The Best ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning Study Guide in 2023
ASVAB – The Armed Services Aptitude Battery – is a well-respected and well-known test that was originally established in 1968 and developed by the Department of Defense. The test aims for measuring applicant’s strengths and predicting the success of a test taker in various academic and occupational pursuits in the military. Furthermore, it is held and administered to more than 1 million military applicants, high-school and post-secondary students on an annual basis.
The ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning Test belongs to a series of 9 ASVAB subtests. It is taken to assess a candidate’s capacity in dealing with mathematical questions and equations. Although this test solely comprises simple addition, subtractions, multiplication, or division, reasoning skills are required to determine what is the best answer. In this article, we will propose an effective ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning Study Guide. Keep reading thoroughly and follow our valid information.
1. Get To Know About ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning Test

1.1 What is included in the ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning Concepts?
Before studying for the arithmetic reasoning section on ASVAB, every candidate should comprehend its concepts. Here are concepts typically included in your exam:
- Arithmetic: It mainly focuses on basic arithmetical problems in regard to addition, subtraction, division and multiplication.
- Percentages: This type of question is concerned with calculating cost price, sale price, discount, etc.
- Ratio and proportion: Ratio/proportion-related questions only require applying simple formulas.
- Interest: Interest-related questions are solved by using simple and complicated formulas.
- Numbers: Knowledge of whole numbers, decimals, real numbers, fractions, and imaginary numbers, and so on are recalled in this type of question.
1.2 How many Arithmetic Reasoning Questions are on the ASVAB?
Typically, the number of mathematical questions will depend on what kind of test delivery method you take as follows:
- Computer Adapted Test (CAT – ASVAB) is available when they visit Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). More specifically, Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) consists of 16 questions in 39 minutes.
- The Mobile Examination Test (MET – ASVAB) is only for enlisted soldiers at Mobile Testing Centers. Besides, this test is also done with paper and pencil. Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) includes 30 questions and must be completed within 36 minutes.
- The Pencil and Paper Test (also known as the P&P or S-ASVAB) is available for those who are high school and college students and may not intend to enlist. Like MET, Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) in P&P also contains a set of 30 questions accomplished in 36 minutes.
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2. ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning Study Guide
The Arithmetic Reasoning Section is used to measure your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score which determines your eligibility for military service so it is better to get a good mark on this subtest. In the following part, one of the best ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning Study Guide will be raised. Let’s get started!

2.1. Taking Practice Tests
Vince Lombardi said, “Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect”. Addition to taking the Arithmetic Reasoning ASVAB practice test as much as possible to familiarize yourself with the test format and excel at mathematics, you need to review the test you have taken carefully to identify your strengths and weaknesses for further improvement.
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2.2 Grasping Technical Terms
Besides basic terms, many word problems may contain technical terms, such as area, perimeter, integer, or ratio, which are expected to be common mathematical knowledge.
2.3. Looking For “Buzzwords”
When studying for ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning questions, you have to pay attention not only to the number given but also the “BUZZWORDS” which let you know what type of equation you will need to resolve the problem.
For instance, if “less than” or “fewer” or “minus” is mentioned in a mathematical problem, there’s a good chance you may need to use subtraction. In contrast, if a problem uses words like “more than” or “more” or “add”, you may need to use addition. Read the problem carefully and very often the wording of the problem itself to look for clues in solving the problems.
2.4. Dealing With Numbers
The only way to solve any word problems is paying close attention to the numbers. Thus, you need to make sure that they are kept in the right order and used in the proper manner. Remember that if you rush through a problem, unnecessary mistakes will be made. Please be extra careful with the numbers.
2.5. Paragraph Format
Many word problems make test takers confused and distracted from the real question being asked due to extra verbiage. Hence, you must learn to ignore this extra information and place more focus on the facts that will get you the correct answer to the problem. Don’t be afraid to “filter out” trivial information.
3. Answering Word Problems
Here are the steps to assist you in giving proper answers for the ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning questions:
- Read the problem carefully: Almost every test taker is often afraid that they will lose track of time, therefore, they often rush through each problem, which leads to unexpected and unnecessary mistakes. Of particular note that word problems can be tricky and confusing, so you must carefully read each of them to discern exactly what is being asked for.
- Determine the question: Subsequently, the next step is to determine exactly what the question is asking.
- Determine how to answer that question: Then, looking for the best way to answer the question asked is the following step, involving extracting the relevant facts from the problem.
- Create an equation or equations: Having identified the best way to provide the answer and have gathered the relevant facts, you need to put those facts into an equation to get the correct answer.
- Solve and review: Finally, you will solve your equation or equations and make a quick review to ensure your answer satisfies what the question is looking for and then record your answer.
In short, our blog is conducted to help you gain more useful information regarding the best ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning Study Guide. Hope you take enough practice and get ready for your upcoming test. Let’s take our FREE AR ASVAB Practice Test to get well-prepared for the actual test.