GED guideSubjects
GED Math Study Guide: What to Study and How to Practice
GED math is basic math, geometry, algebra, and graphs, with a formula sheet provided. Work the setup, not only a topic list.
Short answer
Study GED math as four skill families: basic math, geometry, basic algebra, and graphs and functions. The test is 115 minutes, a formula sheet is provided, and an on-screen calculator is available on part 2. You still have to turn a situation into an operation. Passing this subject is 145. It does not pass the other three.
The skill map
GED.com groups Mathematical Reasoning into basic math, geometry, basic algebra, and graphs and functions. The test also uses multiple choice and other formats, including fill-in, drag-and-drop, and drop-down. This page cannot reproduce those screen tools. It can show the reasoning they ask for.
Use the map as a checklist, not as a promise that every form has the same number of items. GED.com’s overview does not publish one item count for every form.
| Family | A useful practice target | A common slip |
|---|---|---|
| Basic math | Fractions, decimals, ratios, percents | Treating the percent as the final price |
| Geometry | Area, perimeter, and the formula sheet | Computing area when the question asks for perimeter |
| Algebra | One equation from a sentence | Solving for the wrong variable |
| Graphs | Read the axis before you compare points | Treating a steeper look as a larger value without reading the scale |
Word problems that cross these families have their own page: ratios, percents, and equations.
Two worked examples
Percent, basic math. A $40 bus pass is discounted 15%. The discount is 0.15 × 40 = $6. The sale price is 40 − 6 = $34. If tax is not mentioned, do not add any. The mistake to check is answering $6, which is the discount, or $46, which adds it.
Graph, functions. A made-up table shows hours studied and practice items finished: (1, 8), (2, 16), (3, 24). The pattern in the table is 8 items per hour. It does not say the person will study 4 hours tomorrow. Stay inside the pairs you were given.
Geometry uses the same habit. If a rectangle is 8 feet by 3 feet, the area is 24 square feet and the perimeter is 2 × (8 + 3) = 22 feet. The formula sheet can list both. The question still decides which one you need. Calculator rules for part 1, part 2, and online testing are on the calculator page.
How to practice a family without collecting topics
Pick one family. Do three items untimed. For each miss, write the first wrong step, not “I am bad at math.” Then work a new original item in that family. When the setup is stable, add a short timer. The 115-minute test includes instructions and, at a center, the break between parts. Dividing 115 by an unknown item count is not a personal pace target.
Math at 145 does not change a language arts, science, or social studies score. If those are already passed, do not give them this week’s hours unless you are approved to retest for a higher score.
Trust the source
Official sources
Exam policies can change. Use these primary sources for the most current details.