How is the AFQT score calculated?

The AFQT score uses the formula: AFQT = 2VE + AR + MK. VE (Verbal Expression) is derived from Word Knowledge (WK) and Paragraph Comprehension (PC). AR is Arithmetic Reasoning and MK is Mathematics Knowledge. The raw composite is converted to a percentile (1-99). Since VE is doubled, improving reading and vocabulary has twice the impact of improving a single math subtest.

What is the minimum ASVAB score to join the military?

Minimum AFQT scores with a high school diploma are: Army 31, Navy 31, Marines 31, Air Force 36, Coast Guard 40, and Space Force 36. GED holders need higher scores (typically 50 for Army/Navy/Marines, 65 for Air Force). In practice, most branches prefer scores above 50 for competitive enlistment.

What are ASVAB line scores and how are they calculated?

Line scores (composite scores) combine multiple ASVAB subtest scores to determine job qualification. Each branch has its own composite system. For example, Army GT = VE + AR, Army EL = GS + AR + MK + EI. Your AFQT determines if you can enlist; your line scores determine which jobs you can do.

What ASVAB score do I need for the job I want?

Each military job (MOS/AFSC/rating) requires specific composite/line scores. For example, Army Combat Medic (68W) needs GT 107, Navy Nuclear Field needs NAPT qualification plus high NUC scores, and Air Force Cyber needs E 60+. Check your target branch's job list for specific composite score requirements.

Can I retake the ASVAB to get a higher score?

Yes. You can retake after 1 month for the first two retests, then every 6 months after that. However, your most recent score replaces all previous scores — you cannot choose to keep an older, higher score. ASVAB scores remain valid for 2 years.

FREE ASVAB Score Calculator 2026 | AFQT & Line Score Guide

ASVAB Score Calculator 2026: Understand Every Score on Your ASVAB

Your ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) produces multiple scores that determine two critical things: (1) whether you can enlist, and (2) which military jobs you qualify for. Understanding how these scores are calculated gives you a massive advantage when planning your study strategy.

This guide breaks down every ASVAB score type, shows you exactly how to calculate your AFQT score, explains line scores for each branch, and helps you figure out what military jobs match your scores.

Start Your FREE ASVAB Prep Today

-> Start FREE ASVAB PrepFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor

Practice all 10 ASVAB subtests with detailed explanations and AI-powered study help — 100% FREE.

How ASVAB Scoring Works: The 3 Score Types

The ASVAB produces three distinct types of scores:

Score Type	What It Measures	Why It Matters
Standard Scores	Individual subtest performance (mean 50, SD 10)	Building blocks for all other scores
AFQT Score	Overall military qualification (percentile 1-99)	Determines if you can enlist
Composite/Line Scores	Combined subtest scores	Determines which jobs you qualify for

Raw Scores vs. Standard Scores

Your raw score (number correct) is converted to a standard score using national norms. Standard scores have a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 — meaning a standard score of 60 puts you one standard deviation above average.

The AFQT Score: Your Most Important Number

The AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score is the single most important number from your ASVAB. It determines whether you meet the minimum enlistment requirements for your target branch.

AFQT Calculation Formula

AFQT = 2VE + AR + MK

Where:

VE (Verbal Expression) = Word Knowledge (WK) + Paragraph Comprehension (PC) standard scores, converted to a composite
AR = Arithmetic Reasoning standard score
MK = Mathematics Knowledge standard score

Step-by-Step AFQT Calculation

Get your WK standard score (e.g., 55)
Get your PC standard score (e.g., 58)
Calculate VE: WK + PC raw scores are combined and converted to a scaled VE score (roughly 20-62 range)
Get your AR standard score (e.g., 52)
Get your MK standard score (e.g., 48)
Apply the formula: 2(VE) + AR + MK = raw composite
Convert to percentile: The raw composite is converted to a percentile (1-99) using national norms

Why VE Is Doubled

The AFQT formula doubles your Verbal Expression score. This means:

Improving your reading and vocabulary has TWICE the impact of improving a single math subtest
If you're short on study time, prioritize Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension
A 5-point VE improvement equals a 10-point AFQT composite improvement

AFQT Score Categories

Category	Percentile Range	Description	Enlistment Eligibility
I	93-99	Outstanding	All branches, all jobs
II	65-92	Above Average	All branches, most jobs
IIIA	50-64	Average	All branches, many jobs
IIIB	31-49	Below Average	Most branches (with HS diploma)
IV	10-30	Well Below Average	Very limited (waivers needed)
V	1-9	Not Eligible	Cannot enlist

Minimum AFQT Scores by Branch (2026)

Branch	High School Diploma	GED	Competitive Score
Army	31	50	50+
Navy	31	50	50+
Marine Corps	31	50	50+
Air Force	36	65	65+
Coast Guard	40	50	50+
Space Force	36	N/A	70+

Important notes:

GED holders typically need higher AFQT scores than high school diploma holders
During high recruiting periods, branches may lower requirements; during low recruiting periods, they raise them
Having 15+ college credits can sometimes substitute for a diploma/GED in certain branches
Space Force is the most selective branch and rarely accepts GED holders

Composite Scores (Line Scores) by Branch

Beyond the AFQT, your subtest scores combine into composite scores — also called line scores — that determine which specific military occupational specialties (MOS/AFSC/rating) you can pursue.

Army Composite Scores

Composite	Formula	Example Jobs
CL (Clerical)	VE + AR + MK	42A Human Resources, 25B IT Specialist
CO (Combat)	AR + AS + MC	11B Infantryman, 19D Cavalry Scout
EL (Electronics)	GS + AR + MK + EI	25S Satellite Operator, 35T MI Systems
FA (Field Artillery)	AR + MK + MC	13B Cannon Crewmember, 13F Fire Support
GM (General Maintenance)	GS + AS + MK + EI	91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
GT (General Technical)	VE + AR	68W Combat Medic, 35M HUMINT Collector
MM (Mechanical Maintenance)	AS + EI + MC	91A M1 Abrams Tank Mechanic
OF (Operators/Food)	VE + AS + MC	88M Motor Transport Operator, 92G Cook
SC (Surveillance/Comms)	VE + AR + AS + MC	25C Radio Operator, 11C Indirect Fire
ST (Skilled Technical)	GS + VE + MK + MC	68A Biomedical Equipment Specialist

Navy Line Scores

Composite	Formula	Example Ratings
GT (General Technical)	VE + AR	Hospital Corpsman (HM), Intelligence (IS)
EL (Electronics)	GS + AR + MK + EI	Electronics Technician (ET), Fire Control (FC)
BEE (Basic Electricity/Electronics)	GS + 2MK + EI	Interior Communications (IC)
ENG (Engineering)	AS + MK + EI + GS	Machinist's Mate (MM), Engineman (EN)
MEC (Mechanical)	AR + AS + MC	Boatswain's Mate (BM), Hull Maintenance (HT)
NUC (Nuclear)	VE + AR + MK + MC	Nuclear Field (NF) program
OPS (Operations)	VE + MK + MC	Operations Specialist (OS)
HM (Hospital Corpsman)	VE + MK + GS	Hospital Corpsman (HM)

Air Force Composite Scores (MAGE)

Composite	Formula	Example AFSCs
M (Mechanical)	GS + AS + MC + EI	Aircraft Maintenance (2A), Vehicle Ops
A (Administrative)	VE + MK + GS	Personnel (3F), Finance (6F)
G (General)	VE + AR	Security Forces (3P), Medical (4N)
E (Electrical)	GS + AR + MK + EI	Cyber Systems (3D), Avionics (2A)

Marine Corps Composite Scores

Composite	Formula	Example MOS
CL (Clerical)	VE + AR + MK	0111 Administrative Specialist
EL (Electronics)	GS + AR + MK + EI	0621 Radio Operator, 0631 Network Admin
GT (General Technical)	VE + AR	0311 Rifleman, 0321 Reconnaissance
MM (Mechanical Maintenance)	AR + AS + MC + EI	3521 Automotive Mechanic
ST (Skilled Technical)	GS + VE + MK + MC	0861 Fire Support, 6672 Aviation Supply

What Jobs Can I Get? ASVAB Score Ranges

AFQT 31-40: Entry-Level Jobs

With the minimum qualifying score, you can access basic military occupations:

Army: Infantryman (11B), Cook (92G), Motor Transport Operator (88M)
Navy: Seaman (undesignated), Boatswain's Mate (BM)
Marines: Rifleman (0311), Basic Marine MOS options
Air Force: Not competitive at this range (minimum is 36)

AFQT 41-50: Expanded Options

Slightly above minimum opens more doors:

Army: Cavalry Scout (19D), Combat Engineer (12B), Supply Specialist (92Y)
Navy: Machinist's Mate (MM), Engineman (EN)
Marines: Combat Engineer (1371), Motor Transport (3531)
Air Force: Services (3F1X1), some maintenance AFSCs

AFQT 51-64: Mid-Range Jobs

Average scores unlock many desirable positions:

Army: Military Police (31B), Signal Support (25U), Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (91B)
Navy: Operations Specialist (OS), Gunner's Mate (GM), Builder (BU)
Marines: Radio Operator (0621), Combat Photographer (4641)
Air Force: Security Forces (3P), Medical Technician (4N), Vehicle Operations (2T1)

AFQT 65-92: High-Demand Jobs

Above-average scores open the best career fields:

Army: 68W Combat Medic (GT 107), 35M HUMINT Collector (GT 107), 25B IT Specialist (CL 100)
Navy: Hospital Corpsman (HM), Intelligence Specialist (IS), Cryptologic Technician (CT)
Marines: 0231 Intelligence Specialist, 2621 Communications Intelligence
Air Force: Cyber Surety (3D0), Airborne ISR (1A8), Pararescue (1T2)
Space Force: Most Space Force positions require scores in this range

AFQT 93-99: Elite Jobs

Top-tier scores unlock the most competitive positions:

Army: 37F Psychological Operations, 68A Biomedical Equipment Specialist
Navy: Nuclear Field (NF), SEAL challenge contracts (with additional requirements)
Marines: Signals Intelligence, Counterintelligence
Air Force: Linguist (1A8), Special Operations Weather (1W0X2)
Space Force: Space Systems Operations (1C6), Cyber Operations (17D)

How to Improve Your ASVAB Scores

Target Your AFQT First

Since the AFQT determines enlistment eligibility, focus on these four subtests:

Word Knowledge (WK) - Study vocabulary lists, learn prefixes/suffixes/roots
Paragraph Comprehension (PC) - Practice reading passages, identify main ideas
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) - Drill word problems, percentages, ratios
Mathematics Knowledge (MK) - Review algebra, geometry, no-calculator math

Score Improvement by Study Hours

Study Time	Expected AFQT Improvement
10-20 hours	5-10 points
30-50 hours	10-20 points
60-80 hours	15-30 points
100+ hours	20-40+ points

Results vary based on starting level and study quality.

Top 5 Score-Boosting Strategies

Take a diagnostic test first to identify your weakest subtests
Focus 60% of study time on your weakest AFQT subtest (biggest point gains)
Practice without a calculator since no calculator is allowed on the ASVAB
Read for 20 minutes daily to naturally improve WK and PC scores
Take timed practice tests weekly to build speed and test stamina

ASVAB Retake Rules

Attempt	Waiting Period
1st retest	1 month after initial test
2nd retest	1 month after 1st retest
3rd+ retests	6 months after previous test

Key facts about retaking:

Your most recent score is the one used for enlistment
You cannot choose to keep an older, higher score
Recruiters can see all your attempts
ASVAB scores are valid for 2 years

Understand Your Scores, Maximize Your Options