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AFQT Score Explained: How It Works and How to Raise It
Your AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score is the number that decides whether you can enlist. It is not a separate test. It is calculated from four of the nine ASVAB subtests.
Which subtests make up the AFQT
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
- Word Knowledge (WK)
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension are combined into a Verbal Expression (VE) score. The raw AFQT is calculated as 2 × VE + AR + MK, so your verbal score counts twice. That raw score is then turned into a percentile.
What an AFQT percentile means
Your AFQT is reported as a percentile from 1 to 99. It compares you with a national sample of young adults. A score of 50 means you did better than about half of that group. It is not the percentage of questions you got right.
AFQT categories
| Category | AFQT percentile |
|---|---|
| I | 93–99 |
| II | 65–92 |
| IIIA | 50–64 |
| IIIB | 31–49 |
| IVA | 21–30 |
| IVB | 16–20 |
| IVC | 10–15 |
| V | 1–9 |
Each branch sets its own minimum AFQT score, and minimums differ for high school diploma and GED holders. They also change over time, so confirm the current number with a recruiter.
How to raise your AFQT score
- Study the four AFQT subtests first. The other five don't affect it.
- Build your vocabulary. Verbal Expression counts double, so every Word Knowledge point is worth more.
- Practice math without a calculator. Neither math subtest allows one.
- Take timed practice tests so you finish every section.
Questions people ask
What is a good AFQT score?
A score of 50 or higher puts you in Category IIIA or above, which is better than about half of test takers and opens more options. Minimums to enlist vary by branch, so check with a recruiter.
Is the AFQT the same as the ASVAB?
No. The ASVAB has nine subtests. The AFQT score is calculated from four of them: Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension.
How is the AFQT score calculated?
The raw AFQT is 2 × Verbal Expression + Arithmetic Reasoning + Mathematics Knowledge. Verbal Expression comes from Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension. The raw score is then converted to a percentile from 1 to 99.
Free tool: use the AFQT calculator to see what your percentile means, or to weight your practice results the way the AFQT does.
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