GMAT Math Formulas: All GMAT Math Formulas You Need in 2026

The GMAT exam is designed to focus on the essential skills necessary for business school success. While the exam format has been adjusted, the Quantitative reasoning section remains a vital part of the test. To perform at your best in the GMAT, you’ll need a solid understanding of key mathematical formulas. 

Today, we'll go through the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section, provide an overview of the format, and then deliver a comprehensive GMAT Math Formula Cheat Sheet, including formulas from algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and more. With this cheat sheet, you’ll be equipped to solve problems efficiently and confidently.

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Section Overview

The GMAT Focus Edition Quantitative Reasoning section tests your ability to solve math problems and analyse data in a limited time frame:

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GMAT Math Formula Cheat Sheet

To ensure you’re fully prepared, having a GMAT Math Formula Cheat Sheet can help you quickly reference the formulas you need for problem-solving. Here's a breakdown of the formulas organised by category:

Algebra

Algebraic formulas are essential for solving equations, manipulating expressions, and solving for unknowns. Key formulas include:

• Linear Equation:
  ax+b=0
  Solve for x:
  x=−ba

• Quadratic Equation:
  ax2+bx+c=0
  Solve using the quadratic formula:
  x=−bb2−4ac2a

• Exponents:
  aman=am+n
  amn=amn
  aman=am−n

• Logarithms:
  logba=logalogb

Arithmetic

Arithmetic questions are common on the GMAT Focus Edition and test your ability to work with numbers, percentages, and other basic mathematical concepts. Key formulas include:

• Percentage Change:
  Percentage Change=New Value−Old ValueOld Value100

• Average:
  Average=Sum of ValuesNumber of Values

• Simple Interest:
  I=Prt
  Where I is interest, P is principal, r is rate, and t is time.

• Weighted Average:
  Weighted Average=∑ValueWeight∑Weight

Geometry

Geometry questions are essential for assessing your spatial reasoning abilities. Key formulas to remember:

• Perimeter of a Rectangle:
  P=2l+w

• Area of a Triangle:
  A=12bh

• Volume of a Rectangular Prism:
  V=lwh

• Area of a Circle:
  A=r2

• Pythagorus Theorem:
  a2+b2=c2 (for right triangles)

Number Properties

Understanding the properties of numbers will help you solve questions involving divisibility, factors, and prime numbers. Key formulas include:

• Prime Factorization:
  Express a number as the product of its prime factors.

• Divisibility Rules:

• A number is divisible by 2 if its last digit is even.
• A number is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.
• A number is divisible by 5 if its last digit is 0 or 5.

• LCM (Least Common Multiple):
  The smallest multiple that two or more numbers share.

• GCD (Greatest Common Divisor):
  The largest number that divides two or more numbers without leaving a remainder.

Statistics

Statistics is another important category tested in the GMAT Focus Edition. Key formulas include:

• Mean:
  Mean=∑Data PointsNumber of Data Points

• Median:
  The middle value in an ordered set of numbers.

• Standard Deviation:
  =∑xi−2N

Interest Formulas

Interest questions often appear in the GMAT Quantitative section. Key formulas include:

• Simple Interest:
  I=Prt
  Where I is interest, P is principal, r is rate, and t is time.

• Compound Interest:
  A=P1+rnnt
  Where A is the amount, P is the principal, r is the rate, n is the number of times interest is compounded per year, and t is time.

Permutations and Combinations

Permutations and combinations are crucial for probability and counting questions. Key formulas include:

• Permutations:
  Pn,r=n!n−r!

• Combinations:
  Cn,r=n!r!n−r!

Probability

Probability questions are designed to assess your understanding of likelihood and chance. Key formulas include:

• Probability of an Event:
  PA=Number of favorable outcomesTotal number of outcomes

• Probability of Two Independent Events:
  PAB=PAPB

Suggested: Free GMAT Practice Tests

How to Memorise Quant Formula for GMAT? 

Memorising the necessary formulas for the GMAT, particularly in the Quantitative Reasoning section, requires a disciplined approach and consistent practice. The formulas can often seem overwhelming due to the sheer volume of content, but with the right techniques, you can internalise them efficiently. 

Here are several strategies to help you retain these formulas effectively:

Use Mnemonics

Mnemonics are memory aids that can help you remember complex formulas more easily. By associating each formula with a unique word, phrase, or image, you can make the process of recall faster and more intuitive. 

Create a Formula Sheet

Having a personalised formula sheet is one of the most effective ways to memorise GMAT math formulas. Organise the formulas by category (e.g., Algebra, Geometry, Statistics) so that they are easy to find and refer to. Review this sheet regularly to reinforce your knowledge. This approach helps you visualise and recall formulas when solving problems. Be sure to update your sheet as you learn new formulas or find ways to simplify them.

Practice Problems Regularly

The best way to solidify any formula in your memory is by applying it to real-world problems. Regular practice will not only help you remember the formulas but also show you how and when to use them effectively. You can start with basic questions and gradually move to more complex ones. This process reinforces your understanding and ensures that the formulas become second nature.

Use Flashcards

Flashcards are a fantastic tool for active recall and self-quizzing. Write each formula on one side of the card, with the formula’s name or category on the other. Shuffle the cards and go through them daily. This active recall technique boosts your ability to remember the formulas under time constraints. There are also various apps available that allow you to create digital flashcards, enabling you to study on the go.

Group Study Sessions

Discussing formulas and solving problems in a group setting can significantly enhance your retention. Peer learning encourages you to explain the formulas to others, which helps reinforce your own understanding. Group study sessions can also expose you to different approaches for solving problems, making it easier for you to recall the best methods during the exam. Collaboration often leads to a deeper understanding of how the formulas work in various contexts.

From the Desk of Yocket

Preparing for the GMAT requires not only a good understanding of concepts but also the ability to apply them efficiently under time constraints. By adopting a methodical approach to memorising and applying these formulas, you can sharpen your problem-solving abilities With consistent practice and a structured approach, you can answer all the quantitative problems that come your way.

Yocket Prep offers an excellent platform to streamline your preparation with personalised study plans, practice questions, and expert guidance. Join us and get the resources you need to ace your GMAT preparation.