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Important Formulas for CAT 2025, Check Topic-Wise Formulas

• Updated on 29 Oct, 2025 by Souvik Podder

Important Formulas for CAT 2025 are essential tools that help candidates solve quantitative aptitude problems quickly and accurately. These formulas cover various topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and probability, forming the backbone of CAT math preparation. Knowing the Important Formulas for CAT 2025 not only saves time during the exam but also reduces calculation errors. This guide provides a clear and concise list of crucial formulas that candidates should memorise and use regularly while practising. Mastery of these formulas boosts confidence and improves overall performance in the CAT 2025 quantitative section.

 

Also Read: How to Download CAT Admit Card 2025?

 

Table of Contents

  1. Important Formulas for CAT 2025
  2. Importance of Studying CAT Formulas 2025
  3. Best CAT Books for Preparation 2025
  4. Important Formulas for CAT 2025 FAQs

 

Important Formulas for CAT 2025

Candidates appearing for the CAT 2025 exam can check the topic-wise important formulas for CAT 2025. They must remember all the formulas to solve problems. The formulas are listed in the table below. These formulas help candidates in CAT 2025 Preparation.

 

CAT 2025 Important Formulas for Number System

The Number System is a fundamental topic for CAT 2025 that tests candidates' understanding of various types of numbers and their properties. This area plays a significant role in the Quantitative Aptitude section and includes concepts like divisibility rules, factors, multiples, and remainders. Mastering the Number System helps candidates solve problems efficiently and lay a strong foundation for other math topics in the exam.

Description

Formulas

Difference of Squares

(a + b)(a - b) = a² - b²

Square of a Binomial (positive)

(a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²

Square of a Binomial (negative)

(a - b)² = a² - 2ab + b²

Square of a Trinomial

(a + b + c)² = a² + b² + c² + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca

Sum of Cubes

(a³ + b³) = (a + b)(a² - ab + b²)

Difference of Cubes

(a³ - b³) = (a - b)(a² + ab + b²)

Factorization of a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc

(a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc) = (a + b + c)(a² + b² + c² - ab - bc - ca)

Special case for a + b + c = 0

When a + b + c = 0, then a³ + b³ + c³ = 3abc

Sum of first n natural numbers

1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n = n(n + 1) / 2

Sum of squares of first n natural numbers

1² + 2² + 3² + ... + n² = n(n + 1)(2n + 1) / 6

Sum of cubes of first n natural numbers

1³ + 2³ + 3³ + ... + n³ = (n(n + 1) / 2)²

Sum of first n odd numbers

Sum of first n odd numbers = n²

Sum of first n even numbers

Sum of first n even numbers = n(n + 1)

Check CAT Previous Years Question Paper

 

Important Formulas for CAT 2025: Time, Distance, Speed and Work

CAT 2025 Important Formulas for Time, Distance, Speed, and Work focus on understanding the relationship between these quantities to solve problems efficiently. Mastery of these concepts helps candidates tackle real-life scenarios involving motion and work at a faster pace with accuracy. Emphasising logical application over rote memorisation, these formulas enable quick problem solving and form a vital part of the CAT quantitative aptitude section.

Category

Formulas

Speed

Speed = Distance / Time

Distance

Distance = Speed * Time

Time

Time = Distance / Speed

Average Speed (constant distance)

Average Speed = 2xy / (x + y)

Work

Work Done = Time Taken * Rate of Work

Work

Rate of Work = 1 / Time Taken

Work

Time Taken = 1 / Rate of Work

 

Important Formulas for CAT 2025: Profit and Loss

CAT 2025 Important Formulas for Profit and Loss focus on understanding the relationship between the cost price and selling price to determine profit or loss in a transaction. Candidates must grasp concepts of calculating percentage profit or loss based on the cost price. These fundamentals help in solving a variety of questions efficiently by analysing different buying and selling scenarios without confusion. Mastery of these concepts ensures strong performance in the CAT quantitative section.

S.No.

Formulas

1.

Profit = Selling Price (SP) - Cost Price (CP)

2

Loss = Cost Price (CP) - Selling Price (SP)

3

Profit Percentage = (Profit / Cost Price) * 100

4

Loss Percentage = (Loss / Cost Price) * 100

5

Selling Price = (100 + Profit Percentage) / 100 * Cost Price

6

Selling Price = (100 - Loss Percentage) / 100 * Cost Price

7

Cost Price = 100 / (100 + Profit Percentage) * Selling Price

8

Cost Price = 100 / (100 - Loss Percentage) * Selling Price

9

Discount = Marked Price - Selling Price

10

Discount Percentage = (Discount / Marked Price) * 100

Check CAT Exam Centre 2025

 

CAT 2025 Important Formulas for Percentage

CAT 2025 Important Formulas for Percentage play a crucial role in solving percentage-related problems efficiently during the exam. Understanding key concepts like percentage change, increase, and decrease helps candidates tackle various quantitative questions with confidence. Mastery of these concepts is essential for quick calculations and accuracy in the CAT quantitative section.

S.No.

Formulas

1

Percentage = (Part / Whole) * 100

2

Percentage Increase= [(New Value - Old Value) / Old Value] * 100

3

Percentage Decrease= [(Old Value - New Value) / Old Value] * 100

4

Profit Percentage = (Profit / Cost Price) * 100

5

Loss Percentage = (Loss / Cost Price) * 100

6

Markup Percentage = (Markup / Cost Price) * 100

7

Discount Percentage = (Discount / Marked Price) * 100

Also Read, CAT Exam Pattern 2025

 

CAT 2025 Important Formulas for Simple and Compound Interest

Simple and Compound Interest are key concepts in the CAT 2025 quantitative section. Simple Interest is calculated only on the principal amount over the given time period, while Compound Interest takes into account the interest earned on both the principal and accumulated interest. Understanding these concepts helps candidates tackle a variety of questions involving growth, investments, and loans accurately and efficiently during the exam.

S.No.

Formulas

1

Simple Interest = (P * R * T) / 100

2

Amount in Simple Interest = P + SI

3

Compound Interest (Annual Compounding) = P [(1 + R/100)^T - 1]

4

Amount in Compound Interest (Annual Compounding) = P (1 + R/100)^T

5

Compound Interest (Periodic Compounding) = P [(1 + R/n)^(nt) - 1]

6

Amount in Compound Interest (Periodic Compounding)= P (1 + R/n)^(nt)

 

Important Formulas for CAT 2025: 3D Shapes

CAT 2025 includes a significant focus on 3D shapes, which form an important part of the geometry syllabus. Understanding these shapes and their properties is crucial for solving problems related to volumes, surface areas, and spatial reasoning. Mastering concepts in 3D geometry helps candidates approach such questions with confidence and accuracy during the CAT exam.

Shapes

Formula for Volume (V)

The formula for Total Surface Area (TSA)

Cube

V = s³

TSA = 6s²

Cuboid

V = lbh

TSA = 2(lb + bh + lh)

Cylinder

V = πr²h

TSA = 2πr(r + h)

Sphere

V = 4/3 πr³

TSA = 4πr²

Cone

V = 1/3 πr²h

TSA = πr(l + r) (where l is slant height)

Hemisphere

V = 2/3 πr³

TSA = 3πr²

 

Important Formulas for CAT 2025: Mensuration

CAT 2025 Important Formulas for mensuration focus on understanding the measurement of lengths, areas, and volumes of various two-dimensional and three-dimensional geometric shapes. Mastery of these concepts can help candidates solve mensuration questions efficiently by visualising shapes and applying relevant principles. A clear grasp of mensuration basics is crucial for scoring well in this section of the CAT exam.

Shapes

Formula for Area (A)

Formula for Perimeter (P)

Square

A = s²

P = 4s

Rectangle

A = lb

P = 2(l + b)

Triangle

A = 1/2 bh

P = a + b + c (where a, b, c are sides)

Circle

A = πr²

P = 2πr or πd

Parallelogram

A = bh

P = 2(l + b)

Trapezium

A = 1/2 (a + b)h

P = a + b + c + d (where a, b are parallel sides)

 

Important Formulas for CAT 2025: Trigonometry

CAT 2025 Important Formulas for Trigonometry play a crucial role in solving various geometry-related questions. Understanding key trigonometric concepts helps candidates tackle problems involving angles and their relationships in triangles effectively. Mastering these formulas enhances problem-solving speed and accuracy in the Quantitative Aptitude section of the exam.

 

1. Basic Trigonometric Ratios

 

These are defined in relation to a right-angled triangle:

  • Sine (sin): Opposite side / Hypotenuse
  • Cosine (cos): Adjacent side / Hypotenuse
  • Tangent (tan): Opposite side / Adjacent side
  • Cosecant (csc): Hypotenuse / Opposite side
  • Secant (sec): Hypotenuse / Adjacent side
  • Cotangent (cot): Adjacent side / Opposite side

2. Pythagorean Identities

  • sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
  • 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ
  • 1 + cot²θ = csc²θ

3. Trigonometric Functions of Negative Angles

  • sin(-θ) = -sinθ
  • cos(-θ) = cosθ
  • tan(-θ) = -tanθ
  • csc(-θ) = -cscθ
  • sec(-θ) = secθ
  • cot(-θ) = -cotθ

4. Angle Sum and Difference Formulas

  • sin(A + B) = sinAcosB + cosAsinB
  • sin(A - B) = sinAcosB - cosAsinB
  • cos(A + B) = cosAcosB - sinAsinB
  • cos(A - B) = cosAcosB + sinAsinB
  • tan(A + B) = (tanA + tanB) / (1 - tanA tanB)
  • tan(A - B) = (tanA - tanB) / (1 + tanA tanB)

 

Importance of Studying CAT Formulas 2025

Studying the CAT 2025 formulas is crucial for candidates aiming to excel in the exam. Here are some key points highlighting the importance:

  • Saves Time: Knowing important formulas helps solve problems quickly, which is essential in the time-bound CAT exam.
  • Improves Accuracy: Memorising formulas reduces calculation mistakes, leading to better accuracy in answers.
  • Enhances Understanding: Regular study of formulas strengthens grasp of mathematical concepts, making problem-solving easier.
  • Builds Confidence: Being familiar with formulas prepares candidates to face different types of questions calmly and efficiently.
  • Boosts Problem-Solving Skills: Mastery of formulas enables solving a wide range of quantitative questions with ease.
  • Aids in Quick Revision: Formula sheets serve as handy tools for last-minute revision before the exam.
  • Increases Efficiency: Using formulas smartly saves effort, helping candidates focus on tougher problems.

Overall, studying the CAT 2025 formulas is a strategic approach that can significantly improve performance in the quantitative section and increase the chances of scoring high in the exam.

 

Best CAT Books for Preparation 2025

Candidates can check the table below for the best books where they can learn the formulas.

Book Title

Author(s)

Key Features

Best For

"How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT"

Arun Sharma

Comprehensive topic-wise coverage, formula lists

Complete quantitative preparation

"Quantitative Aptitude for CAT"

Nishit Sinha

Detailed explanation of formulas, shortcut methods

Concept clarity and formula practice

"The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude"

Dinesh Khattar

Extensive formula collection and practice questions

Formula memorisation and practice

"Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams"

R.S. Aggarwal

Simplified formulas and varied problem sets

Beginners to advanced learners

"Fast Track Objective Arithmetic"

Rajesh Verma

Formula-focused with practice exercises

Quick formula revision and practice

"Logical and Analytical Reasoning"

A.K. Gupta

Logic-based formulas and shortcut tricks

Logical reasoning and formula use

"Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT"

Sarvesh K. Verma

Advanced formulas, tricks, and shortcuts

High-level quantitative aptitude

"CAT Chapter-wise Solved Papers"

Arun Sharma

Formula application in past CAT questions

Practice with formula usage

Also, Check Best CAT Books 2025 for Preparation

 

Important Formulas for CAT 2025 FAQs

What are the Important Formulas for CAT 2025?

Important Formulas for CAT 2025 are key mathematical equations necessary to solve Quantitative Aptitude questions efficiently. Memorising them helps candidates quickly apply concepts in topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. These formulas save time during the exam and reduce calculation errors, boosting accuracy and confidence.

Why should candidates memorise CAT formulas?

Memorising CAT formulas allows candidates to solve problems faster and more accurately. It reduces the need for long calculations, helping save precious time in the exam. Knowing formulas also builds confidence and helps manage tougher questions by applying the right approach without hesitation.

Which topics have the most formulas in the CAT?

Most CAT formulas come from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and number systems. Topics like percentages, ratios, profit and loss, time-speed-distance, and coordinate geometry have important formulas that candidates must remember for efficient problem-solving.

How can formulas improve exam speed?

Formulas provide shortcut methods to solve complex problems quickly. Candidates using formulas can avoid tedious calculations and directly apply known results to answer questions. This boosts speed, allowing more questions to be attempted within the given time.

What role do formulas play in accuracy?

Formulas reduce the chances of making simple calculation mistakes. When candidates apply the correct formula, they get more precise answers. This helps improve scores because accuracy is essential in CAT, especially due to negative marking for wrong answers.

Can candidates revise formulas last minute?

Yes, formula sheets or notes help candidates revise quickly before the exam. Last-minute revision of formulas refreshes memory and ensures key concepts are remembered during the test. Carrying a formula cheat sheet during preparation is highly beneficial.

How to practise formulas effectively?

Regular practice by solving problems using formulas is the best way to remember them. Candidates should attempt mock tests and previous year questions to apply formulas in different contexts, which reinforces understanding and recall.

Are there formulas for the verbal section?

The most important formulas focus on the Quantitative section. However, logical reasoning and data interpretation sometimes involve pattern recognition and shortcut formulas. Verbal ability mainly relies on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.

What is the difference between formula memorisation and conceptual understanding?

Memorising formulas means knowing them by heart, while conceptual understanding means knowing when and how to apply them. Candidates should focus on both memorising formulas and understanding the concepts behind them for the best results.

Should candidates create their own formula sheet?

Making a personalised formula sheet helps candidates revise efficiently. Writing formulas down aids memory and allows quick reference during study. It ensures candidates focus on important formulas and improve retention.

How many formulas should candidates memorise?

Candidates should aim to memorise essential formulas from all important topics - roughly 40 to 60 formulas. Covering core topics ensures they can tackle most Quant questions efficiently.

What topics require special attention for formulas?

Arithmetic and algebra require special attention as they have many formulas used frequently. Trigonometry and geometry formulas are also crucial for scoring well in these sections.

How to use formulas in data interpretation?

Formulas help calculate percentages, averages, ratios, and growth rates quickly in data interpretation. Candidates apply these formulas to analyse tables, graphs, and charts faster and with higher accuracy.

Can formula mistakes lead to loss of marks?

Yes, applying the wrong formula can lead to incorrect answers and loss of marks. Candidates should ensure they practice enough to avoid confusion between similar formulas.

How important are formulas for CAT 2025 success?

Formulas form the foundation of quantitative preparation. Mastering them improves speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills, significantly increasing the chances of a high CAT percentile. Candidates must prioritise learning and practising formulas for a successful CAT 2025 exam.