For CAT 2026 aspirants, remembering the right formula can save valuable time during Quantitative Aptitude (QA). However, memorising equations without understanding their applications can lead to avoidable mistakes.
This chapter-wise guide covers important CAT quantitative aptitude formulas for Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems and Modern Mathematics. Use it while practising questions, analysing mocks or completing your last-minute CAT revision.
Want the essential formulas in one printable reference? Our chapter-wise CAT Quant revision sheet is designed to help you review equations, important conditions and common applications.
Download Free CAT Quant Formula Sheet PDF 2026
Free PDF | Chapter-wise formulas | Quick revision reference
Focus on formulas that help you solve quantitative problems accurately and efficiently.
| Topic | Essential Concepts |
| Arithmetic | Percentages, ratios, averages, profit and loss, interest, time and work |
| Algebra | Identities, quadratics, exponents, logarithms, progressions |
| Geometry | Triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, mensuration |
| Number Systems | HCF, LCM, divisibility, remainders |
| Modern Mathematics | Counting principles, permutations, combinations, probability |
This is a preparation reference, not an official CAT 2026 syllabus or a prediction of examination questions.
Arithmetic formulas simplify calculations involving proportions, rates and changes in value.
| Concept | Formula |
| Percentage | (\frac{\text{Part}}{\text{Whole}}\times100) |
| Percentage change | (\frac{\text{New}-\text{Old}}{\text{Old}}\times100) |
| Profit percentage | (\frac{SP-CP}{CP}\times100) |
| Loss percentage | (\frac{CP-SP}{CP}\times100) |
| Average | (\frac{\text{Sum of observations}}{\text{Number of observations}}) |
| Simple interest | (SI=\frac{PRT}{100}) |
| Compound amount | (A=P(1+\frac{r}{100})^n) |
| Speed | (\frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}}) |
Here, (CP) means cost price, (SP) means selling price, (P) is principal, (R) or (r) is the annual interest rate, and (T) or (n) is time in years. The compound amount formula assumes annual compounding at a constant rate.
If a price increases by 20% and then decreases by 10%, the net percentage change is:
[
20-10+\frac{20(-10)}{100}=8%
]
The final price is 8% higher than the original price—not 10% higher.
Algebra questions often require simplifying expressions, identifying patterns and solving equations.
| Concept | Formula |
| Square identity | ((a+b)^2=a^2+2ab+b^2) |
| Difference of squares | (a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b)) |
| Cube identity | ((a+b)^3=a^3+3a^2b+3ab^2+b^3) |
| Quadratic roots | (x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}) |
| Arithmetic progression | (a_n=a+(n-1)d) |
| AP sum | (S_n=\frac{n}{2}[2a+(n-1)d]) |
| Geometric progression | (a_n=ar^{n-1}) |
| Exponent rule | (a^ma^n=a^{m+n}) |
For quadratic roots, (a\ne0). Real roots exist when (b^2-4ac\ge0).
The logarithm rule (\log_b(xy)=\log_bx+\log_by) requires (x,y>0), (b>0) and (b\ne1).
Recognise the relevant shape and its properties before substituting values.
| Shape | Formula |
| Triangle area | (\frac12 bh) |
| Pythagoras | (a^2+b^2=c^2) |
| Circle area | (\pi r^2) |
| Circle circumference | (2\pi r) |
| Rectangle area | (lb) |
| Trapezium area | (\frac12(a+b)h) |
| Cylinder volume | (\pi r^2h) |
| Cone volume | (\frac13\pi r^2h) |
| Sphere volume | (\frac43\pi r^3) |
The Pythagorean theorem applies to right-angled triangles, with (c) representing the hypotenuse. In area formulas, (h) represents perpendicular height.
Number Systems require understanding factors, multiples and divisibility alongside formulas.
For two positive integers:
[
HCF\times LCM=\text{Product of the two numbers}
]
Other useful results include:
For remainder questions, practise modular arithmetic and cyclic patterns instead of memorising isolated tricks.
Modern Mathematics includes counting techniques and probability. These formulas can support questions involving selections, arrangements and possible outcomes.
| Concept | Formula |
| Factorial | (n!=n(n-1)\cdots2\cdot1) |
| Permutations | ({}^nP_r=\frac{n!}{(n-r)!}) |
| Combinations | ({}^nC_r=\frac{n!}{r!(n-r)!}) |
| Basic probability | (P(E)=\frac{\text{Favourable outcomes}}{\text{Total equally likely outcomes}}) |
For permutations and combinations, (0\le r\le n). The probability formula assumes equally likely outcomes.
Understand whether order matters before choosing between permutations and combinations.
A CAT formula sheet for Arithmetic and Algebra, supported by other topics, works best when paired with active practice.
Try this revision cycle:
For last-minute CAT revision, prioritise familiar concepts and recurring mistakes rather than spending all your time memorising unfamiliar shortcuts.
Keep important formulas handy while practising questions and reviewing mock tests.
Our printable revision resource brings together Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems and Modern Mathematics formulas, along with important conditions and a quick revision checklist.
Get Your Free CAT Quant Revision PDF
Save it, print it and revise whenever you need.
Quantitative reasoning is useful beyond entrance examinations. Management students apply numerical thinking when interpreting financial information, comparing business performance, planning operations and evaluating decisions.
At IIMT University Greater Noida Campus, our two-year, full-time MBA programme combines management education with an experiential learning approach.
Our MBA programme offers a dual-specialisation approach, allowing students to explore different areas of management.
Students interested in finance, operations, business analytics or other management disciplines should confirm the currently available specialisation combinations before applying.
The programme highlights hands-on activities, live sessions and interactive discussions. These learning methods encourage students to connect classroom concepts with practical management situations.
Our MBA programme emphasises industry-oriented learning and professional development.
For students who enjoy CAT Quant, an important consideration is how a management curriculum develops financial reasoning, data interpretation, analytical thinking and problem-solving.
When comparing programmes, review the current syllabus, practical assignments, industry interaction opportunities and career support. Internship and placement outcomes should be verified separately.
Our campus is located in Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, within Delhi NCR.
Students considering management education in this region can evaluate the proximity to commercial activity across Greater Noida, Noida and Delhi NCR alongside their commuting and accommodation needs.
Explore our Greater Noida Campus overview and campus travel information.
Your CAT preparation can help develop analytical skills, but choosing an MBA programme requires evaluating much more than entrance-examination performance.
Explore the MBA Programme at IIMT University Greater Noida
Review our admission overview, admission criteria and published fee structure before applying.
CAT performance and university admission are separate considerations. Confirm the current selection requirements for your chosen programme.
The best CAT Quant formula sheet is one you can apply confidently. Revise important equations, understand their conditions and test them through timed questions.
Keep your reference concise enough for regular review and use mock-test mistakes to identify formulas needing more attention.