension section, not identified
Section length: 35 minutes each, with a 10-minute break after the second section
Question format: Multiple choice with five answer choices; no penalty for wrong answers
LSAT Writing: Separate, unscored argumentative writing task completed online
Delivery: Digital through LawHub, remotely proctored or at a testing center
Score range: 120 to 180
Governing body: Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
Who takes it: Applicants to Juris Doctor programs in the United States, Canada, and other jurisdictions that accept the LSAT for law school admission.

Scoring

Every scored question counts equally, and there is no deduction for incorrect answers, so no question should be left blank. The raw number of correct answers is converted to a scaled score from 120 to 180, and LSAC also reports a percentile rank alongside the score. LSAT Writing is not scored; the sample itself is sent to schools.

Exam structure

Sections

LSAT covers 3 sections. Open one for its topics, published weighting, and section-specific study tips.

Study strategies

How to work through this exam.

These strategies follow from the exam's own structure. Adapt them to the time you actually have each week.

Build the study plan around Logical Reasoning, since two scored sections come from it, while giving Reading Comprehension a dedicated block every week.
Take full-length, timed practice tests, including an extra section to simulate the unscored one, and review each test more slowly than you took it.
Track accuracy by question type and by passage subject so the weakest categories get targeted practice instead of general review.
Treat every wrong answer as a data point: write a one-line explanation of the trap it used, and revisit those notes before the next practice test.
Practice with official LSAT questions wherever possible, because the logic and phrasing of official items are what the test rewards.
Complete LSAT Writing well before the score release deadline so the writing sample never delays an application.

Common questions

LSAT questions students ask.

What sections are on the LSAT now?

Since August 2024 the LSAT has two scored Logical Reasoning sections, one scored Reading Comprehension section, and one unscored section that is either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension. Analytical Reasoning, the former logic games section, is no longer part of the test. LSAT Writing is a separate, unscored task.

How is the LSAT scored?

Every scored question is worth the same amount and there is no penalty for wrong answers. The number of correct answers is converted to a scaled score from 120 to 180, and a percentile rank is reported alongside it.

Does LSAT Writing affect my score?

No. LSAT Writing is unscored, but it must be completed before LSAC releases your score, and law schools receive the writing sample with your score report.

How long is the LSAT?

The four multiple-choice sections are 35 minutes each, with a 10-minute break after the second section, for about two hours and twenty minutes of testing plus the break. LSAT Writing is completed separately.

Can I take the LSAT remotely?

Yes. The LSAT is delivered digitally through LSAC's LawHub platform and can be taken remotely with online proctoring or at a testing center, subject to LSAC's current policies.

Before you build the schedule

Exam structures change. Confirm the current format, eligibility, and policies with Law School Admission Council (LSAC) before you commit to a study plan.

Official exam information

Guide structure last checked against official sources on August 30, 2026.

Markdown version of this guide for citation, offline reading, and language models.

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