GED Math test: format, calculator rules, topics and practice
Last checked October 15, 2026 · Sources: GED Testing Service test subjects and scores pages; Kaplan’s guide to GED Mathematical Reasoning for calculator rules
The GED Math test, officially called Mathematical Reasoning, gives you 115 minutes to solve problems in basic math, geometry, algebra, and graphs and functions. You get an on-screen calculator and a formula sheet for most of the test, but the first few questions must be done without a calculator. You need 145 to pass.
GED Math format
GED Testing Service describes the Math test as covering math concepts, measurement, equations and applying math to real-life problems. You have 115 minutes, which includes 2 minutes of instructions and final review, and you get a math formula sheet and an on-screen calculator. Questions include multiple choice plus formats such as drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank and drop-down menus.
GED Math calculator rules
According to Kaplan, GED Testing Service’s online-prep partner, the first five questions don’t allow a calculator. After that you can use the on-screen Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView, and at a test center you can bring your own handheld TI-30XS MultiView. A calculator reference sheet is available on screen if you forget how a function works. Because the calculator is only available for most of the test, practice basic arithmetic by hand as well.
What’s on the GED Math test
| Area | Examples of what to review |
|---|---|
| Basic math | Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, order of operations, exponents and roots |
| Geometry | Area, perimeter, volume, circles and the Pythagorean theorem, using the formula sheet |
| Basic algebra | Solving equations and inequalities, writing expressions from word problems |
| Graphs and functions | Reading graphs and tables, slope, mean, median and simple probability |
Topic areas as commonly described by GED prep providers; GED Testing Service summarizes them as math concepts, measurement, equations and real-life problem solving.
Worked examples
These are our own practice problems, not real GED questions.
- Percentages (no calculator). A $60 jacket is 20% off. What’s the sale price? 20% of 60 is 12, so 60 − 12 = $48.
- Equations. Solve 4x − 7 = 25. Add 7 to both sides: 4x = 32, so x = 8.
- Geometry. A right triangle has legs of 6 and 8. How long is the hypotenuse? 6² + 8² = 36 + 64 = 100, and the square root of 100 is 10.
- Slope. What’s the slope of the line through (1, 2) and (3, 8)? (8 − 2) ÷ (3 − 1) = 6 ÷ 2 = 3.
- Averages. Test scores of 70, 85 and 90: the mean is (70 + 85 + 90) ÷ 3 = 245 ÷ 3, about 81.7. The median is 85.
How to prepare for GED Math
Take GED Ready in Math to see whether you're Green, Yellow or Red, and which skills to work on.
Fractions, percentages and simple equations by hand, since the first questions don't allow a calculator.
Practice with a TI-30XS MultiView or its online version so you know where fraction, exponent and square-root keys are.
Know what's on the formula sheet so you look things up quickly instead of memorizing.
Rewrite each word problem in your own words, decide the operation, then estimate before you calculate.
Free state-funded adult education classes and library books cover GED Math. See our free GED resources and GED Ready guide.
Mistakes that cost GED Math points
- Not practicing without a calculator for the first questions.
- Losing time hunting for calculator functions you haven’t practiced.
- Answering what you calculated rather than what the question asked, such as the discount instead of the sale price.
- Spending too long on one hard question instead of moving on and coming back.
Common questions about GED Math
How long is the GED Math test?
115 minutes, including 2 minutes of instructions and final review, according to GED Testing Service.
Can you use a calculator on the GED Math test?
Yes, for most questions. An on-screen TI-30XS MultiView is provided, and you can bring your own TI-30XS MultiView to a test center. Kaplan says the first five questions don’t allow a calculator.
Do you get a formula sheet on GED Math?
Yes. GED Testing Service provides a math formula sheet on screen.
What score do you need to pass GED Math?
145 out of 200, the same as every GED subject.
What kind of math is on the GED?
Basic math, geometry, basic algebra, and graphs and functions, applied to real-life problems.
See our guides to the other subjects: Language Arts, Science and Social Studies, or go back to the GED test guide. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with GED Testing Service.