How Long is the LSAT? Full Test & Section Breakdown

If you’re planning to take the LSAT as part of your law school application, one of the first questions most test takers ask is: How long is the LSAT? Understanding the LSAT exam format, timing, and what skills are being tested (like logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and writing sample) is critical for maximizing your LSAT score and standing out to competitive law schools.

Here’s a real, up‑to‑date, expert‑driven guide that breaks down every part of the Law School Admission Test so you know exactly what to expect on test day in 2026–2027.

Read: How Important is the LSAT for Law School Admission?

What Is the Law School Admission Test?

The LSAT (short for Law School Admission Test) is a standardized exam administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and used by law schools in the U.S., Canada, and beyond to evaluate applicants’ readiness for legal education. Most competitive and top-tier law schools rely on LSAT scores as a key component of the law school admission process.

The LSAT consists of a structured test session that includes multiple-choice sections and a separate writing component. Specifically, it assesses core skills essential for success in law school: logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and the ability to construct a complete LSAT argumentative writing sample. These sections mirror the analytical thinking, close reading, and persuasive writing expected in a legal academic environment.

While no formal legal knowledge is required, most high-performing applicants prepare through a structured LSAT prep course to build the endurance and strategy needed to succeed, particularly on the challenging second and third sections, where fatigue and time pressure often peak.

Read: LSAT Prep & Study Guide: Best Practices & Free Resources

LSAT Timing & Structure: What to Expect on Test Day (2026–2027)

The LSAT is divided into two main components: the multiple-choice section and the Argumentative Writing task. Understanding the structure, timing, and flow of the exam is key to managing stress and maximizing performance.

Multiple-Choice Portion (Main Test)

This is the core of the LSAT and includes four 35-minute sections:

• Two Logical Reasoning sections (scored)
• One Reading Comprehension section (scored)
• One unscored experimental section (can be either type)

Timing Overview:

• Section length: 35 minutes each
• Total active testing time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Built-in break: 10-minute intermission after Section 2
• Total seat time (including break): approximately 2 hours 30 to 2 hours 40 minutes

You won’t know which section is unscored; the experimental section is used by LSAC to test new questions and does not count toward your LSAT score. Treat every section as if it matters.

LSAT Argumentative Writing (Writing Sample)

This section is taken separately from the main test (online and on your own schedule), typically up to eight days before or after your official test date.

Writing Section Format (2026):

• 15 minutes to read and evaluate a prompt with multiple perspectives
• 35 minutes to craft a clear, well-reasoned written response
• Total time: Approximately 50 minutes

While this section is not scored, most law schools review it as part of the application. A polished, logical writing sample can help strengthen your overall profile, especially for borderline applicants or those targeting top-tier schools.

Note: Your LSAT score will not be released until you’ve submitted a completed writing sample. Be sure to schedule it early if you want to meet application deadlines.

Full LSAT Time Estimate (Including Writing)

LSAT Section Breakdown (2026 Format)

As of August 2024, the LSAT underwent a major format change that remains in place for the 2026–2027 testing cycle. Most notably, the Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) section was removed and replaced with an additional Logical Reasoning section.

That shift means the LSAT now places even greater emphasis on your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments, skills that mirror the demands of law school and legal reasoning.

Here’s what the current structure looks like:

Logical Reasoning (2 Scored Sections)

• Number of sections: 2 (both scored)
• Time per section: 35 minutes
• Number of questions: ~24–26 per section

What it tests: Logical Reasoning measures your ability to dissect arguments, spot assumptions, evaluate evidence, and draw valid conclusions. You’ll encounter short passages followed by questions asking you to strengthen, weaken, complete, or identify flaws in reasoning.

Because there are now two scored Logical Reasoning sections, and it accounts for the majority of your score, this is the most important section to master.

Expert Tip: Many high scorers recommend drilling Logical Reasoning daily and reviewing every incorrect answer until you can clearly articulate why it was wrong and why the correct answer was right.

Read: LSAT Logical Reasoning Strategies for Principle Questions and LSAT Logical Reasoning Strategies for Flaw Questions

Reading Comprehension (1 Scored Section)

• Number of sections: 1 (scored)
• Time: 35 minutes
• Format: 4 sets of passages with 5–8 questions each

What it tests: This section assesses your ability to read dense, often abstract material and answer questions about main ideas, tone, structure, and inference. One passage is typically a comparative reading set (two shorter, related passages).

Strong performance here requires more than just reading for detail; you need to track argument structure, shifts in tone, and subtle implications, just like you will in legal casework.

Read: LSAT Reading Comprehension Guide: Tips, Strategies, & Practice and 10 Ways to Strengthen Your LSAT Reading Comprehension

Unscored Experimental Section (1 Variable Section)

• Number of sections: 1 (unscored)
• Time: 35 minutes
• Question type: Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension
• Placement: Randomly embedded among the four sections

What it’s for: LSAC uses this section to test out new questions for future exams. It does not count toward your LSAT score.

However, this section is not labeled, and it’s indistinguishable from the scored sections. You won’t know which one is unscored during the exam, so approach all four sections as if they count.

Expert Tip: If you try to guess which section is experimental and underperform on it, you risk tanking your actual score. Focus on accuracy and pacing in every section.

Key Skills Assessed

The LSAT isn’t about memorization or legal trivia; it’s designed to measure the reasoning, reading, and writing skills that law students rely on from day one. Each section targets a specific skill set that’s directly tied to your success in law school and beyond.

Here’s a breakdown of what each component of the LSAT measures:

Why it matters: These aren’t abstract academic skills; they’re foundational to how you’ll think, read, and argue in law school. From parsing court opinions to writing persuasive briefs, the LSAT is a strong predictor of whether you’re ready for the demands of legal education. Law schools are looking for applicants who can read critically, reason under pressure, and make compelling arguments—exactly what the LSAT is designed to reveal.

Real‑World Insights From Test Takers (Reddit)

Real LSAT test takers consistently emphasize that pacing, not speed, is the key to success. Many share that rushing to finish early often leads to mistakes, and that focusing on accuracy under timed conditions yields better results.

On platforms like Reddit, high scorers frequently note that Logical Reasoning feels the most time-pressured, especially since it now makes up two of the three scored sections. Another common insight: trying to identify the unscored experimental section during the exam is a waste of mental energy, as LSAC randomizes its placement.

Instead, expert test takers treat every section as if it counts and rely heavily on full-length, timed practice tests to build endurance and timing instincts. Their advice aligns with top LSAT prep strategies: drill Logical Reasoning daily, review wrong answers deeply, and simulate test conditions to improve both accuracy and confidence under pressure.

Test Day Logistics

• Check-in: Arrive at least 30 minutes early, whether testing at a physical LSAT test center or through LSAC’s remote proctoring system, to allow time for ID verification, system checks, and environment setup.
• Break: A mandatory 10-minute intermission follows Section 2, giving you a brief window to reset before completing the final two sections. Returning late can delay or disrupt your session.
• Materials: For both in-person and remote formats, you’re allowed up to two sheets of scratch paper and writing utensils (per LSAC’s guidelines). Pens, mechanical pencils, highlighters, and notebooks are not permitted. Digital LSATs are administered on a tablet at test centers or on your personal device if testing remotely.
• Remote Option: The LSAT can be taken either remotely with a live proctor or in person at an LSAC-approved testing center. In both cases, your testing room, whether physical or virtual, must meet strict requirements. You’ll be monitored throughout the exam, so ensure your environment is quiet, private, and free of prohibited materials. Any violations in the testing room can result in delays, score cancellations, or dismissal from the test session.

How to Train for the LSAT

Here’s how expert test takers prepare effectively:

Timed Practice Tests

Elite test takers build their LSAT timing instincts the same way athletes train for competition, with full-length simulations under exact test conditions. That means: no stopping the clock, no checking answers, and strict section pacing.

These timed run-throughs aren’t just for stamina; they help you internalize the rhythm of the test so you know when to move on, when to slow down, and when to guess strategically. The goal is to train your decision-making under pressure. Schedule at least one full-time test every 1–2 weeks, and ramp up frequency as your test date nears.

Master Logical Reasoning Early

Logical Reasoning now drives two-thirds of your score, so a small edge here has an outsized impact. The best scorers develop mental frameworks for solving each one. They know what to look for in the stimulus, how to spot flawed reasoning, and how to anticipate the right answer before reading the choices.

Mastering Logical Reasoning also improves your performance across the test; its skills bleed into Reading Comprehension and even help sharpen your Writing Sample. Prioritize this section early in your prep and treat it as the foundation of your strategy.

Turn Weaknesses Into Targets

Most students review practice tests passively; top scorers dissect them. After each test or drill set, do a “deep dive” review: log your misses, analyze your timing per question, and categorize errors (was it a logic flaw, misread, trap answer, or time crunch?).

Use those patterns to create targeted review sessions—whether that means drilling sufficient/necessary assumptions, revisiting diagramming skills, or strengthening stamina for longer RC passages. The most effective prep is diagnostic: it adapts based on data, not guesswork.

Train for Reading Like a Law Student

Reading Comprehension isn’t a reading test; it’s a legal reasoning test disguised as one. The LSAT wants to know whether you can navigate dense, high-level material, sift through abstract ideas, and track arguments across multiple viewpoints.

Skimming doesn’t cut it. High scorers train themselves to slow down just enough to absorb structure and tone, then move quickly and confidently through the questions. Reading legal cases in 1L will feel eerily similar. If you treat RC as preparation for law school, not just the test, you’ll build stronger habits and get more from your prep.

Write with Purpose, Not Just Words

The LSAT Writing Sample is unscored, but that doesn’t mean it’s unimportant. Admissions officers may read it, especially if your personal statement raises questions or your test score is borderline. This is your chance to show that you can take a position, argue it clearly, and anticipate counterpoints, all skills you’ll need in legal writing.

Top scorers practice under timed conditions and build muscle memory for structuring a quick, coherent, persuasive argument. It’s not about eloquence, it’s about clarity, logic, and control.

Build Mental Toughness, Not Just Test Knowledge

The LSAT is as much a mental game as an academic one. Expect self-doubt. Expect off days. What separates high scorers is their ability to stay calm when things go wrong, a tougher-than-expected RC passage, a time crunch in LR, or tech issues on test day.

Build resilience into your prep: simulate distractions, train recovery strategies, and debrief after every test to refine your mindset. Confidence isn’t just a byproduct of high scores; it’s a skill you build through intentional, disciplined prep.

How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT?

The LSAT is administered multiple times each year, and as of 2026–2027, LSAC limits how often you can take the test to:

• 5 times within the current reportable score period (i.e., the past 5 testing years)
• 7 times total over your lifetime

The previous rule limiting you to 3 attempts per year (July–June) has been removed, meaning there’s no longer an annual cap—as long as you remain within the 5- and 7-test limits. These counts include all completed and canceled attempts, but do not include absences or withdrawals. If you earn a perfect 180, you cannot take the LSAT again during the same five-year reporting window.

You'll likely never feel 100% ready for the LSAT, but we strongly recommend waiting to take it until your practice test scores consistently fall within the range of your target score. LSAC reports all scores from the past five testing years, including cancellations and no-shows, to the law schools you apply to, so every attempt becomes part of your admissions record.

Read: How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT? A Guide to LSAT Retakes

When Can I Take the LSAT?

The LSAT is typically offered 9–10 times per testing year, and registration for the 2026–2027 cycle opens in spring 2026. The current test fee is $238, with optional add-ons like the LSAT Writing section and CAS (Credential Assembly Service) incurring additional charges. Most test takers will have the option to take the exam either online via live remote proctoring or in person at a digital testing center, depending on availability and location.

Because test centers and remote slots can fill quickly, especially for popular dates, it's essential to monitor LSAT registration deadlines closely. Missing a deadline could limit your options or delay your entire law school application timeline.

To view the most up-to-date test dates, locations, and deadlines, visit the official LSAC site: lsac.org.

How to Interpret Your LSAT Scores

LSAT scores are reported on a scaled score range from 120 to 180, where 120 is the lowest possible score, and 180 is the highest. This scale is derived from your “raw score” (the number of questions you answered correctly) converted through a standardized process so that scores are comparable across different test administrations. A given raw score will translate into a scaled score based on the difficulty of that particular LSAT, ensuring fairness across test dates.

Each official score report also includes a percentile rank, which shows the percentage of recent test takers you scored higher than. Percentiles are based on performance data from the past several testing years and provide the context that law schools use to evaluate your score. For example, a score that places you in the 80th percentile means you scored higher than 80% of test takers; elite scores in the very high percentiles (above roughly the 96th) are rare and can significantly strengthen competitive applications.

Because every law school publishes median LSAT scores for incoming classes, you can use those medians to interpret how your score aligns with your targeted schools. Programs ranked at the highest tier (e.g., Top 14) typically report medians in the mid‑160s to mid‑170s, meaning applicants with scores in those ranges are most competitive for admission and scholarship consideration.

Law schools generally see your entire score history from the past five years, though many place the greatest emphasis on your highest score or the highest score trend when making admissions decisions. That said, your final LSAT score, the one submitted with your application, should reflect your peak performance and preparation. A strong final score not only supports admittance but can also be a gateway to merit-based scholarships and favorable financial aid packages.

The Bottom Line

For those pursuing a future in law, the LSAT is a pivotal step in the law school admission process. A comprehensive understanding of the LSAT’s test format, effective time management, and strategic preparation can increase the likelihood of achieving a competitive LSAT score. Preparing diligently allows prospective law students to confidently approach the LSAT and maximize their opportunities for law school admission and scholarships.

Work with an Expert

For guidance on LSAT preparation, consider exploring an expert-led LSAT prep course or consulting with Leland’s top LSAT test prep coaches.

You can also:

• Book a free call with an advisor to get matched
• Read real student reviews
• Join a free LSAT strategy event
• Check out our LSAT Exam Prep Bootcamp

See: The 10 Best LSAT Tutors: Private LSAT Tutoring for Top Scores

Check out more related topics:

• LSAT vs. GRE for Law School–Which to Take and How to Ace Both
• LSAT Reading Comprehension Guide: Tips, Strategies, & Practice
• Law Schools That Don't Require the LSAT: Exploring Your Options
• How to Improve Your Evaluation Skills for the LSAT
• 10 Ways to Strengthen Your LSAT Reading Comprehension

FAQs

How long does the LSAT take to complete?

• As of 2026, the LSAT takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete the multiple-choice portion, including a mandatory 10-minute break after Section 2. If you also count the separate LSAT Argumentative Writing section, typically completed online within a week of your test, the total time commitment is around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

How rare is a 170 LSAT score?

• A 170 LSAT score places you roughly in the 97th percentile, meaning you scored higher than about 97% of test takers. It’s an elite score that makes you competitive at nearly all top law schools.

How bad is a 155 on the LSAT?

• A 155 LSAT score is typically around the 64th percentile, meaning it’s above average but below the median for T14 and other highly competitive programs. It may be sufficient for regional or less selective law schools, but most top 50 schools report median scores closer to 160–170.

Is the LSAT or MCAT harder?

• It depends on your background. The MCAT is generally considered more difficult in terms of content and length, especially due to its science-heavy sections and 7.5-hour duration. The LSAT, by contrast, is shorter and focuses on logic, reasoning, and reading skills. It’s highly abstract and mentally intense, but doesn't require content memorization or scientific knowledge.