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Accuplacer · Arithmetic

The foundation. Get this right and QAS is within reach.

Arithmetic is the most-taken Accuplacer subtest and the one where small mistakes cost the most. A sign error on a fraction or a misplaced decimal moves you from college-level math to remedial. The good news: every concept on this test is pre-algebra — nothing here requires a calculator.

Placement threshold

250+ typically qualifies you for QAS-level math courses. Accuplacer is scored 200–300 per subtest — your college publishes its own cutoffs.

Pass Guarantee

Pass your Accuplacer exam or your money back — plus the retake fee.

We'll refund your full subscription and pay your official exam retake fee if you finish the program and still don't pass. No fine print, no hoops.

  • Complete ≥80% of your generated study plan
  • Take at least 3 full-length mock exams with a ≥75 average
  • Submit your exam score within 60 days of the exam date
Read the full terms →

What's on the Arithmetic subtest

Whole number operations
25%
Fractions & decimals
30%
Percents & ratios
20%
Geometry & measurement
15%
Estimation & number sense
10%

Common traps on Arithmetic

#1

Sign errors — negative × negative = positive, but under time pressure many students forget

#2

Unit conversion — mixing inches and feet, or forgetting to convert before comparing

#3

Percent-of-a-percent — '20% off, then 10% more off' is NOT 30% off

Study tip

Work problems by hand without a calculator. Accuplacer Arithmetic is designed to test whether you can do the math, not whether you can punch buttons.

Know your Arithmetic score before you sit.

Take the 5-minute diagnostic. Get your predicted placement. Decide what to study — or decide you're already ready.