SSAT Middle Level Math Formulas
All the formulas you need for the two SSAT Middle Level Quantitative sections in one cheat sheet. The SSAT gives no reference page, so memorize area, volume, percent, and ratio formulas before test day.
Key takeaways:
- SSAT Middle Level Quantitative: 50 questions split into two 25-question sections.
- No calculator is allowed, so all math is done by hand.
- Designed for grade 5 to grade 7 applicants to private day and boarding schools.
- There’s a 1/4-point penalty for wrong answers, eliminate before guessing.
- No formula sheet provided; every formula must be memorized.
Rounding
Putting a number up or down to the nearest whole number or the nearest hundred, etc.
Example: 64 rounded to the nearest ten is 60 because 64 is closer to 60 than to 70.
Whole Number
The numbers \( \{0,1,2,3,…\} \)
Estimates
Find a number close to the exact answer.
Decimals
A decimal is a fraction written using place value. For example, instead of writing \(\frac{1}{2}\) you can write \(0.5\).
Mixed Numbers
A number is composed of a whole number and a fraction. Example: \(2 \frac{2}{ 3}\) Converting between improper fractions and mixed numbers: \(a \frac{c}{b}=a+\frac{c}{b}= \frac{ab+ c}{b}\)
Factoring Numbers
Factor a number means breaking it up into numbers that can be multiplied together to get the original number. Example:\(12=2×2×3\)
Divisibility Rules
Divisibility means that you are able to divide a number evenly. Example: 24 is divisible by 6, because \(24÷6=4\)
Greatest Common Factor
Multiply common prime factors
Example:\( 200=2×2×2×5×5 60=2×2×3×5\)
GCF \((200,60)=2×2×5=20\)
Least Common Multiple
Check multiples of the largest number
Example: LCM (200, 60): 200 (no), 400 (no), 600 (yes!)
Integers
\( \{…,-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,…\} \)
Includes: zero, counting numbers, and the negative of the counting numbers
Real Numbers
All numbers that are on a number line. Integers plus fractions, decimals, and irrationals, etc.) (\(\sqrt{2},\sqrt{3},π\), etc.)
Order of Operations
PEMDAS
(parentheses/ exponents/ multiply/ divide/ add/ subtract)
Absolute Value
Refers to the distance of a number from 0. Distances are never negative, so the absolute value of a number cannot be negative. \(|-22|=22\)
or \(|x| =\begin{cases}x \ for \ x≥0 \\x \ for \ x < 0\end{cases} \)
\(|x|<n⇒-n<x<n\)
\(|x|>n⇒x<-n or x>n\)
Ratios
A ratio is a comparison of two numbers by division.
Example: \(3: 5\), or \(\frac{3}{5}\)
Percentages
Use the following formula to find part, whole, or percent
part \(=\frac{percent}{100}×whole\)
Proportional Ratios
A proportion means that two ratios are equal. It can be written in two ways:
\(\frac{a}{b}=\frac{c}{d}\), \(a: b = c: d \)
Percent of Change
\(\frac{New \ Value \ – \ Old \ Value}{Old Value}×100\%\)
Markup
Markup \(=\) selling price \(-\) cost
Markup rate \(=\) markup divided by the cost
Discount
Multiply the regular price by the rate of discount
Selling price \(=\) original price \(-\) discount
Expressions and Variables
A variable is a letter that represents unspecified numbers. One may use a variable in the same manner as all other numbers: Addition: \(2+a\): \(2\) plus a
Subtraction: \(y-3\): \(y\) minus \(3\)
Division: \(\frac{4}{x}\): 4 divided by x
Multiplication: \(5a\): \(5\) times a
Tax
To find tax, multiply the tax rate by the taxable amount (income, property value, etc.)
Distributive Property
\(a(b+c)=ab+ac\)
Polynomial
\(P(x)=a_{0} x^n+ a_{1} x^{n-1}+\)⋯\(+a_{n-2} x^2+a_{n-1} x+an\)
Equations
The values of the two mathematical expressions are equal.
\(ax+b=c\)
Inequalities
Says that two values are not equal
\(a≠b\) a not equal to b
\(a<b\) a less than b
\(a>b\) a greater than b
\(a≥b\) a greater than or equal b
\(a≤b\) a less than or equal b
Lines (Linear Functions)
Consider the line that goes through points \(A(x_{1},y_{1}) \) and \(B(x_{2},y_{2})\).
Distance from A to B:
\(\sqrt{(x_{1}-x_{2})^2+(y_{1}-y_{2})^2 }\)
Parallel and Perpendicular lines:
Parallel lines have equal slopes. Perpendicular lines (i.e., those that make a \(90^° \) angle where they intersect) have negative reciprocal slopes: \(m_{1}\).\(m_{2}=-1\).
Parallel Lines (l \(\parallel\) m)
Mid-point of the segment AB:
M (\(\frac{x_{1}+x_{2}}{2}, \frac{y_{1}+y_{2}}{2}\))
Slope of the line:
\(\frac{y_{2}- y_{1}}{x_{2} – x_{1} }=\frac{rise}{run}\)
Point-slope form:
Given the slope m and a point \((x_{1},y_{1})\) on the line, the equation of the line is
\((y-y_{1})=m \ (x-x_{1})\).
Intersecting lines:
Opposite angles are equal. Also, each pair of angles along the same line add to \(180^°\). In the figure above, \(a+b=180^°\).
Slope-intercept form:
given the slope m and the y-intercept b, then the equation of the line is:
\(y=mx+b\).
Transversal: Parallel lines:
Eight angles are formed when a line crosses two parallel lines. The four big angles (a) are equal, and the four small angles (b) are equal.
Exponents:
Refers to the number of times a number is multiplied by itself.
\(8 = 2 × 2 × 2 = 2^3\)
Scientific Notation:
It is a way of expressing numbers that are too big or too small to be conveniently written in decimal form.
In scientific notation all numbers are written in this form: \(m \times 10^n\)
Decimal notation:
5
\(-25,000\)
0.5
2,122.456
Scientific notation:
\(5×10^0\)
\(-2.5×10^4\)
\(5×10^{-1}\)
\(2.122456×10^3\)
Square:
The number we get after multiplying an integer (not a fraction) by itself. Example: \(2×2=4,2^2=4\)
Square Roots:
A square root of \(x\) is a number r whose square is \(x: r^2=x\)
\(r\) is a square root of \(x\)
Pythagorean Theorem:
For any right triangle with legs \(a\) and \(b\) and hypotenuse \(c\): \(a^2+b^2=c^2\)
Solving for the hypotenuse: \(c=\sqrt{a^2+b^2}\)
Solving for a leg: \(a=\sqrt{c^2-b^2}\)
Common Pythagorean triples: \(3,4,5\); \(5,12,13\); \(8,15,17\); \(7,24,25\)
Triangles:
Area: \(A=\frac{1}{2}bh\) where \(b\) is the base and \(h\) is the height.
Perimeter: \(P=a+b+c\) (sum of all three sides).
Pythagorean Theorem (right triangles): \(a^2+b^2=c^2\) where \(c\) is the hypotenuse.
Sum of interior angles: \(180°\)
Equilateral:
These triangles have three equal sides, and all three angles are \(60^\circ\).
Isosceles:
An isosceles triangle has two equal sides. The “base” angles (the ones opposite the two sides) are equal (see the \(45^\circ\) triangle above).
Similar:
Two or more triangles are similar if they have the same shape. The corresponding angles are equal, and the corresponding sides are in proportion. For example, the \(3-4-5\) triangle and the \(6-8-10\) triangle from before are similar since their sides are in a ratio of 1 to 2.
Circles

Area \(=πr^2\)
Circumference \(=2πr\)
Full circle \(=360^\circ\)
Rectangles

(Square if l=w)
Area=lw

Parallelogram
(Rhombus if l=w)
Area=lh
Regular polygons are n-sided figures with all sides equal and all angles equal.
The sum of the inside angles of an n-sided regular polygon is
\((n-2).180^\circ\).
Area of a parallelogram:
\(A = bh\)
Area of a trapezoid:
\(A =\frac{1}{2} h (b_{1}+b_{2})\)
Surface Area and Volume of a Rectangular/right prism:
\(SA=ph+2B\)
\(V=Bh\)
Surface Area and Volume of a Cylinder:
\(SA =2πrh+2πr^2\)
\(V =πr^2 h \)
Surface Area and Volume of a Pyramid
\(SA=\frac{1}{2} \ ps+b\)
\(V=\frac{1}{3}\ bh\)
Surface Area and Volume of a Cone
\(SA =πrs+πr^2\)
\(V=\frac{1}{3} \ πr^2 \ h\)
Surface Area and Volume of a Sphere
\(SA =4πr^2\)
\(V =\frac{4}{3} \ πr^3\)
(p \(=\) perimeter of base B; \(π ~ 3.14 \))
Solids

Rectangular Solid
Volume =lwh
Area =2(lw+wh+lh)

Right Cylinder
Volume \(=πr^2 \ h\)
Area \(=2πr(r+h)\)
Quadratic formula:
\( x=\frac{-b±\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}\)
Simple interest:
\(I=prt\)
(I = interest, p = principal, r = rate, t = time)
mean:
mean: \(\frac{sum \ of \ the \ data}{number \ of \ data \ entries}\)
mode:
value in the list that appears most often
range:
largest value \(-\) smallest value
Median
The middle value in the list (which must be sorted)
Example: median of
\( \{3,10,9,27,50\} = 10\)
Example: median of
\( \{3,9,10,27\}=\frac{(9+10)}{2}=9.5 \)
Sum
average \(×\) (number of terms)
Average
\( \frac{sum \ of \ terms}{number \ of \ terms}\)
Average speed
\(\frac{total \ distance}{total \ time}\)
Probability
\(\frac{number \ of \ desired \ outcomes}{number \ of \ total \ outcomes}\)
The probability of two different events A and B both happening is:
P(A and B)=p(A).p(B)
as long as the events are independent (one event does not change the chance of the other).
Powers, Exponents, Roots
\(x^a.x^b=x^{a+b}\)
\(\frac{x^a}{x^b} = x^{a-b}\)
\(\frac{1}{x^b }= x^{-b}\)
\((x^a)^b=x^{a.b}\)
\((xy)^a= x^a.y^a\)
\(x^0=1\)
\(\sqrt{xy}=\sqrt{x}.\sqrt{y}\)
\((-1)^n=-1\), if n is odd.
\((-1)^n=+1\), if n is even.
If \(0<x<1\), then
\(0<x^3<x^2<x<\sqrt{x}<\sqrt{3x}<1\).
Interest
Simple Interest: \(I=Prt\)
where \(P\) = principal, \(r\) = annual interest rate (as a decimal), \(t\) = time in years.
Total amount: \(A=P+I=P(1+rt)\)
Compound Interest: \(A=P(1+\frac{r}{n})^{nt}\) where \(n\) is the number of times interest is compounded per year.
Simple Interest
The charge for borrowing money or the return for lending it.
Interest = principal \(×\) rate \(×\) time
OR
\(I=prt\)
Compound Interest
Interest is computed on the accumulated unpaid interest as well as on the original principal.
A \(=P(1+r)^t\)
A= amount at end of the time
P= principal (starting amount)
r= interest rate (change to a decimal i.e. \(50\%=0.50\))
t= number of years invested
Powers/ Exponents
\(x^a×x^b=x^{a+b}\)
\(\frac{x^a}{x^b}=x^{a-b}\)
\((x^a)^b=x^{ab}\)
\(x^0=1\)
\(x^{-a}=\frac{1}{x^a}\)
\(x^{\frac{1}{n}}=\sqrt[n]{x}\)
Positive Exponents
An exponent is simply shorthand for multiplying that number of identical factors. So \(4^3\) is the same as (4)(4)(4), three identical factors of 4. And \(x^3\) is just three factors of x, \((x)(x)(x)\).
Negative Exponents
A negative exponent means to divide by that number of factors instead of multiplying.
So \(4^{-3}\) is the same as \( \frac{1}{4^3}\) and
\(x^{-3}=\frac{1}{x^3}\)
Factorials
Factorial- the product of a number and all counting numbers below it.
8 factorial \(=8!=\)
\(8×7×6×5×4×3×2×1=40,320\)
5 factorial \(=5!=\)
\(5×4×3×2×1=120\)
2 factorial \(=2!=2× 1=2\)
Multiplying Two Powers of the SAME Base
When the bases are the same, you find the new power by just adding the exponents
\(x^a.x^b=x^{a+b }\)
Powers of Powers
For the power of power: you multiply the exponents.
\((x^a)^b=x^{(ab)}\)
Dividing Powers
\(\frac{x^a}{x^b} =x^a x^{-b}= x^{a-b}\)
The Zero Exponent
Anything to the 0 power is 1.
\(x^0= 1\)
Permutation:
When different orderings of the same items are counted separately, we have a permutation problem:
\(_{n}p_{r}=\frac{n!}{(n-r)!}\)
Combination:
The fundamental counting principle, as demonstrated above, is used any time the order of the outcomes is important. When selecting objects from a group where the order is NOT important, we use the formula for COMBINATIONS:
\(_{n}C_{r}=\frac{n!}{r!(n-r)!}\)
The Best Books to Ace the SSAT Middle Level Math Test
Recommended EffortlessMath Books
For a workbook that walks through every Middle Level SSAT topic, the SSAT Middle Level Math for Beginners covers each formula with worked examples and timed drills. For full prep with multiple practice tests, see the SSAT Middle Level Math Test Prep Bundle (resource currently unavailable).
The Formulas That Matter Most on the Middle Level
This page lists many formulas, but the Middle Level math sections lean on a smaller core set. The test covers arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry and other number concepts, and it is built for students in grades 5 to 7. Learn the rows below first, then move on to the rest of the sheet.
| Topic | Formula | Quick example |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangle | A = lw, P = 2l + 2w | 8 by 5: A = 40, P = 26 |
| Triangle | A = ½bh | b = 10, h = 6: A = 30 |
| Circle | A = πr², C = 2πr | r = 3: A = 9π, C = 6π |
| Rectangular prism | V = lwh, SA = 2(lw + wh + lh) | 3 × 4 × 5: V = 60, SA = 94 |
| Percent | part = percent × whole | 15% of 60 = 9 |
| Percent change | (new − old) ÷ old × 100% | 40 to 50: 25% increase |
| Average | sum ÷ number of values | 80, 85, 90, 95: 87.5 |
| Rate | distance = rate × time | 45 mph for 3 h = 135 miles |
| Triangle angles | sum = 180° | 50° and 60° leave 70° |
Formulas such as the quadratic formula, compound interest and combinations are more typical of higher-level tests. They are kept on this sheet for students who want extra practice, but they are a lower priority for most Middle Level test takers.
Worked Examples: Using the Formulas Step by Step
Knowing a formula is only half the job. On test day you also need to spot which one a word problem is asking for. Here are three short examples in the style of Middle Level questions.
Example 1: Ratio
A class has boys and girls in a ratio of 2 : 3. There are 30 students. How many are girls?
- Add the parts: 2 + 3 = 5 parts.
- Find one part: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 students.
- Girls are 3 parts: 3 × 6 = 18 girls.
Example 2: Discount
A jacket costs $80 and is on sale for 25% off. What is the sale price?
- Find the discount: 0.25 × 80 = $20.
- Subtract: 80 − 20 = $60.
Example 3: Circle
A circle has a radius of 3 cm. Using π ≈ 3.14, what is its area?
- Square the radius: 3² = 9.
- Multiply by π: 9 × 3.14 = 28.26 cm².
Notice the pattern: name the formula, plug in the numbers, then check that the answer makes sense. A sale price should be less than the original price, and an area should be in square units.
Common Formula Mistakes to Avoid
Most lost points on the math sections come from small slips, not from forgetting a formula completely. Watch for these:
- Forgetting the ½ in the triangle area. A triangle with base 10 and height 6 has an area of 30, not 60.
- Mixing up area and circumference. πr² gives square units for the inside of a circle. 2πr gives the distance around it.
- Using diameter instead of radius. If a circle has a diameter of 10, the radius is 5.
- Dividing by the wrong number in percent change. Always divide the change by the original amount, not the new one.
- Adding when you should average. The average of 4, 6 and 11 is 21 ÷ 3 = 7, not 21.
- Ignoring units. Convert inches to feet or minutes to hours before you use the formula.
Scoring also matters. On the Middle Level, each correct answer earns a point, each wrong answer loses a quarter of a point, and a skipped question costs nothing. So if you have no idea, it can be smarter to skip. If you can rule out one or more choices, an educated guess is usually worth it.
When you are ready to test yourself, try the free SSAT Middle Level math practice test and mark each formula you used.
Practice Quiz: 10 Questions
Answer each question and press Submit to see your result right away.
Answer each question and press Submit to see your result right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSAT Middle Level?
The SSAT Middle Level is the version of the Secondary School Admission Test taken by students in grades 5 to 7 who are applying to private day or boarding schools. It covers quantitative (math), verbal and reading skills, plus an unscored writing sample. The math sections test arithmetic, fractions, percents, basic algebra and geometry, and no calculator is allowed, so knowing the core formulas by heart really pays off.
What math topics are on the SSAT Middle Level?
SSAT Middle Level math covers number sense and operations, fractions, decimals and percents, ratios, basic algebra, geometry and measurement, and simple data and probability. Expect questions like finding the area of a triangle with A = ½bh, working out 20% of 45 (which is 9), or reading a bar graph. A formula sheet helps with the geometry and percent questions, since none is provided on test day.
Is there an SSAT Middle Level math practice test PDF?
Yes, printable SSAT Middle Level math practice tests are available, including official practice material from the SSAT and full-length tests in prep books. When you use one, time yourself, put the calculator away and grade honestly. Then return to the formulas you missed, such as the perimeter of a rectangle (P = 2l + 2w) or the LCM method, and redo those problems a few days later.
How long is the SSAT Middle Level?
The SSAT Middle Level is a multi-section test that fills most of a morning, and the math is split into two separate quantitative sections rather than one long block. Because timing and format can change, check the official SSAT website for the current total length and section times before test day. Practicing with a timer helps you learn to move on from a hard question instead of spending several minutes stuck on it.
What is the difference between SSAT Middle Level and Upper Level?
The Middle Level is for students now in grades 5 to 7, while the Upper Level is for students in grades 8 to 11. The Upper Level math goes further into algebra, such as linear equations, exponents and more advanced geometry. Middle Level questions stay closer to arithmetic, fractions, percents and basic shapes, so the formulas you need are a smaller set.
Does the SSAT give you a formula sheet?
No. The SSAT does not provide a formula sheet or reference page at any level, so every formula has to be memorized before test day. That is why a cheat sheet like this one is useful for study. Write the core formulas from memory a few times in the week before the test and check them against the sheet.
Can you use a calculator on the SSAT Middle Level?
No. Calculators are not allowed on the Middle Level math sections. You will need to do all arithmetic by hand, including fractions, decimals and percents. Practice mental math shortcuts, such as finding 10% by moving the decimal point one place to the left, and work with simple values of π like 3.14 or leave answers in terms of π.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers on the SSAT Middle Level?
Yes. Each correct answer earns one point, each wrong answer loses a quarter of a point, and questions you leave blank neither earn nor lose points. This means random guessing is not helpful. If you can eliminate at least one answer choice, an educated guess is usually a reasonable choice.
How many math questions are on the SSAT Middle Level?
There are 50 scored math questions, split into two quantitative sections of 25 questions each. Each section is 30 minutes long. That gives you a little more than a minute per question, so it helps to know the formulas well enough that you do not have to stop and think about which one to use.
Related EffortlessMath Lessons
If a topic on this page feels rusty, these short lessons go deeper:
- How to use the Pythagorean theorem
- How to find percent of a number
- How to solve proportions
- How to find the area of a triangle
- Order of operations (PEMDAS)
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