The GED Mathematical Reasoning test assesses high school-level math skills in about 90 minutes (115 minutes if using the calculator on Part 2). You don’t need advanced calculus just practical, real-world math. Expect 46 questions split into two parts:
Part 1 (first 5 questions, no calculator): Focuses on mental math and basic operations. Part 2 (remaining questions, calculator allowed): Includes an on-screen TI-30XS calculator and a formula sheet.
Core Topics (about 55% of the test)
- Basic Math (20%)
- Whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages
- Order of operations (PEMDAS)
- Exponents, square roots, scientific notation
- Algebra (30%)
- Solving one- and two-variable linear equations
- Inequalities
- Slope, graphing lines, and basic functions
- Simplifying expressions and factoring
- Geometry (20%)
- Area, perimeter, volume of 2D/3D shapes
- Pythagorean theorem
- Coordinate geometry (distance, midpoint)
- Data & Statistics (25%)
- Mean, median, mode, range
- Interpreting graphs, tables, and charts
- Probability and basic data analysis
Question Formats
- Multiple-choice (most common)
- Fill-in-the-blank
- Drag-and-drop
- Hot-spot (click on graphs)
Preparation Tips
- Master fractions/decimals/percentages they appear everywhere.
- Practice word problems they test application, not just computation.
- Use free resources: GED.com practice tests, Khan Academy, or GED Academy.
- Learn the formula sheet (provided during the test) so you don’t memorize everything.
You need 145+ out of 200 to pass. Most adults already use these skills daily (budgeting, measurements, data at work). Focus on weak areas, practice timed tests, and you’ll be ready. The GED math isn’t about genius it’s about competence.