This study evaluated the use of bivariate matching as a solution to the problem of studying differential item functioning (DIF) with formula scored tests. Using Scholastic Aptitude Test verbal data with large samples, both male/female and black/white group comparisons were investigated. Mantel-Haenszel (MH) delta-(D) DIF values and DIF category classifications based on bivariate matching were compared with MH D-DIF values and categories based on rights scored and formula scored matching criteria. When large samples were used, values based on the bivariate matching criterion were ordered very similarly to MH D-DIF values based on the other criteria. With small samples, the values based on the bivariate matching criterion displayed only moderate correlations with values from the other criteria. DIF category classifications based on the bivariate matching criterion showed fewer high DIF items than those based on the rights or formula scored matching criteria. A secondary study of the differences between formula and rights scored criteria in DIF analyses of formula scored tests showed differences related to item difficulty that were greater for comparisons with large ability differences. An appendix contains 30 scatterplots. Nine tables and four figures present details of the analyses. (Contains seven references.) (Author/SLD)