TEAS math guide
TEAS math formulas and conversions to memorize
There is no formula sheet on the TEAS, so you carry these in your head. Here is the whole list on one page, with the reason each one works so you do not have to memorize blindly.
Percents, ratios and rates
| You need | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Percent of a number | number × (percent ÷ 100) | 15% of 80: 80 × 0.15 = 12 |
| Percent change | (new − old) ÷ old × 100 | 40 to 46: 6 ÷ 40 = 15% increase |
| Finding the original | sale price ÷ (1 − discount) | $68 at 20% off: 68 ÷ 0.8 = $85 |
| Proportion | a/b = c/d, so a × d = b × c | 2/7 = c/63, so c = 18 |
| Rate | amount ÷ time | 1,000 mL ÷ 8 h = 125 mL per hour |
| Unit price | price ÷ quantity | $6.40 for 16 oz = $0.40 per oz |
Dosage and conversion method
Most dosage questions are one chain of conversions. Write what you have, then multiply by fractions that cancel units until only the unit you want is left.
- Weight-based dose: dose per kg × weight in kg = total dose. Then divide by the number of doses if the question asks for one.
- Flow rate: volume ÷ time. Convert the time to hours first if the answer is per hour.
- Always write the unit with every number and cross out what cancels.
Unit conversions
| Metric | US customary | Across systems |
|---|---|---|
| 1 g = 1,000 mg | 1 lb = 16 oz | 1 kg ≈ 2.2 lb |
| 1 kg = 1,000 g | 1 ton = 2,000 lb | 1 in = 2.54 cm |
| 1 L = 1,000 mL | 1 gallon = 4 quarts | 1 oz ≈ 30 mL |
| 1 m = 100 cm | 1 quart = 2 pints | 1 L ≈ 1.06 quart |
| 1 cm = 10 mm | 1 pint = 2 cups | 1 tsp ≈ 5 mL |
| 1 cm³ = 1 mL | 1 cup = 8 fl oz | 1 tbsp = 3 tsp |
Sanity check every conversion: the bigger unit has the smaller number. 154 pounds is about 70 kilograms, never 338, because a kilogram is the bigger unit.
Geometry
| Shape | Perimeter or circumference | Area or volume |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangle | 2 × (length + width) | length × width |
| Square | 4 × side | side² |
| Triangle | add the three sides | ½ × base × height |
| Circle | 2 × π × r | π × r² |
| Box (rectangular prism) | length × width × height | |
| Cylinder | π × r² × height |
Statistics
- Mean = sum of values ÷ number of values.
- Median = middle value of the ordered list. With an even count, average the two middle values.
- Mode = the value that appears most often. A list can have no mode or several.
- Range = largest value − smallest value.
Algebra moves
- Do the same thing to both sides of an equation.
- Distribute to every term inside the parentheses: 5(x − 2) = 5x − 10.
- Flip the inequality sign when you multiply or divide both sides by a negative number.
- Slope = rise ÷ run = (y₂ − y₁) ÷ (x₂ − x₁).
- Order of operations: parentheses, exponents, multiply and divide left to right, then add and subtract left to right.
Practice the formulas in context
- Percents
- Percent change
- Proportions
- Doses & rates
- Units
- Geometry measures
- Perimeter & circles
- Statistics
- Order of ops
Practice it on Lemma
Type each step and Lemma checks it. Free, no account, no email.
Questions
Are formulas given on the TEAS math section?
No. Plan on knowing the formulas and conversions yourself. Some questions print a conversion in the prompt, such as 1 kg = 2.2 lb, but you should not count on it.
What unit conversions should I memorize for the TEAS?
Metric prefixes (1 g = 1,000 mg, 1 L = 1,000 mL, 1 m = 100 cm), common US units (16 oz in a lb, 2 cups in a pint, 4 quarts in a gallon), and the cross-system pair 1 kg ≈ 2.2 lb.
What is the fastest way to remember the percent change formula?
Change over the starting amount: (new − old) ÷ old. If the question says increase or decrease from a value, that value goes on the bottom.
More guides
- Practice test20 original questions with worked answers and the mistake each one invites.
- Math topicsThe official blueprint in plain words, mapped to topics you can practice.
- Study planWhat to do each day if your TEAS is in 2, 4 or 7 days.
Sources
- ATI Testing: TEAS exam details: section counts and times, scored versus unscored items, question formats.
- Western Technical College: Nursing TEAS prep guide, math: math section of 38 questions in 57 minutes: 18 numbers and algebra, 16 measurement and data, 4 unscored.
Facts checked 2026-10-14. Independent practice, not affiliated with ATI or McGraw Hill.