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ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning

Arithmetic Reasoning is one of the four tests that make up your AFQT score. It is a test of math word problems.

What Arithmetic Reasoning measures

Arithmetic Reasoning measures your "ability to solve arithmetic word problems."

Questions and time

TestQuestionsTime limit
Arithmetic Reasoning (CAT-ASVAB)1555 minutes

These counts do not include tryout questions. Some test takers get extra tryout questions with more time. Calculators are not allowed.

How to study Arithmetic Reasoning

  1. Find the question first. Read the last sentence to see what you need to find. Then read the problem for the numbers you need.
  2. Know your percents. Many problems use tips, discounts, tax and interest. Practice turning a percent into a decimal, like 15% into 0.15.
  3. Check your units. If a speed is in miles per hour and the time is in minutes, change the minutes to hours first.
  4. Estimate before you choose. A quick guess helps you spot answers that are far too big or too small.
  5. Practice by hand. Since calculators are not allowed, do your practice with paper and pencil.

Sample questions

1. A jacket is priced at $250.00. A store takes 20% off that price, and then an 8% sales tax is applied to the discounted price. What is the final amount the customer pays?

  1. A. $220.00
  2. B. $200.00
  3. C. $201.60
  4. D. $216.00
Show the answer

Answer: D. The sale price is $250.00 × 0.80 = $200.00. The tax is $200.00 × 0.08 = $16.00, so the total is $216.00.

2. A fuel tank holds 12 gallons of fuel, and that amount is 32% of the tank's full capacity. What is the tank's full capacity in gallons?

  1. A. 3.84 gallons
  2. B. 0.375 gallons
  3. C. 37.5 gallons
  4. D. 375 gallons
Show the answer

Answer: C. 12 gallons is 32% of the whole, so divide: 12 ÷ 0.32 = 37.5 gallons.

3. A deposit of $2,400.00 earns simple interest at 4% per year and has earned $288.00 in interest. For how many years has the deposit been earning interest?

  1. A. 3
  2. B. 0.03
  3. C. 0.3
  4. D. 28
Show the answer

Answer: A. One year of interest is $2,400 × 0.04 = $96. Then $288 ÷ $96 = 3 years.

How SPARK helps with Arithmetic Reasoning

SPARK's diagnostic shows which kinds of word problems trip you up. Your study plan targets those first, and the AI tutor can walk you through any step you get stuck on.

FAQ

How many questions are on ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning?
On the computer ASVAB, Arithmetic Reasoning has 15 scored questions with a 55 minute time limit. Some test takers also get extra tryout questions with more time.
Can I use a calculator on ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning?
No. Calculators are not allowed on any part of the ASVAB, including Arithmetic Reasoning.
Does Arithmetic Reasoning count toward the AFQT?
Yes. Arithmetic Reasoning is one of the four ASVAB tests used to compute the AFQT score, along with Mathematics Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Word Knowledge.
What is the difference between Arithmetic Reasoning and Mathematics Knowledge on the ASVAB?
ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning tests your ability to solve arithmetic word problems. ASVAB Mathematics Knowledge tests your knowledge of high school math principles.

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