TEAS math formulas: choose the setup and check the units
Short answer: Practice choosing a formula from the question, substituting values with units and checking the result. Use the current ATI outline to set priorities. This guide is a study aid, not a complete list of formulas guaranteed to appear on your exam.
Build a usable formula checklist
The official math outline groups skills under number/algebra and measurement/data. ATI also publishes examples of formulas and concepts to review. Neither source should be treated as a promise that every listed example appears on your form. The sources reviewed here do not establish the supplied formula reference sheet described in our earlier article; do not build your preparation around that claim.
ATI provides a four-function calculator for the exam; personal calculators are not allowed. Learn the setup as well as the button sequence. A calculator cannot tell whether the question asks for area, perimeter or percentage change.
Percentage change: use the original value
Percentage change = (new − original) / original × 100%. The original value must be nonzero. In this original exercise, a notebook price rises from $40 to $46. The increase is $6; 6 / 40 × 100% = 15%. Dividing by $46 answers a different question. Check: 15% of $40 is $6, and $40 + $6 = $46.
Area and perimeter answer different questions
For a rectangle, area = length × width and perimeter = 2 × (length + width). An original example with sides 7 cm and 4 cm has area 28 cm² and perimeter 22 cm. A border-length question needs centimeters; a surface-covering question needs square centimeters. Convert incompatible length units before combining them.
Mean and median: inspect the data first
Mean = sum / count. For the original data set 3, 5, 8, 8, the mean is 24 / 4 = 6. The median is the average of the middle values in the sorted list: (5 + 8) / 2 = 6.5. The mode is 8 and the range is 8 − 3 = 5. The mean need not be one of the observations.
Linear equations: reverse the operation
For the original equation 3x + 5 = 26, subtract 5 to get 3x = 21, then divide by 3 to get x = 7. Substitute: 3 × 7 + 5 = 26. If a word problem produced this equation, also check what x represents and whether the result is reasonable in that situation.
Review without memorizing answer letters
Label the requested quantity, write the setup, calculate and reverse-check. Then change a value and solve again. Keep a note of whether you selected the wrong formula, substituted incorrectly or made an arithmetic error. Use the error-log study cycle to choose your next task and the timing guide when adding timed practice.
Try the reasoning before choosing access
Use free TEAS practice to inspect an explanation. Account practice includes saved work, missed-question review and an AI tutor; see current access options. Ask the tutor to explain a step, then check the response against a reliable source. AI responses can make mistakes.
AdmitNurse is independent of ATI and nursing schools. Our practice items are original, not released exam questions. Current single-answer practice does not reproduce every official TEAS interaction, and our practice results are not calibrated to official scores.
Sources and scope
Official sources checked September 11, 2026. Study methods and examples on this page are our editorial guidance, not ATI requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Does this page confirm that a formula sheet is supplied?
No. The official sources reviewed here do not substantiate that earlier claim. Use current ATI instructions and learn how to apply the relevant formulas.
Must I memorize the quadratic formula because this article used to say so?
That blanket requirement has been removed. ATI’s general formula page includes a quadratic-equation example, but it does not establish that the quadratic formula is required on every exam form. Set your priorities from the current outline and official preparation materials.
Can I use a calculator for TEAS math?
ATI supplies a four-function calculator for the exam. Personal calculators are not allowed. You still need to choose the correct operation and check the result.
Reading is good. Answering is better.
Read original worked examples and try free practice questions. Account practice adds saved progress, missed-question review and an AI tutor; check the access options before buying.
AdmitNurse is an independent practice service and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by ATI, Elsevier or any nursing school. Practice items are original and are not actual exam questions. Confirm current exam details with the test maker and current admission requirements with your nursing program.