The HESI A2 math section trips up more nursing school applicants than you'd think. Not because the math is impossibly difficult - it's actually pretty basic compared to calculus or trigonometry. The problem? Most people haven't done this kind of math in years, and the way questions are presented can catch you off guard if you're not prepared.
Here's the thing: you don't need to be a math genius to ace this section. What you need is targeted practice with the specific types of problems that actually appear on the test. And that's exactly what this guide delivers - a comprehensive breakdown of every HESI math topic, complete with practice problems, conversion charts, and the strategies that help students pass on their first attempt.
Whether you're looking for HESI math practice questions, need help with conversions, or just want to understand what kind of math shows up on the exam, we've got you covered. Let's dive into everything you need to know about the HESI math section.
What Is the HESI A2 Math Section?
The HESI A2 math section is one of the core components of the HESI Admission Assessment exam, which nursing schools use to evaluate applicants. Unlike some standardized tests that throw advanced algebra or geometry at you, the HESI focuses on practical math skills you'll actually use in nursing.
So, how many math questions on HESI A2? The math section typically contains 55 questions, though you'll only be scored on 50 of them. The extra 5 are pilot questions that Elsevier (the test maker) uses for research - you won't know which ones they are, so treat every question seriously. You'll have 50 minutes to complete the section, which works out to roughly a minute per question.
Here's what catches most test-takers off guard: you cannot use a calculator on the HESI math section. That's right - all calculations need to be done by hand. For many people who've relied on phones and computers for everyday math, this is a wake-up call. Basic arithmetic skills matter here, and if you're rusty on multiplication tables or long division, now's the time to brush up.
The good news? The math itself isn't advanced. We're talking about fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and basic algebra - stuff you learned in middle school and high school. The challenge is doing it quickly, accurately, and without a calculator. A solid HESI math study guide and consistent practice can make all the difference.
What Kind of Math Is on the HESI A2 Exam?
What kind of math is on the HESI exam? Let's break down exactly what you'll encounter. The topics fall into several categories, and understanding each one is crucial for your prep strategy.
Basic Operations
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division - but here's the catch: you'll work with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Without a calculator, you need to be comfortable doing these operations by hand. Many HESI math questions test whether you can perform multi-step calculations accurately.
Fractions and Decimals
Expect to see questions involving adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions. You'll also need to convert between fractions and decimals fluently. This is huge in nursing because medication dosages often involve fractional amounts.
Percentages and Ratios
Percentage problems come up frequently - calculating percentage increases, decreases, and finding percentages of numbers. Ratios and proportions are equally important, especially for dosage calculations. If a doctor orders medication at a 2:1 ratio, you need to know exactly what that means.
Measurement Conversions
This is where many students struggle the most. HESI math conversions require you to move between different units of measurement - metric to standard, volume to weight, and so on. We'll cover this in detail in the next section because it's that important.
Basic Algebra
You'll solve equations with one variable, work with word problems that require setting up algebraic expressions, and handle basic formula manipulation. Nothing too complex - typically linear equations and straightforward algebraic reasoning.
Word Problems
HESI math word problems combine multiple concepts into real-world scenarios. You might see questions about IV drip rates, medication dosages, or time calculations. The key is translating the words into mathematical operations.
HESI Math Conversions: The Complete Guide
If there's one area that deserves extra attention, it's HESI A2 math conversions. These questions show up regularly and can feel overwhelming if you haven't memorized the key conversion factors. Here's your essential HESI math cheat sheet for conversions.
Metric System Conversions
Understanding the metric system is non-negotiable in healthcare. Here are the conversions you need to know cold:
| Conversion Type | Equivalence |
|---|---|
| Kilometers to Meters | 1 km = 1,000 m |
| Meters to Centimeters | 1 m = 100 cm |
| Centimeters to Millimeters | 1 cm = 10 mm |
| Kilograms to Grams | 1 kg = 1,000 g |
| Grams to Milligrams | 1 g = 1,000 mg |
| Liters to Milliliters | 1 L = 1,000 mL |
Standard to Metric Conversions
Healthcare settings often require switching between measurement systems. Memorize these:
| Standard | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 2.54 cm |
| 1 foot | 30.48 cm |
| 1 pound | 0.454 kg (or 454 g) |
| 1 ounce | 28.35 g |
| 1 gallon | 3.785 L |
| 1 quart | 0.946 L |
| 1 cup | 240 mL |
Temperature Conversions
Temperature conversions pop up regularly. Here are the formulas:
- Celsius to Fahrenheit: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
- Fahrenheit to Celsius: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9
Tip: Remember that water freezes at 0°C (32°F) and boils at 100°C (212°F). These reference points help you sanity-check your answers.
Time Conversions
Military time shows up occasionally, so know these basics:
- Add 12 to PM hours (1 PM = 1300, 5 PM = 1700)
- Subtract 12 from hours above 12 to get PM time
- 1 hour = 60 minutes = 3,600 seconds
💡 Pro Tip: Make Flashcards
Create flashcards for all conversion factors and drill them daily. These conversions need to be automatic - you shouldn't waste precious test time trying to remember whether there are 1,000 or 100 milligrams in a gram.
HESI Math Practice Problems with Answers
Ready for some HESI math practice test questions? Here's a collection of problems that mirror what you'll see on the actual exam. Try solving each one before checking the answer.
Fractions and Decimals
Problem 1:
Simplify: 3/4 + 5/8 - 1/2
Show Answer
Find common denominator (8): 6/8 + 5/8 - 4/8 = 7/8
Problem 2:
Convert 0.375 to a fraction in lowest terms.
Show Answer
0.375 = 375/1000 = 3/8
Problem 3:
Multiply: 2.5 × 0.04
Show Answer
2.5 × 0.04 = 0.1 (count 3 decimal places total)
Percentages and Ratios
Problem 4:
A nursing program has 250 students. If 15% are male, how many male students are enrolled?
Show Answer
250 × 0.15 = 37.5 → 37 or 38 students (depending on how the question is worded)
Problem 5:
If the ratio of nurses to patients is 1:4 and there are 28 patients, how many nurses are needed?
Show Answer
Set up proportion: 1/4 = x/28 → x = 7 nurses
Problem 6:
A medication was $80 and increased to $95. What is the percentage increase?
Show Answer
(95 - 80) / 80 × 100 = 15/80 × 100 = 18.75%
Conversion Problems
Problem 7:
Convert 2.5 kilograms to grams.
Show Answer
2.5 kg × 1,000 = 2,500 grams
Problem 8:
A patient weighs 154 pounds. Convert this to kilograms. (Use 1 lb = 0.454 kg)
Show Answer
154 × 0.454 = 69.916 kg ≈ 70 kg
Problem 9:
Convert 98.6°F to Celsius.
Show Answer
(98.6 - 32) × 5/9 = 66.6 × 5/9 = 37°C
Word Problems
Problem 10:
A nurse needs to administer 500 mL of IV fluid over 4 hours. How many mL per hour should be administered?
Show Answer
500 mL ÷ 4 hours = 125 mL/hour
Problem 11:
A medication comes in 250 mg tablets. If a patient needs 1 gram, how many tablets should they take?
Show Answer
1 gram = 1,000 mg → 1,000 ÷ 250 = 4 tablets
Problem 12:
A patient drinks 3 cups of water. How many milliliters is this? (Use 1 cup = 240 mL)
Show Answer
3 × 240 = 720 mL
Want more HESI A2 math practice test questions with detailed explanations? Our HESI tutoring program includes personalized practice sessions focused on your specific weak areas.
How to Study for HESI Math (Proven Strategies)
Having a solid HESI math study guide strategy makes all the difference. Here's how to approach your preparation effectively.
1. Assess Your Starting Point
Before diving into practice, take a diagnostic test to identify your weak areas. There's no point spending hours on fractions if you've already got those down cold. Focus your energy where it matters.
2. Master the Basics First
If you're shaky on fundamental operations - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division - start there. Without a calculator, you need these skills to be automatic. Practice mental math daily, even if it's just calculating tips at restaurants or doing quick math while shopping.
3. Memorize Key Conversions
Create flashcards for all HESI math conversions. Review them during spare moments - waiting in line, during commercials, before bed. The goal is instant recall, not slow calculation.
4. Practice Under Test Conditions
When you do HESI math practice problems, time yourself. Get comfortable working without a calculator. Simulate test conditions as much as possible so the actual exam feels familiar.
5. Focus on Word Problem Translation
Many students can do the math but struggle to extract the math from word problems. Practice identifying key information and translating words into operations. "Increased by" means addition. "Of" often means multiplication. "Per" usually indicates division.
6. Review Mistakes Thoroughly
When you get a problem wrong, don't just check the answer and move on. Understand exactly where your thinking went wrong. Was it a calculation error? A conceptual misunderstanding? A careless mistake? Different error types require different fixes.
💡 Fast Track Your HESI Math Prep
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Our HESI tutoring program uses AI diagnostics to pinpoint exactly what's holding your score back, then our tutors address those gaps in focused sessions.
Learn more about our HESI tutoring →Common HESI Math Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Let's talk about the mistakes that cost students the most points on the HESI math test. Knowing these pitfalls can help you avoid them.
Mistake #1: Rushing Through Easy Questions
Ironically, students often miss easy questions because they rush. They see a simple problem, assume they know the answer, and make careless errors. Every question is worth the same - don't sacrifice easy points by being sloppy.
Mistake #2: Misreading Units
This is huge. A question asks for the answer in grams, and you give it in milligrams. Or you convert to the wrong direction - multiplying when you should divide. Always double-check what units the question wants.
Mistake #3: Decimal Point Errors
Without a calculator to catch your mistakes, decimal point errors are common. When multiplying decimals, count the total decimal places carefully. When dividing, move the decimal point consistently in both numbers.
Mistake #4: Not Estimating First
Before calculating, make a quick estimate. If you're converting 2.5 kg to grams and your answer is 25 grams, your estimate should tell you something's wrong - 2.5 kg is clearly way more than 25 grams. Estimation catches calculation errors before they cost you points.
Mistake #5: Forgetting to Simplify
If a fraction question asks for the simplest form and you answer 4/8 instead of 1/2, you might get it marked wrong. Always check if your fraction can be reduced further.
Mistake #6: Poor Time Management
Some students spend 5 minutes on a hard question while easier questions go unanswered. If a question is taking too long, mark it and move on. You can return to it if time allows.
Frequently Asked Questions About HESI Math
How many math questions are on the HESI A2?
The HESI A2 math section contains 55 questions, but only 50 are scored. You have 50 minutes to complete the section. The extra 5 questions are pilot questions being tested for future exams - you won't know which ones they are, so treat every question as if it counts.
Can I use a calculator on the HESI math section?
No, calculators are not permitted on the HESI math section. All calculations must be done by hand. This is why practicing mental math and written calculations is so important during your preparation.
What kind of math is on the HESI A2 exam?
The HESI math section covers basic operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; percentages; ratios and proportions; measurement conversions; and basic algebra. Word problems are common and often relate to healthcare scenarios like dosage calculations.
Is HESI math hard?
The math itself isn't advanced - it's mostly middle and high school level. However, two factors make it challenging: no calculator allowed and time pressure. If you've practiced the right material and can perform calculations by hand quickly, the HESI math test is very manageable.
What score do I need to pass HESI math?
Passing scores vary by nursing program. Most schools want at least 75-80% on the math section, with competitive programs often requiring 85% or higher. Check with your specific nursing school for their requirements. You can read more in our HESI A2 Study Guide.
How can I improve my HESI math score quickly?
Focus on your weak areas first - don't waste time reviewing concepts you already know. Memorize all conversion factors until they're automatic. Practice under timed conditions without a calculator. For the fastest improvement, targeted tutoring that identifies your specific gaps can be incredibly effective. Our HESI tutoring program specializes in rapid score improvement.
Are there free HESI math practice tests available?
Yes, you can find free HESI math practice test resources online, though quality varies. Elsevier (the test maker) offers official practice tests for purchase, which most closely mirror the actual exam. The practice problems in this guide are also representative of what you'll encounter on test day.
What's the difference between HESI math V1 and V2?
The HESI exam has multiple versions (V1, V2, etc.) that contain different questions to prevent cheating. The content areas and difficulty level are equivalent across versions - don't worry about which version you get. Your preparation should be the same regardless.
Ready to ace your HESI math section? Get expert help and pass with confidence.
Get HESI Math Tutoring →Your Path to HESI Math Success
The HESI A2 math section doesn't have to be a barrier to your nursing career. With the right preparation - focused practice on the specific topics tested, memorization of key conversions, and strategies for avoiding common mistakes - you can walk into your exam feeling confident.
Remember the key points from this HESI math study guide:
- Master basic operations without a calculator - you'll need to work quickly and accurately by hand
- Memorize all conversion factors until they're automatic - these questions are essentially free points if you know your conversions
- Practice word problems and learn to extract mathematical operations from text
- Work under timed conditions to build speed and stamina
- Always estimate before calculating to catch obvious errors
Whether you're just starting your prep or you're looking to boost an already decent score, consistent practice with the right materials makes all the difference. Use the practice problems in this guide, create flashcards for conversions, and consider working with a tutor if you need targeted help with specific weak areas.
Your nursing career is waiting. Now go crush that HESI math test!
✅ Master HESI Math With Expert Help
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Start Your HESI Tutoring Session →Related HESI & Nursing Exam Resources
Continue your HESI preparation journey with these helpful guides:
- HESI A2 Study Guide: How to Pass on Your First Attempt — comprehensive preparation guide for all HESI sections
- HESI vs TEAS: Which Nursing Entrance Exam Should You Take? — compare the two major nursing entrance exams
- Fast HESI Pass Tutoring — guaranteed tutoring to help you pass
- Fast TEAS Pass Tutoring — for those taking the TEAS instead
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