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TEAS guide · updated 2026-09-29

TEAS Math: topics, formulas and sample questions

The TEAS 7 Mathematics section has 38 questions, 34 of them scored, in 57 minutes: 18 on Numbers and Algebra and 16 on Measurement and Data. It is general math in everyday settings, not nursing dosage calculation, and a calculator is built into the exam.

Math at a glance

Sub-content areaScored questionsMain topics
Numbers and Algebra18Fractions, decimals and percents; operations with rational numbers; ordering numbers; one-variable equations and inequalities; ratios, rates and proportions; percent problems; estimation and rounding; turning words into expressions
Measurement and Data16Reading tables, charts and graphs; mean, median, mode and range; relationships between two variables; perimeter, area and volume; converting within and between metric and US standard units

Formulas and conversions worth memorizing

ItemValue or formula
Percent change(new - old) / old x 100
Rectangle arealength x width
Triangle area1/2 x base x height
Circle area and circumferencepi x r squared; 2 x pi x r
Rectangular box volumelength x width x height
Inches to centimeters1 in = 2.54 cm
Kilograms to pounds1 kg is about 2.2 lb
Pounds to ounces1 lb = 16 oz
Feet, yards, miles12 in = 1 ft; 3 ft = 1 yd; 5,280 ft = 1 mile
Cups, pints, quarts, gallons2 cups = 1 pint; 2 pints = 1 quart; 4 quarts = 1 gallon
Metric prefixeskilo = 1,000; centi = 1/100; milli = 1/1,000

Three worked examples

  • Percent change: a price rises from $40 to $50. (50 - 40) / 40 = 0.25, so the increase is 25%.
  • Proportion: a recipe uses 3 cups of flour for 24 cookies. For 40 cookies, 3/24 = x/40, so x = 5 cups.
  • Unit conversion: a room is 4 m long. 4 m = 400 cm, and 400 / 2.54 is about 157.5 in, or about 13.1 ft.

Common traps

  • Percent of what? A 20% discount followed by a 10% discount is not 30% off; the second discount applies to the reduced price.
  • Mixed numbers: convert to improper fractions before multiplying or dividing.
  • Units: check that the answer is in the unit the question asks for.
  • Mean versus median: one very large or small value moves the mean but barely moves the median.
  • Supply-answer items: you type the number, so there are no options to check against. Recheck the arithmetic.

Pacing

You get about 90 seconds per question, the most generous section on the test. Use that time to set problems up on scratch paper and to estimate the answer before you calculate. The built-in calculator removes arithmetic mistakes, not setup mistakes.

Sample TEAS questions with answers

1. A driver plans a 450-mile road trip. His car averages 36 miles per gallon, and gasoline costs $3.80 per gallon. What is the total cost of gasoline for the trip?

  1. $42.00
  2. $45.60
  3. $47.50
  4. $50.00
Show answer

C. $47.50 Find gallons needed: 450 ÷ 36 = 12.5 gallons. Multiply by price: 12.5 × $3.80 = $47.50. Option B ($45.60) comes from rounding 12.5 down to 12 gallons before multiplying: 12 × $3.80 = $45.60. Options A and D result from using an incorrect number of gallons or an incorrect price per gallon.

2. A store sells 3 notebooks for $4.50. At the same unit price, what is the cost of 8 notebooks?

  1. $9.00
  2. $10.50
  3. $12.00
  4. $13.50
Show answer

C. $12.00 Find the unit price: $4.50 ÷ 3 = $1.50 per notebook. Multiply: $1.50 × 8 = $12.00. Option A ($9.00) doubles the bundle price ($4.50 × 2) without accounting for the two extra notebooks. Option D ($13.50) triples the bundle price ($4.50 × 3) rather than finding the unit rate first.

3. A television is listed at $640. The store takes 15% off the listed price, and a coupon gives an additional $30 off the discounted price. What is the final price the customer pays?

  1. $480.00
  2. $514.00
  3. $518.50
  4. $544.00
Show answer

B. $514.00 Apply the 15% discount first: $640 × 0.85 = $544.00. Then subtract the coupon: $544.00 − $30.00 = $514.00. Option D ($544.00) stops after the percent discount and omits the coupon. Option C ($518.50) applies the coupon before the percent discount — the wrong order: ($640 − $30) × 0.85 = $518.50. Option A ($480.00) uses a 25% discount ($640 × 0.75) and omits the coupon entirely.

4. A parking garage charges a flat entry fee of $5.00 plus $2.50 for each 30-minute interval. A customer paid a total of $22.50. How many 30-minute intervals did the customer park?

  1. 6
  2. 7
  3. 8
  4. 9
Show answer

B. 7 Set up the equation: 5.00 + 2.50n = 22.50. Subtract the flat fee: 2.50n = 17.50. Divide: n = 17.50 ÷ 2.50 = 7. Option D (9) ignores the flat fee entirely and divides the full amount: $22.50 ÷ $2.50 = 9. Option C (8) subtracts one interval fee ($2.50) instead of the flat fee ($5.00) before dividing: $20.00 ÷ $2.50 = 8.

Frequently asked questions

Is there dosage calculation on the TEAS?

No. TEAS math is general math such as ratios, percents, equations, unit conversion and reading graphs. Dosage calculation is taught later, in nursing school.

Can you use a calculator on the TEAS math section?

Yes. A calculator is built into the computer-based exam. You cannot bring your own.

How many math questions are on the TEAS 7?

38 in total, 34 scored: 18 Numbers and Algebra and 16 Measurement and Data.

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Sources: ATI TEAS exam details · ATI: Your top TEAS questions answered · Indian Hills Community College: ATI TEAS 7 fact sheet · Valencia College: TEAS. Independent study material. Not affiliated with or endorsed by ATI.

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