ASVAB AFQT Score Explained
Updated October 26, 2026
Your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is the number that decides whether you can enlist. It’s not a separate test. It comes from four of the ASVAB subtests, and it’s reported as a percentile. Here’s how it works and how to raise it.
Which subtests count
The AFQT uses four subtests:
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR): math word problems
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK): algebra, geometry and number concepts
- Word Knowledge (WK): vocabulary
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC): reading short passages
Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension are combined into a Verbal Expression (VE) score, and the verbal score counts twice in the calculation: roughly 2 × VE + AR + MK. So verbal and math matter about equally.
It’s a percentile
The AFQT is a percentile from 1 to 99. It compares you with a national sample of 18 to 23 year olds, so a score of 50 means you did as well as or better than half of them. It isn’t a percentage of questions right.
AFQT categories
| Category | AFQT percentile |
|---|---|
| I | 93 to 99 |
| II | 65 to 92 |
| IIIA | 50 to 64 |
| IIIB | 31 to 49 |
| IVA | 21 to 30 |
| IVB | 16 to 20 |
| IVC | 10 to 15 |
| V | 1 to 9 |
Each branch sets its own minimum AFQT score, which can depend on whether you have a high school diploma or a GED, and the minimums change over time. Ask a recruiter for the current numbers.
AFQT versus line scores
The AFQT decides whether you can enlist. Your line scores, which combine different subtests, including science, electronics, auto and shop and mechanical comprehension, decide which military jobs you qualify for. A high AFQT with weak technical scores can still limit your job choices.
How to raise your AFQT
- Practise math word problems. Arithmetic Reasoning is where many people gain the most.
- Work without a calculator, because none is allowed.
- Build vocabulary by learning roots, prefixes and suffixes, which helps with unfamiliar words.
- Answer every question. On the computer test, don’t rush to the end; accuracy matters more than speed.
Free AFQT practice questions
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Which four ASVAB subtests make up the AFQT score?Answer: AThe AFQT is calculated from Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension. The other subtests count toward line scores for military jobs.
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A recruit's AFQT score is 50. What does that mean?Answer: BThe AFQT is a percentile, not a percentage of questions right. A 50 means the recruit did as well as or better than half of the reference group.
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A car travels 210 miles on 7 gallons of gas. How many miles per gallon does it get?Answer: CDivide miles by gallons: 210 ÷ 7 = 30 miles per gallon. This is an Arithmetic Reasoning-style word problem.
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Solve for x: 4x + 6 = 30Answer: DSubtract 6 from both sides: 4x = 24. Divide by 4: x = 6. This is a Mathematics Knowledge-style question.
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"Candid" most nearly means:Answer: ACandid means open and honest, as in "a candid answer." This is a Word Knowledge-style question.
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An item regularly priced at $60 is marked down 15%. What is the sale price?Answer: D15% of $60 is $9. Subtract the discount: $60 − $9 = $51.
Raise your ASVAB score before test day
- All 178 questions across the four AFQT tests and the science and technical tests
- An explanation for every answer, with the working shown for every math problem
- Unlimited full 80-question practice exams weighted toward the AFQT tests