Geometry Regents Exam 2026: Complete NYC & NY State Guide

NEXT EXAM DATE

January 21, 2026

TOTAL QUESTIONS

35 Questions

EXAM DURATION

3 Hours

PASSING SCORE

65/100

📝 Part I: Multiple Choice (24 Questions)

Format: Four answer choices for each question covering all Geometry topics

Topics: Quick calculations, theorem applications, property identification, coordinate geometry

Strategy: Sketch diagrams in margins, use process of elimination, and check work with calculator when possible

✍️ Parts II-IV: Constructed Response (11 Questions)

Requirements: Complete solutions with all work, diagrams, constructions, and formal proofs clearly shown

Proofs: Two-column proofs, paragraph proofs, and flow proofs commonly appear in Parts III and IV

Constructions: Must show compass arcs and use straightedge only (no measuring!) - explain why construction works

1️⃣ Geometric Proofs & Logical Reasoning

• Triangle congruence: SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS, HL postulates
• Triangle similarity: AA, SAS, SSS similarity theorems
• CPCTC (Corresponding Parts of Congruent Triangles are Congruent)
• Properties of parallelograms, rectangles, rhombuses, squares, trapezoids
• Circle theorems: chords, tangents, inscribed angles, arcs
• Writing formal two-column proofs, paragraph proofs, flow proofs

2️⃣ Geometric Constructions

• Copying a segment and angle
• Constructing perpendicular bisectors
• Constructing angle bisectors
• Constructing perpendicular lines (to a point on/off a line)
• Constructing parallel lines
• Inscribing and circumscribing circles
• Understanding WHY constructions work (justification)

3️⃣ Coordinate Geometry

• Distance formula: \(d = \sqrt{(x_2-x_1)^2 + (y_2-y_1)^2}\)
• Midpoint formula: \(M = \left(\frac{x_1+x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1+y_2}{2}\right)\)
• Slope and equation of lines
• Parallel and perpendicular slopes
• Equations of circles: \((x-h)^2 + (y-k)^2 = r^2\)
• Proving properties of shapes using coordinates
• Partitioning line segments in given ratios

4️⃣ Transformations

• Reflections: Over x-axis, y-axis, \(y=x\), \(y=-x\), any line
• Rotations: 90°, 180°, 270° about the origin or any point
• Translations: Horizontal and vertical shifts
• Dilations: Enlargements and reductions with scale factor
• Composition of transformations
• Rigid motions vs. non-rigid (dilations)
• Identifying transformations from coordinates

5️⃣ Triangles & Trigonometry

• Triangle angle sum theorem: angles sum to 180°
• Exterior angle theorem
• Pythagorean theorem: \(a^2 + b^2 = c^2\)
• Special right triangles: 30-60-90 and 45-45-90
• Right triangle trigonometry: \(\sin\), \(\cos\), \(\tan\)
• Triangle inequality theorem
• Centroid, orthocenter, incenter, circumcenter

6️⃣ Circles

• Circle equations and graphing
• Arc length and sector area
• Inscribed angle theorem
• Tangent-radius relationship (perpendicular)
• Chord properties and theorems
• Angles formed by chords, secants, and tangents

7️⃣ Polygons & Solids

• Interior and exterior angles of polygons
• Regular polygons and their properties
• Volume and surface area of prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones, spheres
• Cross-sections of 3D solids
• Density calculations

8️⃣ Area, Perimeter & Problem Solving

• Area of triangles, rectangles, parallelograms, trapezoids
• Perimeter calculations
• Composite figures
• Real-world applications and modeling

Proofs are THE most challenging part for most students. Practice 20-30 proofs minimum covering triangle congruence, similarity, parallelograms, and circles. Memorize all postulates, theorems, and definitions. Learn to recognize proof patterns and write clear, logical statements with reasons. Start with two-column proofs, then practice paragraph and flow proofs.

Use compass and straightedge regularly - at least 2-3 times per week. Master all basic constructions: perpendicular bisector, angle bisector, perpendiculars, parallels, and circle inscribing/circumscribing. Show ALL compass arcs (leave them visible!) and know the justification for why each construction works. Construction questions appear in every exam.

Create comprehensive theorem sheets organized by topic: triangle congruence postulates, triangle properties, parallelogram properties, circle theorems, transformation rules. Include diagrams. Review these daily. You must know theorems cold to write proofs quickly and correctly. Make flashcards for theorem names and their statements.

Work through past Geometry Regents exams under timed conditions (3 hours). NYC and NY State offer identical exams. Focus especially on Parts III and IV proof questions. Study the model responses in scoring rubrics to understand exactly what graders expect. Redo any proof you got wrong until you understand the logic completely.

For constructed-response questions, sketch neat diagrams even if one is provided. Label all given information clearly. Mark congruent parts, right angles, and parallel lines with proper notation. A good diagram helps you visualize the problem and shows graders you understand the geometry. Use your straightedge for straight lines!

Geometry requires understanding, not just memorization. Begin studying 6-8 weeks before the exam. Create a study schedule covering all 8 topic areas. Dedicate extra time to proofs and constructions. Consistent daily practice (45-60 minutes) builds geometric intuition and proof-writing skills that take time to develop.

❓ When is the Geometry Regents exam in 2026?

❓ How many questions are on the Geometry Regents?

❓ Do you need to do proofs on the Geometry Regents?

❓ What score do you need to pass the Geometry Regents?

❓ Do you need a compass and straightedge for Geometry Regents?

❓ Is Geometry Regents harder than Algebra 1?

❓ When should NYC students take Geometry Regents?

❓ Where can I find past Geometry Regents exams for practice?