Direct answer: memorize a compact formula set only after you can use each formula in a complete calculation. GRE Quant tests arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis; ETS says it does not include trigonometry or calculus. Formulas help only when you identify the quantity, substitute correctly, and check whether the result is reasonable.
Confirm scope against the official ETS Quantitative Reasoning overview. ETS provides an on-screen calculator but recommends using it for tedious calculations rather than replacing simple reasoning.
The GRE is scored 130–170 per section. The Quantitative section tests arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis through multiple-choice, quantitative comparison, and numeric entry questions. The test is computer-adaptive by section, runs about 1 hour 58 minutes total, and does not allow a physical calculator — though an on-screen calculator is provided.
Why Core GRE Math Formulas Matter
GRE Quant questions test whether you can recognize patterns, apply standard formulas, and think logically under time pressure. Memorizing key formulas gives you:
- Faster recognition of problem types
- Cleaner, less error-prone work
- More mental energy for genuinely tricky reasoning steps
The GRE is not a calculus test. Everything you need is algebra, geometry, and number sense — but you need it fast and automatic.
Lines, Distance, and the Pythagorean Theorem
- Slope: m = (y₂ − y₁) / (x₂ − x₁)
- Line equation: y = mx + b
- Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c²
- Distance formula: d = √[(x₂−x₁)² + (y₂−y₁)²]
Memorize common Pythagorean triples: (3, 4, 5), (5, 12, 13), (8, 15, 17). They appear in GRE geometry questions more often than you'd expect.
Area, Circles, and Percent Change
- Rectangle area: A = l × w
- Triangle area: A = ½ × base × height
- Circle circumference: C = 2πr
- Circle area: A = πr²
- Percent change: (New − Old) / Old × 100 — always use the original value as "Old"
Averages, Exponents, and Probability
- Average: sum of terms ÷ number of terms
- Weighted average: (group1 × weight1 + group2 × weight2) / total weight
- Exponent rules: aᵐ × aⁿ = aᵐ⁺ⁿ
- Basic probability: favorable outcomes / total outcomes
- At least one: P(at least one) = 1 − P(none)
Geometry Essentials for GRE
- Sum of interior angles of a polygon: (n − 2) × 180°
- Volume of rectangular prism: V = lwh
- Volume of cylinder: V = πr²h
- Special right triangles: 30-60-90 (sides 1 : √3 : 2) and 45-45-90 (sides 1 : 1 : √2)
How to Make GRE Math Formulas Stick
- Create a one-page formula sheet — write it by hand to reinforce memory
- Choose 2–3 formulas per day and do 5–10 practice questions using only those
- Rewrite the formulas from memory at the end of each day
- Once a week, do a mixed set and circle which formulas you used
Formulas only become useful under pressure when you've applied them dozens of times. Reading your formula sheet is not enough — you need to solve problems with each one.
Worked formula checks
Slope: for points (2, 3) and (6, 11), m = (11 − 3) / (6 − 2) = 8 / 4 = 2.
Distance: from (0, 0) to (3, 4), d = √(3² + 4²) = √25 = 5.
Triangle area: base 10 and height 6 gives A = ½(10)(6) = 30 square units.
Circle area: radius 3 gives A = π(3²) = 9π square units.
Percent change: from 80 to 100 is (100 − 80) / 80 × 100 = 25%.
Average: for 4, 7, and 10, the mean is (4 + 7 + 10) / 3 = 7.
Probability: a bag with 3 red and 2 blue balls gives P(red) = 3 / 5.
Polygon angles: a pentagon has (5 − 2) × 180 = 540° total interior angle measure.
Prism volume: length 4, width 3, height 5 gives V = 4 × 3 × 5 = 60 cubic units.
Exponent rule: 2³ × 2⁴ = 2⁷ = 128.
Use the GRE Quant study coach to unpack a missed setup and take the GRE Quant quiz for a baseline.
GRE Quant content and calculator guidance verified against ETS on August 7, 2026. Confirm current test details before your exam.
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