What is the AFQT?
The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score comes from four of the nine ASVAB subtests — Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning and Mathematics Knowledge — and decides whether you can enlist in the U.S. military. It is a percentile from 1 to 99: an AFQT of 55 means you scored higher than 55% of a national reference group of 18- to 23-year-olds (the 1997 Profile of American Youth).
The AFQT formula
AFQT raw = 2 × VE + AR + MK
VE (Verbal Expression) is a scaled combination of Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension, so verbal skills make up half of the AFQT and math the other half. The raw composite is then converted to a percentile with an official norm table. Because that table is not published in full, the "estimate from subtests" option uses a statistical approximation — your official AFQT on your score report is what counts.
AFQT categories
| Category | AFQT percentile | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| I | 93–99 | Well above average |
| II | 65–92 | Above average |
| IIIA | 50–64 | Average to above average — preferred for many enlistment bonuses |
| IIIB | 31–49 | Average to below average — meets most minimums |
| IVA–IVC | 10–30 | Below average — enlistment limited by law to a small share of recruits |
| V | 1–9 | Not eligible to enlist |
Minimum AFQT by branch
Most services require at least 31 with a high school diploma and 50 with a GED; the Coast Guard publishes 32. Minimums change with recruiting needs, and higher scores are needed for many jobs, bonuses and enlistment programs. Each branch also uses its own line scores (combinations of ASVAB subtests) to qualify you for specific jobs. The Army's Future Soldier Preparatory Course helps applicants scoring 21 or higher raise their score before shipping.
How to raise your ASVAB score
- Focus on the four AFQT subtests — especially vocabulary and reading, since verbal counts double.
- Review fractions, percentages, algebra and word problems. Our percentage calculator shows step-by-step methods.
- Take timed practice tests; the computerized CAT-ASVAB adapts to your answers.
- You can generally retest after one month, again after another month, and then every six months.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good AFQT score?
What is the minimum ASVAB score for the Army?
Is the AFQT the same as my ASVAB score?
How is the AFQT calculated?
Sources & methodology
This calculator was last reviewed on November 1, 2026. Figures are based on the following official and primary sources:
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