Preparing for the MCAT can feel overwhelming, and one of the first questions students ask is: “How many questions are on the MCAT?”
Knowing the exact number of questions, how they’re divided across sections, and how much time you’ll have is essential for building a strong study plan.
The MCAT, or Medical College Admission Test, is a standardized exam required for admission to most U.S. and Canadian medical schools.
It tests your knowledge of biology, chemistry, psychology, and critical reasoning.
In this guide, we’ll break down the MCAT question count, section structure, and test-taking strategies so you know exactly what to expect on exam day.
What Is the MCAT and Why Does Question Count Matter?
Before diving into numbers, let’s define the “ingredients.”
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): A standardized test for students applying to medical schools in the U.S. and Canada.
- Question Count: The total number of items you’ll face during the test, like the exact number of teaspoons you need for a recipe.
👉 In short: Knowing the number of questions is like knowing whether you need a cup or a tablespoon—it changes your whole approach.
The Direct Answer: How Many Questions Is the MCAT?
The MCAT has 230 questions total.
- These are spread across 4 sections, like measuring spoons in a set.
- Each section has its own “portion size.”
Here’s the breakdown:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems → 59 questions
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) → 53 questions
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems → 59 questions
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior → 59 questions
MCAT Question Count Chart (Like a Conversion Table)
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
| Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | 59 | 95 minutes |
| Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills (CARS) | 53 | 90 minutes |
| Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | 59 | 95 minutes |
| Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior | 59 | 95 minutes |
| Total | 230 | 6 hours 15 minutes (plus breaks) |
Why This “Conversion” Matters in Real Life
Just like converting cups to tablespoons prevents kitchen disasters, knowing the MCAT’s question count prevents study mishaps.
- Time Management: You’ll know how long to spend per question.
- Study Planning: Helps you balance prep time across sections.
- Confidence: Reduces surprise on test day.
- Strategy: Lets you “portion control” your energy.
- Score Goals: Easier to track progress by question numbers.
How to Easily Remember the Question Breakdown
Here’s a quick mnemonic:
👉 “59-53-59-59” = Think of it like a recipe code.
- 59 (Chem/Phys)
- 53 (CARS)
- 59 (Bio/Biochem)
- 59 (Psych/Soc)
💡 Trick: Imagine baking cookies—three trays with 59 cookies each, and one smaller tray with 53 cookies.
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Mistake: Assuming all sections are equal.
- ✅ Tip: CARS is shorter with 53 questions, so pace accordingly.
- ✅ Tip: CARS is shorter with 53 questions, so pace accordingly.
- Mistake: Forgetting breaks.
- ✅ Tip: Treat them like “cooling time” in cooking.
- ✅ Tip: Treat them like “cooling time” in cooking.
- Mistake: Over-preparing one section.
- ✅ Tip: Balance your study like balancing flavors.
- ✅ Tip: Balance your study like balancing flavors.
- Mistake: Ignoring question-to-time ratio.
- ✅ Tip: Aim for about 1 minute 35 seconds per question.
- ✅ Tip: Aim for about 1 minute 35 seconds per question.
Measurement Differences: Is Every Question Equal?
Not exactly.
- All questions are multiple-choice, but passages vary in length.
- Some feel like “heaping tablespoons,” others like “level teaspoons.”
- The CARS section is more about reasoning than memorization, making it different from the science-heavy sections.
Real-Life Examples of Why Question Count Matters
- Planning Study Days: If you’re doing 30 practice questions, that’s about half a section.
- Full-Length Exams: Knowing it’s 230 helps you prepare mentally.
- Daily Practice: Breaking it into chunks (e.g., 20 questions = ⅓ of a section).
- Scoring Goals: If you want to miss fewer than 15 per section, you need the totals.
- Energy Management: Helps you know when the “final stretch” begins.
FAQs About MCAT Question Count
Q1: How many questions are on the MCAT total?
A: 230 questions.
Q2: Is every section the same length?
A: No—three sections have 59 questions, and CARS has 53.
Q3: How long does the MCAT last?
A: About 7.5 hours with breaks.
Q4: How many passages are included in the MCAT?
A: Around 10 passages per science section and 9 in CARS.
Q5: Do all questions count toward my score?
A: Most do, but some “field test” questions are unscored. You won’t know which ones.
Q6: Can I skip and return to questions?
A: Yes, within each section—but once you move on, you can’t go back.
Conclusion
Just like measuring flour correctly can make or break a cake, knowing the MCAT’s 230-question breakdown makes or breaks your prep strategy.
With 59-53-59-59 as your recipe code, you’ll approach the test with confidence, balance, and the right pacing.
David Smith is a passionate food writer and recipe creator who loves making cooking simple, fun, and approachable for everyone. With a deep love for experimenting in the kitchen, he shares tried-and-true recipes that are perfect for busy families, home cooks, and food lovers of all skill levels. From quick weeknight dinners to comfort-food classics, David’s recipes are easy to follow, full of flavor, and designed to bring joy to the table.
