Can You Use a Formula Sheet in the Numerical Reasoning Test?
Can you use a formula sheet in the numerical reasoning test? For the Australian selective and scholarship tests parents ask about most — the VIC ACER Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning part, NSW Selective and OC Mathematical Reasoning, and EduTest Numerical Reasoning and Mathematics — the answer is no. None of the official test-day pages lists a formula sheet, and calculators are banned in all three.
Victorian ACER selective entry
ACER’s exam-day rules prohibit calculators, phones, smart watches, notebooks and additional paper. Its list of things to bring is short: ID, the admission ticket, two blue or black pens, and optionally water and a snack. No formula sheet is mentioned. See the ACER exam-day page for the current list, and our VIC selective entry overview for the three-part format.
NSW Selective and OC Mathematical Reasoning
The NSW selective and OC placement tests are computer-based and calculator-free. The Department says each student is given two A4 sheets of paper for working out and can ask for more. Formula sheets are not part of the kit — see calculator rules and section timings, or the NSW placement test page.
EduTest / scholarship sittings
EduTest’s FAQ lists calculators, rulers, dictionaries and working out paper among the items not permitted in any EduTest test. What to bring is set by each school, in a letter emailed before test day, so read that letter for your sitting. Context: EduTest practice tests.
How to prepare without a formula sheet
- Memorise core relationships you actually use (area/perimeter, simple algebra rearrangements, percentage–fraction links, speed/rate skeletons) — not an encyclopaedia of unused formulae.
- Practise every mock without a calculator or notes, with only the working space the real test allows.
- Prefer reasoning shortcuts and estimation when exact calculation is slow.
- Drill multi-step word problems so translating English into maths is automatic.
Skill guides: numerical reasoning, mathematics prep.
Try timed calculator-free papers
EduSpark numerical and maths papers are calculator-free by design. Start with 1 free paper per subject at free practice papers or browse subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a formula sheet in the numerical reasoning test?▾
No. None of the official test-day pages for the VIC ACER exam, the NSW Selective and OC tests, or EduTest lists a formula sheet. NSW students get two A4 sheets for working out; ACER and EduTest do not allow students to bring their own paper.
Are calculators allowed instead of a formula sheet?▾
No. Calculators are prohibited in the VIC ACER selective exam, the NSW Selective and OC placement tests, and all EduTest tests. Prepare calculator-free.
What should students memorise without a formula sheet?▾
The relationships they actually use: area and perimeter, simple rearrangements, percentage–fraction links and rates, practised under time without a calculator.
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