CAT Quantitative Ability section consists of 22 questions to be solved within 40 minutes. Just knowing formulas is not enough to solve questions in this section. Knowing the formulae and applying them correctly to the questions reduces the total time to attempt the questions. The Hitbullseye CAT Formulae E-Book has compiled all the shortcuts and standard results used across Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, and Modern Maths, so the recall is in one place before the mock.
The same formulae can be used for XAT, SNAP and other MBA entrances. SSC and Bank PO use a wider set, including trigonometry and clocks. This page is written for CAT 2026. Use the e-book as the formula sheet, then test it on mocks.
Topic weightage in CAT
The IIMs do not publish a topic-wise split. The counts below are from memory-based slot analyses of CAT 2025. Arithmetic and Algebra together took most of the 22 questions in every slot.
|
Area
|
Slot 1
|
Slot 2
|
Slot 3
|
What the formulae cover
|
|
Arithmetic
|
10
|
8
|
9
|
Percentages, averages, ratios, profit and loss, interest, time-speed-distance, time and work, mixtures
|
|
Algebra
|
7
|
7
|
6
|
Equations, inequalities, logarithms, progressions, functions
|
|
Geometry and Mensuration
|
3
|
3
|
4
|
Triangles, circles, mensuration, coordinate geometry
|
|
Number System
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
Remainders, factors, surds and indices
|
|
Modern Maths
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
Permutations and combinations, probability, sets
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|
Total
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22
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22
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22
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—
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A formula sheet is the most useful preparation tool where the count is highest. Arithmetic and Algebra should be dealt first, followed by Geometry. The weightage of Number System and Modern Maths topics is lower, but since the questions carry 3 marks each, it is still important to get those correct.
How the formulae are used in CAT
CAT does not ask you to write a formula. It needs you to identify it within a word problem or a Type in The Answer (TITA) question. A few question types or structures may repeat, making it easy to recall and solve.
- Percentage and profit-loss questions reduce to one relation.The shortcut is to write the multiplier first, instead of building a fresh equation.
- Time-speed-distance and time-work questions are ratios. The formula is the ratio, not a new identity.
- Logarithm and progression questions in Algebra are usually one standard result plus a restriction. The result is in the sheet, while the restriction is the question.
- Geometry questions in recent slots have been harder. The formula for an area or a length is the last line, after the figure is drawn.
- Modern Maths questions are often in TITA format. A formula applied to the wrong count is a wrong answer with no option to catch it.
One short drill: If a sum grows at 10% per year for 2 years, the multiplier is 1.12=1.21, not 1.20 (20% growth). This is the compound growth factor. The question only asks you to apply the formula.
How to prepare for CAT 2026
Do not memorize the CAT formula sheet in one go. Attach each formula to five questions from that topic, then close the sheet and write the formula from the question.
- Start with Arithmetic, because carries the highest weightage in the recent slots of CAT.
- After that, move to Algebra, and focus on equations, inequalities, logarithms and progressions.
- Take up Geometry as the next topic. Draw the figure before you reach for the formula.
- Pick Number System and Modern Maths as the last topic for revision. The formulae are short, but the cases are longer.
- During a mock test, open the formula sheet only after the attempt to mark which formula you could not recall. That is the revision list.
If you cannot recall a formula within 10 seconds of reading the question, you need to revisit the concepts. Application matters more than memorisation. The e-book is the list. The mock is the test.
Hitbullseye e-book on Quant formulae
Hitbullseye’s Quant team has compiled this e-book of formulas and shortcuts for the quantitative section of CAT and other competitive exams. It is a reference sheet, not a theory book. Use it beside a topic, then put it away for the mock.
The e-book covers formulas for:
- Percentage, average and ratio
- Time, speed and distance, and time and work
- Profit and loss, and interest
- Geometry and mensuration
- Probability, logarithms and coordinate geometry
- Clocks, calendars and other results used in MBA entrances and in SSC and Bank PO
FAQs
Q. Is a formula sheet enough for CAT Quant?
A. No, it shortens a method you already know. CAT questions are worded so the formula is usually the last step, not the first. You still need to recognize the concept, set up the problem correctly, and apply it accurately under time pressure. Practice on mocks is still required.
Q. Which topics should the sheet prioritize for CAT 2026?
A. CAT 2026 prioritize Arithmetic and Algebra. These two areas have carried most of the 22 questions in recent CAT Quant slots.
High priority
- Arithmetic: percentages, averages, ratios, profit and loss, interest, time-speed-distance, time and work, mixtures
- Algebra: equations, inequalities, logarithms, progressions, functions
Next
- Geometry and Mensuration: triangles, circles, coordinate geometry, area and volume
Lower priority
- Number System: remainders, factors, surds and indices
- Modern Maths: permutation and combination, probability, sets
Start with Arithmetic and Algebra, followed by Geometry. Number System and Modern Maths carry lower weightage, hence they can prepare these topics after the major areas are covered.
Q. Does the e-book cover only CAT?
A. It is built for CAT, and the same formulae are used in XAT, SNAP and other MBA entrances. A few results, such as trigonometry and clocks, are more relevant to SSC and Bank PO.
Q. When should I use the CAT Quant formula e-book?
A. Use the CAT Formulae E-Book beside the topic while you are learning it, and again after a mock to mark which formulae you could not recall. Do not use it during the mock itself.
It is a reference sheet for quick revision of Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and the smaller topics. Once the formula is familiar, close the sheet and practise under a timer so you can write it from the question, not from the page.
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