GRE Quantitative: Formulas You Must Memorize (and Which Ones are Provided)
Walk into the GRE testing center expecting a reference page of formulas like the one on the SAT, and you’re in for an unpleasant surprise. ETS expects you to bring your math knowledge with you–and for test-takers who’ve spent years away from high school geometry and algebra, that can feel daunting.
Here’s the good news: the list of formulas you actually need to memorize is shorter than you might think. Master a focused set of equations covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, and you’ll be equipped for the vast majority of GRE Quant questions.
In this guide, we’ll cover exactly what the GRE provides on test day, the 15 must-memorize formulas that show up often, and how to commit them to memory efficiently.
Does the GRE Give You a Formula Sheet?
No. There’s no reference page, no pop-up cheat sheet, and no built-in formula bank inside the testing software. You’re expected to know the math going in.
The one exception: for uncommon shapes like cones or spheres, ETS will sometimes include the relevant formula within the problem itself. This is rare, though, and the core formulas you’ll use repeatedly are never given to you.
What the GRE Actually Provides on Test Day
While there’s no formula sheet, you do get a few helpful tools during the Quantitative Reasoning section, including:
- An on-screen calculator with basic functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root, decimals, parentheses, sign change (+/-), and basic memory functions (M+, MR, MC). It also has a Transfer Display button that pastes the results directly into the Numeric Entry answer boxes. It is not a scientific or graphing calculator–there are no exponents, logarithms, or trigonometric functions.
- Scratch paper at test centers. At-home test-takers must provide their own small desktop whiteboard with erasable marker, or a single sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector. Traditional scratch paper is not permitted at home.
- Standardized answer choices for Quantitative Comparison questions, which are the same every time and worth memorizing.
- Occasional in-problem formulas for unusual shapes or specialized concepts. These are the exception, not the rule.
Everything else, including all the formulas below, is on you.
Must-Memorize GRE Math Formulas
Here are 15 formulas you’ll most likely end up using on the GRE Quantitative section, grouped by topic:
Arithmetic and Number Properties
These formulas show up across percent problems, averages, and many word problems on the GRE:
Percent Change
Percent Change = [(New Value – Old Value) / Old Value] x 100
Used for any question involving percent increase or decrease–pricing, population growth, discounts, and more. Remember: the denominator is always the original value.
Average (Arithmetic Mean)
Average = Sum of Terms / Number of Terms
Simple, but the GRE loves to test it in disguise. You’ll often need to work backward from an average to find a missing term or a new sum.
Weighted Average
Weighted Average = (w₁x₁ + w₂x₂) / (w₁ + w₂)
When two groups of different sizes are combined, a straight average won’t cut it. Weighted averages frequently appear in mixture problems and combined test scores.
Algebra
Algebra questions make up a significant portion of the GRE Quant section. These formulas cover the most common scenarios.
Distance, Rate, and Time
Distance = Rate x Time
This single equation powers nearly every word problem involving travel, speed, or movement. Rearrange it as needed: Rate = Distance / Time, or Time = Distance / Rate.
Combined Work Rate
1/T = 1/A + 1/B
When two people or machines work together, their rates add. T is the total time working together; A and B are the times each takes alone. This formula is a lifesaver for “If Alice and Bob can paint a fence together…” problems.
Quadratic Formula
x = [−b ± √(b² − 4ac)] / 2a
For any quadratic equation in the form ax² + bx + c = 0, this formula gives you the solutions. Most GRE quadratics factor cleanly, but knowing this formula ensures you’re never stuck.
The Three Classic Quadratic Identities
(a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²
(a − b)² = a² − 2ab + b²
(a + b)(a − b) = a² − b²
These appear constantly in algebra simplification and number properties problems. Recognizing them on sight will save you valuable time.
Slope of a Line
m = (y₂ − y₁) / (x₂ − x₁)
Essential for coordinate geometry. Combined with the slope-intercept form (y = mx + b), you can answer most line-related questions on the GRE.
Geometry
GRE geometry leans heavily on triangles, circles, and basic solids. These are the formulas you’ll reach for again and again.
Area of a Triangle
Area = ½ × base × height
The height must be perpendicular to the base. For right triangles, the two legs serve as the base and height–no extra calculation needed.
Pythagorean Theorem
a² + b² = c²
For right triangles, where c is the hypotenuse. Memorize the most common Pythagorean triples too: 3-4-5, 5-12-13, 8-15-17, and 7-24-25. Recognizing these instantly will save you from grinding through the formula on every problem.
Special Right Triangles
45-45-90 triangle sides: x, x, x√2
30-60-90 triangle sides: x, x√3, 2x
These ratios appear constantly in geometry problems, especially those involving squares, equilateral triangles, and diagonals. Memorize the side ratios cold.
Circle Area and Circumference
Area = πr²
Circumference = 2πr
Where r is the radius. Also, remember that the diameter equals 2r, and that a full circle measures 360 degrees–useful for arc length and sector area problems.
Volume of a Rectangular Solid and Cylinder
Rectangular solid: V = l × w × h
Cylinder: V = πr²h
These two volume formulas are fair game on test day. For more unusual shapes like cones, spheres, and pyramids, ETS typically provides the formula within the problem–but don’t bank on it.
Statistics and Probability
The GRE includes a smaller but consistent set of probability and counting questions. These two formulas cover most of them.
Probability of a Single Event
Probability = Number of Desired Outcomes / Total Number of Possible Outcomes
The foundation of every probability question. For independent events occurring together, multiply individual probabilities. For mutually exclusive events, add them.
Combinations and Permutations
Combinations (order doesn’t matter): nCr = n! / [r!(n − r)!]
Permutations (order matters): nPr = n! / (n − r)!
Counting problems on the GRE hinge on knowing which one to use. Ask yourself: Does the order of selection change the outcome? If yes, use permutations. If no, use combinations.
Formulas the GRE May Provide
For less common shapes and concepts, ETS often gives you the formula within the question itself. These may include:
- Volume of a Cone: V = ⅓πr²h
- Volume of a Sphere: V = (4/3)πr³
- Volume of a Pyramid: V = ⅓ × base area × height
- Surface area of unusual solids
While it’s reassuring that these may appear when needed, you shouldn’t rely on them. If you have extra study time after mastering the core 15, learning these is a smart insurance policy.
How to Memorize GRE Formulas Efficiently
The most effective way to memorize GRE math formulas is to combine active recall, spaced repetition, and applied practice. Here are the five highest-impact strategies:
- Use Spaced Repetition Flashcards: Create a deck with the formula on one side and a worked example on the other.
- Practice With Real GRE Problems, Not Just Drills: Reciting the quadratic formula from memory is one thing; recognizing when a problem calls for it is another. The fastest way to internalize a formula is to use it in context, repeatedly. Kaplan’s GRE Qbank gives you 2,500+ realistic practice questions so you can drill formulas in the exact contexts they show up on test day.
- Group Formulas by Concept: Your brain stores information better when it’s connected to related ideas. Studying all your geometry formulas together is more effective than memorizing them in random order.
- Teach the Formula Out Loud: Explaining a formula to someone else or to yourself in the mirror reveals gaps in your understanding faster than any other study method.
- Build a Personal Cheat Sheet: Writing your own one-page formula reference forces active recall. Keep it next to your study materials and review it daily in the weeks leading up to your test.
Prepare for the GRE With Kaplan and Manhattan Prep Powered by Kaplan
Knowing the 15 formulas above is the foundation for GRE Quant, but committing them to memory is only the first step. Building the speed, accuracy, and pattern recognition needed for a competitive score takes structured, high-quality preparation. Kaplan and Manhattan Prep Powered by Kaplan offer GRE prep options designed to help applicants across every type of graduate program, including MBA programs that accept the GRE.
GRE preparation options include:
- Live and on-demand GRE prep courses covering Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing–with full-length practice tests, expert-led instruction, and the Kaplan Higher Score Guarantee.
- A dedicated GRE for MBA Course from Manhattan Prep, built specifically for business school applicants who plan to submit GRE scores instead of the GMAT.
- Full-length GRE practice tests and question banks with thousands of realistic questions that mirror the actual test’s format, difficulty, and pacing.
- Private GRE tutoring from Kaplan and Manhattan Prep instructors, offering one-on-one support tailored to your goals, timelines, and section-level needs.
- Skill-focused instruction and strategy development that helps you target weaker areas and turn them into score-boosting strengths.
- Flexible study tools and performance tracking so you can adapt your prep to your schedule and stay on pace toward your target score.
Whether you’re aiming for a top business school, a competitive STEM program, or anything in between, the right combination of formula mastery and realistic practice is what separates good GRE scores from great ones. Start with the formulas above and then let Kaplan and Manhattan Prep take you the rest of the way.
GRE Math Formulas FAQ
What Math is on the GRE?
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section tests four content areas: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. There is no trigonometry, calculus, or proof-based math. Question types include Quantitative Comparison, Problem Solving, and Data Interpretation.
H3: How Long is the GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section?
The GRE Quant section consists of 27 questions split across two sub-sections, with a total of 47 minutes of testing time. You’ll have 21 minutes for the first sub-section (12 questions) and 26 minutes for the second (15 questions).
How Long Does it Take to Memorize GRE Math Formulas?
Most students can memorize the core 15 formulas within a couple of weeks of focused study, but achieving fluency–being able to apply them quickly under timed conditions–typically takes four to eight weeks of consistent practice.
Is the GRE Quant Section Harder Than the GMAT Quant Section?
The GMAT Quant section is generally considered more challenging in terms of problem difficulty and time pressure, but the GRE makes up for it by being computer-adaptive at the section level. Many MBA applicants choose the GRE for this reason, and because it allows the use of an on-screen calculator.
Can I Bring My Own Formula Sheet to the GRE Exam?
No. You may not bring any outside notes, scratch paper, or reference materials into the testing center. Everything you need must be memorized.
