A VFR sectional chart is a 1:500,000 scale aeronautical chart — one inch on the chart equals about 6.86 statute miles on the ground. Each chart covers roughly 340 × 340 miles and is updated every 56 days. Learning to read one is one of the most fundamental student pilot skills, and it's a topic the DPE will explore thoroughly during your oral exam.
The best way to learn a sectional is with a physical copy or high-resolution PDF open while reading this guide. You can download any current sectional for free from vfrmap.com or the FAA chart supplement.
Airport data block — elevation, frequency, services, and lighting