Master Key Geometry Formulas for the TEAS 7 Math Section

Studying for a big exam like the TEAS 7 can feel overwhelming, especially when preparing for the math section. But don’t worry! We’re going to break down the most important geometry formulas in a way that you can understand.

This blog will explain essential geometry formulas for the TEAS 7, including perimeter, area, and volume. We’ll provide detailed explanations to ensure you understand and feel confident about the TEAS 7 math section.

Keep reading for free resources where you can practice plenty of geometry problems essential for the TEAS 7. Let’s get started!

Why Geometry is Important for the TEAS 7

Before looking at formulas to know for the TEAS 7, we need to understand some things about geometry. Geometry is all about shapes and measurements.

On the TEAS 7 math section, you'll answer questions that ask about areas, perimeters, and volumes. Knowing the right formulas will help you find these answers quickly, which will help you perform better on the exam!

Perimeter vs. Area vs. Volume

Knowing the difference between perimeter, area, and volume is essential for tackling geometry questions confidently in the TEAS math section.

These three concepts measure different things and use different units, so let’s break them down:

Perimeter

• What it is: The perimeter is the total distance around the outside of a shape. Think of it as the "fence" that goes around a yard.
• When to use it: You use perimeter when you want to know how long something is on the outside, like a border or boundary.
• Units: Always measured in straight lengths, like inches (in), feet (ft), meters (m), etc.

Area

• What it is: Area is the amount of space inside a flat shape. Think of it like how much paint you’d need to cover a surface.
• When to use it: You use area when you want to cover something, like the floor of a room or the surface of a table.
• Units: Measured in square units, like square inches (in²), square feet (ft²), square meters (m²), etc. The "²" means it covers two dimensions—length and width for example.

Volume

• What it is: Volume is how much space something takes up inside a 3D object. Think of it like how much water would fill a box or container.
• When to use it: You use volume when you’re filling something, like a swimming pool with water, or a storage unit with boxes.
• Units: Measured in cubic units, like cubic inches (in³), cubic feet (ft³), cubic meters (m³). The "³" means it covers three dimensions—length, width, and height for example. It is also common for liquid volumes to be measured in gallons, liters, etc.

Key TEAS 7 Math Tips:

• Perimeter is about distance (one dimension - just units).
• Area is about covering space (two dimensions - square units).
• Volume is about filling space (three dimensions - cubic units).

Always check the units! This will help you determine whether you’re measuring length, space, or volume.

Perimeter is just length or distance. If you see square units (like ft²), you're working with area. If you see cubic units (like m³), you're dealing with volume.

Geometry Formulas for the TEAS 7 Math Section

This “cheat sheet” is a great way to memorize key geometry formulas that are essential for success on the TEAS test math section. Print this out! We will break each formula down and explain every detail below.

Square

• Area = s²
  • This means you take the length of one side (s) and multiply it by itself to get the area (how much flat space is inside the square).
• Perimeter = 4s
  • To find the perimeter (the distance around the square), multiply the length of one side by 4. This is the same as adding up all four equal sides.

Rectangle

• Area  = lw
  • To find the area of a rectangle, multiply the length (l) by the width (w).
• Perimeter = 2l + 2w
  • To find the perimeter of a rectangle, add all four sides. This is the same as doubling the length, doubling the width, and adding those together.

Triangle

• Area = ½ bh
  • Do not let the ½ scare you. Just multiply the base and height, then divide by 2.
• Perimeter
  • Add up all three sides.

Circle

• Area = πr²
  • To find the area of a circle, multiply the radius (r) by itself (square the radius), then multiply by pi (π), which is about 3.14. You may or may not need to use 3.14 for π. You will be told what to use.
• Circumference = πd
  • The circumference is a fancy name for the perimeter of the circle (the distance around the circle). You can find it by multiplying the diameter (d) by pi (π), or 3.14. Like what was mentioned with the area of a circle, you may or may not need to use 3.14 for π. The problem will tell you what to use.
• Tip
  • Cherry pie’s delicious. Apple pies are too!
    • Notice C = πd (C for Cherry, π for pie’s, and d for delicious)
    • Notice A = πr² (A for Apple, π for pies, r for are, and 2 for too)

Right Triangle

• a² + b² = c²
  • The formula shown above is called the Pythagorean Theorem. It is a formula that helps you find the length of one side of a right triangle if you know the other two sides.
  • Sides a and b are called the legs of the right triangle. They are the two sides that form the right angle. Side c is called the hypotenuse and it is the longest side of the right triangle.

Rectangular Prism

• Volume = lwh
  • For a rectangular prism (like a box), multiply the length (l), width (w), and height (h) to find the volume (how much space is inside the box).
• Surface Area = 2lw + 2wh + 2lh
  • The surface area of a rectangular prism is the area of all six surfaces combined. This once appeared on the math portion of the TEAS, but it seems to have disappeared. We are including it for safe measure!

Mastering geometry formulas—including perimeter, area, and volume—can make a big difference in boosting your score in the TEAS 7 math section. 

Instead of just memorizing formulas, it helps to understand what each one means and how to use it. Remember, perimeter measures the outside, area covers the inside of flat shapes, and volume fills up 3D objects.

With a little practice, you'll get comfortable using these formulas and knowing which one to pick for each problem.

Keep practicing, check your units, and stay confident—you’re ready to tackle those geometry questions and ace the TEAS 7!

FREE TEAS 7 Practice Questions

Put these formulas into practice! Test your knowledge of geometry formulas for the TEAS 7 with Archer Review’s free TEAS 7 QBank—featuring over 1,500 questions covering all of the goals and objectives for the exam.

You can focus specifically on geometry, or any other topic. Each question also includes detailed explanations.

Check out the screenshots below for a preview of our TEAS 7 QBank. These are just a few of many practice problems for the TEAS 7 math section!

Additional TEAS 7 Resources

To help students succeed on the TEAS 7, Archer Review offers a suite of resources designed to provide comprehensive support at every step of preparation. 

• Our FREE TEAS 7 Qbank features over 1,500 practice questions aligned with TEAS 7 goals and objectives, perfect for building confidence and knowledge in key areas. 
• Additionally, we host FREE Webinars covering all TEAS subjects. You can join live sessions or watch the recordings on-demand for flexible, in-depth guidance. 
• For those needing more targeted help, our TEAS 7 Tutoring Services connect you with experienced tutors to address specific challenges and clarify tough concepts. 
• If you prefer self-paced learning, our On-Demand Videos come with helpful timestamps, notes, and cheat sheets.
• If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us on social media or email.
  • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/passteas
  • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/archerteas
  • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@archer.teas.prep
  • Email - prenursing@archerreview.com

With Archer Review, you’re set up for success with every tool you need right at your fingertips to prepare you for the TEAS 7!