December 17, 2025
Overview: Geometry is a scoring topic of the QA section of the CAT exam, testing spatial reasoning and logical thinking. To ace this section, you need to have a good hold on the CAT geometry formulas and theorems. Read the blog to know more about them!
In this blog, we will guide you through the essential 20+ CAT Geometry Formulas, break down their importance, and provide expert tips to enhance your preparation.
Additionally, we’ll recommend some of the best books for CAT Geometry that can further solidify your knowledge and ensure you’re well-prepared for the exam.
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This is your quick revision sheet for polygons in CAT Geometry—angles, diagonals, regular polygon results, and shortcuts.
| Concept | Formula / Result |
|---|---|
| Sum of interior angles (n-gon) | (n − 2) × 180° |
| Each interior angle (regular n-gon) | [(n − 2) × 180°] / n |
| Sum of exterior angles (any polygon) | 360° |
| Each exterior angle (regular n-gon) | 360° / n |
| Number of diagonals (n-gon) | n(n − 3) / 2 |
| Number of triangles from one vertex | (n − 2) |
| Central angle (regular n-gon) | 360° / n |
| Perimeter (regular n-gon) | P = n × a (where a = side) |
| Area (regular n-gon) | Area = ½ × P × apothem |
| Apothem (from centre) | Perpendicular distance from centre to any side |
CAT tip: If a regular polygon is involved, exterior angle = 360°/n is usually the fastest route to find n.
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This section covers both quadrilateral properties and the most-used CAT geometry area formulas in one place.
| Shape | Area Formula |
|---|---|
| Rectangle | l × b |
| Square | a2 |
| Parallelogram | base × height |
| Rhombus | ½ × d1 × d2 |
| Trapezium/Trapezoid | ½ × (a + b) × h |
| Kite | ½ × d1 × d2 |
CAT tip: In most geometry questions, height is the real game-changer. Always look for perpendiculars/altitudes first.
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Here are the key CAT geometry formulas for circles. Use θ in degrees (°) and r as radius.
| Concept | Formula |
|---|---|
| Area of Circle | πr2 |
| Circumference | 2πr |
| Arc Length | (θ/360) × 2πr |
| Sector Area | (θ/360) × πr2 |
Quick note: If θ is in radians, Arc Length = rθ and Sector Area = ½r2θ.
Find: Important Formulas for CAT 2026
The formula for different quadrilaterals includes the following
|
Shape |
Area Formula |
|
Square |
side² |
|
Rectangle |
length × breadth |
|
Parallelogram |
base × height |
|
Trapezium |
½ × (sum of parallel sides) × height |
|
Rhombus |
½ × d₁ × d₂ |
Check: Venn Diagram Practice Questions for CAT 2026
The different formulas for polygons include:
|
Concept |
Formula |
|
Sum of Interior Angles |
(n - 2) × 180° |
|
Each Interior Angle (regular) |
(n - 2) × 180° / n |
|
Area of a Regular Polygon |
½ × Perimeter × Apothem |
Coordinate geometry questions in CAT become easy when your basics (distance, slope, section, and line equations) are on your fingertips.
| Concept | Formula |
|---|---|
| Distance between two points | √[(x2−x1)2 + (y2−y1)2] |
| Midpoint | ((x1+x2)/2, (y1+y2)/2) |
| Section formula (internal division, m:n) | ((mx2+nx1)/(m+n), (my2+ny1)/(m+n)) |
| Slope of a line | m = (y2−y1) / (x2−x1) |
| Equation of line (slope-intercept) | y = mx + c |
| Equation of line (point-slope) | y − y1 = m(x − x1) |
| Equation of line (two-point form) | (y − y1) = ((y2−y1)/(x2−x1))(x − x1) |
| Perpendicular slopes | m1 × m2 = −1 |
| Area of triangle (coordinate method) | ½ |x1(y2−y3) + x2(y3−y1) + x3(y1−y2)| |
CAT tip: If the question is about ratios or “point divides a line segment”, jump straight to the section formula—it saves time.
Click Here: Download CAT Arithmetic questions PDF with Solutions
Most CAT Geometry questions crack open once you apply the right angle property. Here are the ones you should revise repeatedly.
CAT tip: If you see a circle + quadrilateral, check cyclic quadrilateral and tangent–chord first—these two alone solve a lot of questions.
Check: How to prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT?
If you’re revising Geometry for CAT 2026, triangles are the highest-ROI topic. Keep this mini sheet for last-day revision and faster problem solving.
| Concept | Formula / Result |
|---|---|
| Angle sum | A + B + C = 180° |
| Area (base-height) | Area = ½ × base × height |
| Area (two sides + included angle) | Area = ½ab sin(C) |
| Heron’s formula | Area = √[s(s−a)(s−b)(s−c)], where s = (a+b+c)/2 |
| Inradius relation | Area = r × s |
| Circumradius relation | Area = abc / (4R) |
| Equilateral triangle (side a) | Area = (√3/4)a2, Height = (√3/2)a |
| Similarity shortcut | If sides ratio = k, then areas ratio = k2 |
CAT tip: When a triangle looks “messy”, try converting it into a similarity or area ratio question—CAT loves those.
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| CAT VARC Mock Test 2026 | |
| CAT DILR Mock test 2026 | |
| CAT QA Mock Test 2026 | |
| CAT VARC Prep Videos 2026 | |
| CAT DILR Prep Videos 2026 | |
| CAT QA Prep Videos 2026 | |
| CAT Syllabus 2026 | |
| CAT PYQs | |
| CAT VARC Questions |
Apart from the essential CAT geometry formulas, the candidates also need to learn the critical theorems. Some of the key theorems you must know:
|
Theorem |
Explanation |
|
Basic Proportionality Theorem (Thales) |
If a line is drawn parallel to one side of a triangle, it divides the other two sides proportionally. |
|
Angle Bisector Theorem |
The angle bisector of a triangle divides the opposite side in the ratio of the adjacent sides. |
|
Pythagoras Theorem |
Applies only in right-angled triangles. |
|
Similarity of Triangles |
If two triangles have corresponding angles equal, they are similar. |
|
Cyclic Quadrilateral |
Opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral are supplementary. |
|
Tangents from a Point |
The tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal in length. |
Know more: CAT DILR Syllabus Overview
If you want Geometry marks to feel predictable, follow a tight revision loop: formulas → 20 questions → analyse mistakes → repeat.
Conclusion
Geometry might seem a bit tricky at first with all the shapes, lines, and formulas. But don't worry! It's all about understanding the basic geometry formulas for CAT and theorems and practising regularly. Remember, every shape has a story, and each formula helps you solve a piece of the puzzle.
So, take your time, learn those key CAT geometry formulas and theorems, and don't be afraid to draw diagrams.
With a little bit of practice and confidence, you'll find that geometry can actually be one of the most interesting and score-boosting parts of the CAT exam. Grab those geometry notes, keep practising, and get ready to ace those questions!
Read more: Practise Number System CAT Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important CAT Geometry formulas to revise?

Are geometry questions in CAT difficult?

How many geometry questions are asked in CAT?

What are some tips to solve CAT geometry questions faster?

Are coordinate geometry questions common in CAT?

Where can I find a complete list of CAT Geometry Formulas for revision?

Are there any shortcut techniques for applying CAT Geometry Formulas in the exam?

Where can I download the CAT Geometry formulas PDF?

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