AFQT Subtest

ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)

AR tests your ability to solve word problems using basic math. It directly affects your AFQT and GT scores — two of the most important numbers for enlistment.

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30

Questions

39 min

Time

Yes

Affects AFQT?

What AR Measures

Ability to solve mathematical word problems involving percentages, ratios, distance/rate/time, work problems, and basic algebra applied to everyday scenarios.

Common Question Types

Distance / Rate / Time

Calculate speed, distance, or travel time

Percentage Problems

Discounts, tax, tips, interest, percent change

Ratio & Proportion

Mixing, scaling, and unit rate problems

Work Problems

Combined work rates, time to complete tasks

Geometry Word Problems

Area, perimeter, volume in context

5 Example Questions

Try these — tap any question to reveal the answer.

Q1A soldier runs 3 miles in 24 minutes. At this rate, how long will it take to run 5 miles?

A) 36 minutes

B) 40 minutes

C) 42 minutes

D) 45 minutes

Q2A jacket originally costs $80 and is on sale for 25% off. What is the sale price?

A) $55

B) $60

C) $65

D) $70

Q3If 3 workers can paint a building in 12 hours, how long would it take 4 workers?

A) 8 hours

B) 9 hours

C) 10 hours

D) 16 hours

Q4A recipe calls for 2 cups of flour for 24 cookies. How much flour is needed for 36 cookies?

A) 2.5 cups

B) 3 cups

C) 3.5 cups

D) 4 cups

Q5A car travels 210 miles on 7 gallons of gas. How far can it go on 12 gallons?

A) 300 miles

B) 340 miles

C) 360 miles

D) 400 miles

Study Tips for AR

1Read the entire problem before calculating — identify what is being asked.
2Write down the key numbers and the relationship between them.
3Estimate first to eliminate obviously wrong answers.

Line Scores That Use AR

Your AR score feeds into these composite scores, which determine job eligibility:

AFQTGT (Army)CL (Marines)Most branch composites

Ready to practice AR?

Take a free practice test covering Arithmetic Reasoning — see where you stand in 15 minutes.

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Free ASVAB Study Cheat Sheet

Key formulas, line score composites, and score benchmarks in one printable PDF.

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