Logo Icon

Important CAT Quant Formulas 2026 Section Wise PDF Download

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

December 17, 2025

SHARE

Overview: CAT Quant Formulas 2026 is your section-wise QA formula sheet for fast revision. Use it to recall core equations, cut calculation time, and avoid silly errors in mocks and on exam day.

On this page, you’ll get topic-wise CAT Quant formulas across high-utility areas like Arithmetic (Percentages, SI/CI, TSD, Time & Work), Algebra, Number System, Geometry/Mensuration, and Modern Math. Download the section PDFs below and revise weekly to keep recall sharp.

For the complete CAT formula sheet (Quant + DI + LR), use the master hub: Important Formulas for CAT 2026 (Quant, DI & LR).

The Quantitative Aptitude section includes questions on a wide range of mathematical topics.

These include Number Systems, Profit, Loss, and Discount, LCM and HCF, Time and Work, Averages, Logarithms, Surds and Indices, Probability, set theory and functions, Trigonometry, permutations and combinations, Coordinate Geometry, and mensuration. 

To succeed in the Common Admission Test (CAT), candidates must be well-versed in the fundamental formulas. So, to help you out, we have provided the list of important CAT quant formulas PDF here!

Why Are CAT 2026 Quant Formulas Important? 

The CAT exam not only tests your ability to solve complex problems but also your speed and accuracy. Knowing the right CAT Quant Formulas at the right time can:

  • Save time during calculations
  • Reduce errors by following standard solving patterns
  • Enhance confidence while tackling tricky questions
  • Let’s explore the key formulas topic-wise.

Download Important CAT Quant Formula Sheets PDF Below

How to use this formula sheet: Revise once every week + once before every mock. During analysis, tag 3–5 formulas you forgot and revise only those daily for 7 days.

Tip: Don’t just memorise—solve 5–10 questions per topic to lock the formula into application.

Number System Formula PDF
Arithmetic Formula PDF
Time, Speed & Distance Formula PDF
CAT Geometry Formula Sheet PDF

Important CAT Quant Formulas List 2026

1.  Number System Formulas

Here is the important CAT Quant Tricks and Formulas list for Number System:

  • 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + … + n = n(n + 1)/2
  • (1² + 2² + 3² + ….. + n²) = n ( n + 1 ) (2n + 1) / 6
  • (1³ + 2³ + 3³ + ….. + n³) = (n(n + 1)/ 2)²
  • Sum of the first n odd numbers = n²
  • Sum of first n even numbers = n (n + 1)

2. Algebra Formulas

Here is the list of all the quant formulas for the CAT exam 2026:

  • (a–b)² = (a² + b² – 2ab)
  • (a + b)² = (a² + b² + 2ab)
  • (a + b)(a – b) = (a² – b²)
  • (a + b + c)² = a² + b² + c² + 2(ab + bc + ca)
  • (a³ – b³) = (a – b)(a² + ab + b²)
  • (a³ + b³) = (a + b)(a² – ab + b²)
  • (a³ + b³ + c³ – 3abc) = (a + b + c)(a² + b² + c² – ab – bc – ac)
  • When a + b + c = 0, then a³ + b³ + c³ = 3abc
  • (a + b)n = an + (nC1)an-1 b + (nC2)an-2 b² + … + (nCn-1)abn-1 + bn

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

Check: How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT exam?

3. LCM and HCF Formulas

Another important section of the Quantitative Aptitude is LCM and HCF. Here is the CAT Quant Tricks and Formulas list that you should be aware of:

  • LCM × HCF = Product of the numbers
  • LCM of co-prime numbers = Product of the numbers

4.  Percentages Formulas

y is what % of x: (y/x) × 100 — most-used conversion

Increase N by S%: N(1 + S/100) — growth/hike

Decrease N by S%: N(1 - S/100) — discount/decline

Read more: Algebra Topics for CAT

5. Averages Formulas

  • Average = (Sum of observations/Number of observations)

6.  Profit, Loss, and Discount Formulas

Here are the important CAT quant formulas for profit, loss and discount

Profit: SP - CP

Loss: CP - SP

Profit %: (Profit/CP) × 100

Loss %: (Loss/CP) × 100

SP (Profit%): CP × (100 + Profit%)/100

SP (Loss%): CP × (100 - Loss%)/100

MP from SP & Discount%: MP = SP × 100 / (100 - Discount%)

Read More: SuperGrads CAT Toppers Interview

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

7. Speed, Time and Distance Formulas

Here are the important CAT quant formulas for speed, time and distance

Speed: Distance / Time

Distance: Speed × Time

Time: Distance / Speed

Relative speed (same direction): |A - B|

Relative speed (opposite direction): A + B

Average speed (equal distances): (2xy)/(x + y)

8. Time and Work Formulas

Here are the important CAT Quant Tricks and Formulas for time and work:

  • Work = Rate × Time
  • Efficiency ∝ 1/Time
  • If A does a work in x days, then A’s 1 day work = 1/x
  • Combined Work = A’s work/day + B’s work/day
  • Total Time = (Product of days) / (Sum of days)

9. Simple and Compound Interest Formulas

Here are the important formulas for simple and compound interest:

  • SI = (P × R × T) / 100
  • CI = P(1 + R/100)^T - P
  • Amount = P(1 + R/100)^T

Know More | How Many Times CAT Exam is Conducted in a Year

10. Logarithm Formulas

Here are the important CAT quant formulas for logarithms

  • log(ab) = log a + log b
  • log(a/b) = log a - log b
  • log(a^b) = b log a
  • log_a a = 1
  • log_a 1 = 0
  • Change of base: log_b a = log_c a / log_c b

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

11. Probability Formulas

Here are the important formulas for probability:

  • Probability = (Favourable Outcomes) / (Total Outcomes)
  • 0 ≤ Probability ≤ 1
  • P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A and B)
  • P(A and B) = P(A) × P(B), if A and B are independent

12. Surds and Indices Formulas

Here are the important CAT quant formulas for surds and indices:

  • a^m × a^n = a^(m + n)
  • (a^m)/(a^n) = a^(m - n)
  • (a^m)^n = a^(mn)
  • a^0 = 1
  • √a × √b = √(ab)
  • √a / √b = √(a/b)

13. Mixtures and Alligations Formulas

Here are the important formulas for mixtures and alligations:

  • Average Value = (Sum of quantities × value) / Total quantity
  • Alligation Rule:
    (High - Mean) (Mean - Low) = Ratio of Quantities

Check: Venn Diagram Practice Questions for CAT 2026

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

14. Trigonometry Formulas

Here are the important CAT quant formulas for trigonometry:

  • sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
  • tanθ = sinθ / cosθ
  • cotθ = 1 / tanθ
  • Basic Angles:

sin 0° = 0, sin 30° = 1/2, sin 45° = 1/√2, sin 60° = √3/2, sin 90° = 1

Find: Practice with CAT Trigonometry Questions

15. Coordinate Geometry Formulas

Here are the important CAT quant formulas for coordinate geometry:

  • Distance between (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) = √[(x2 - x1)² + (y2 - y1)²]
  • Midpoint = ((x1 + x2)/2, (y1 + y2)/2)
  • Slope of line = (y2 - y1)/(x2 - x1)
  • Equation of line: y = mx + c
  • Area of triangle = ½ |x1(y2 - y3) + x2(y3 - y1) + x3(y1 - y2)|

Click Here: Download CAT Arithmetic questions PDF with Solutions

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

Check: Geometry Formulas for CAT 2026

Tips to Analyse CAT Quant Formulas 2026

  • Create a formula sheet and revise it regularly.
  • Solve topic-wise questions using the relevant formulas.
  • Practice mental math to reduce dependency on calculators.
  • Take timed mock tests to build speed and recall ability.

Check: Para Jumbles Questions for CAT

CAT + OMETs Demo Classes 

Take QA Demo Classes by Supergrads

CAT + OMETs Mock Test to Boost Your Prep

Free CAT Mock Test -01 
Free CAT Mock Test- 02
Free CAT Mock Test- 03

Conclusion

By understanding and practising these CAT quant formulas across various topics such as number systems, algebra, percentages, and geometry, you can significantly improve your problem-solving speed and accuracy. 

Regular practice and familiarity with these formulas will not only build your confidence but also help you tackle even the trickiest questions.

Remember, consistent preparation is the most effective way to achieve your desired score. 

So, take the time to review, practice, and apply these formulas as you get ready for the exam. Good luck with your preparation!

Practice with CAT Mensuration Questions

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are covered in the Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT?

Expand Faq Icon

How many questions are there in the Quant section of the CAT?

Expand Faq Icon

How should I practice for the Quant section of the CAT?

Expand Faq Icon

Are calculators or other aids allowed during the Quant section of the CAT?

Expand Faq Icon

Why are CAT Quant formulas important for the Quantitative Aptitude section?

Expand Faq Icon

How should I memorise and revise CAT Quant formulas effectively?

Expand Faq Icon

Is this CAT Quant formulas sheet enough for QA preparation?

Expand Faq Icon

Which QA topics need the most formula revision in CAT?

Expand Faq Icon

Do I need Trigonometry and Coordinate Geometry for CAT Quant?

Expand Faq Icon

How do I use formulas during mocks without wasting time?

Expand Faq Icon

What is the best way to remember Profit & Loss and Percentages formulas?

Expand Faq Icon

Where can I find the complete CAT formula sheet (Quant + DI + LR)?

Expand Faq Icon

About the Author

Faculty
Lalita Vishwakarma

Content Writer

Lalita Vishwakarma is a professional content writer with 3 years of experience, distinguished by her ability to transform raw ideas into polished, high-impact content. She masterfully combines creative storytelling with strategic execution, ensuring that her work not only captures attention but also drives desired outcomes.... more

Chat to Toprankers Team

ABOUT TOP RANKERS

Founded in 2016, Toprankers is India’s leading platform for counselling and preparation in careers beyond engineering and medicine. Our mission is to create awareness and boost success rates for high-potential career paths after Class 12. We provide top-notch learning methods and comprehensive support for students aiming for entrance exams in management, humanities, law, judiciary, and design.

E

: support@toprankers.com

P

: +91-6363286363

Social Channels

App Badge

Google Play Icon