GED Maths test: what is on it and how to prepare

What the GED Mathematical Reasoning test covers, how the calculator and formula sheet work, the most common mistakes and the best order to study in.

All guides · Reviewed 7 October 2026

Short answer: The GED Mathematical Reasoning test is 115 minutes long and covers basic maths, geometry, basic algebra, and graphs and functions. A short first part has no calculator; for the rest you have an on-screen TI-30XS calculator and a formula sheet. You need 145 out of 200 to pass.

What is tested

Basic maths: whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios and rates.
Geometry: perimeter, area, volume, the Pythagorean theorem and reading shapes.
Basic algebra: expressions, equations, inequalities and word problems.
Graphs and functions: the coordinate plane, slope, straight lines, and reading tables and graphs.
Data: averages, probability and charts.

Roughly half the test is algebra and functions, and the other half is number work, geometry and data. Most questions are word problems, so reading carefully matters as much as calculating.

Calculator and formula sheet

The first few questions must be done without a calculator. They test number sense: fractions, decimals, order of operations and simple exponents. After that, an on-screen TI-30XS scientific calculator is available.

You are given a formula sheet with the area, volume, slope and quadratic formulas, so you do not need to memorise them. You do need to know which formula fits a question and how to use it, which only comes from practice.

The best order to study in

Whole numbers, integers and order of operations.
Fractions, decimals and percentages.
Ratios, rates and proportions.
Exponents, roots and scientific notation.
Geometry and measurement.
Data and probability.
Algebraic expressions, then equations and inequalities.
Graphs, slope and functions.
Timed practice exams.

This is the order our Mathematical Reasoning course follows, in 72 short lessons. Skipping ahead to algebra with shaky fractions is the most common reason people get stuck.

Common mistakes

Answering a different question from the one asked. Reread the last sentence before you answer.
Losing a negative sign.
Mixing up area and perimeter, or radius and diameter.
Rounding too early in a calculation.
Leaving questions blank. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so always answer.

Try a free maths sample lesson to see how we teach it.

Common questions

Is the GED maths test hard?

It is the subject most people find hardest, mainly because of algebra. It becomes manageable when you rebuild the basics first and practise word problems regularly.

What calculator is used on the GED?

An on-screen TI-30XS scientific calculator, available for all but the first few questions of the Maths test.

Do I need to memorise formulas for the GED?

No. A formula sheet is provided. You need to practise choosing and using the right formula.

Sources

GED Testing Service: test subjects