Quick Answer
The ASVAB has 145 questions on the CAT-ASVAB (computerized version used at MEPS) or 225 questions on the paper-and-pencil version (P&P-ASVAB, used in some schools and MET sites). Both versions cover the same 9 subtests—the paper version simply has more questions per section.
145
CAT-ASVAB questions
225
Paper ASVAB questions
9
Subtests total
1Complete Question Breakdown by Subtest
The ASVAB consists of 9 subtests, each measuring different skills. Here's exactly how many questions you'll face in each section on both versions of the test.
| Subtest | CAT-ASVAB | Paper ASVAB | CAT Time | Paper Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Science (GS) | 15 | 25 | 10 min | 11 min |
| Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)* | 15 | 30 | 55 min | 36 min |
| Word Knowledge (WK)* | 15 | 35 | 9 min | 11 min |
| Paragraph Comprehension (PC)* | 10 | 15 | 27 min | 13 min |
| Mathematics Knowledge (MK)* | 15 | 25 | 23 min | 24 min |
| Electronics Information (EI) | 15 | 20 | 10 min | 9 min |
| Auto & Shop Information (AS) | 25 | 25 | 7 min | 11 min |
| Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | 15 | 25 | 22 min | 19 min |
| Assembling Objects (AO) | 15 | 25 | 17 min | 15 min |
| Total | 145 | 225 | ~154 min | ~149 min |
Note on Auto & Shop Information
On the CAT-ASVAB, Auto Information and Shop Information are given as two separate subtests (11 questions each plus 3 tryout questions). On the paper version, they're combined into one 25-question section. The total shown above (25) reflects the combined question count.
2CAT-ASVAB vs. Paper Version
You'll likely take the CAT-ASVAB (Computer Adaptive Test) at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). The paper version is primarily used in high schools through the ASVAB Career Exploration Program and some Mobile Examination Test (MET) sites.
CAT-ASVAB (145 Questions)
- Adapts difficulty based on your answers
- Fewer questions needed for accurate scoring
- Cannot go back to previous questions
- Scores available immediately
- Used at MEPS for official enlistment
Paper ASVAB (225 Questions)
- Fixed difficulty—same for everyone
- More questions per section
- Can skip and return to questions within a section
- Scores take several days to process
- Used in schools and some MET sites
How Adaptive Testing Affects Question Count
The CAT-ASVAB uses adaptive testing, which means each question you see depends on how you answered the previous one. Get a question right, and the next one is harder. Get it wrong, and the next is easier. This allows the test to accurately measure your ability with fewer questions than the paper version, which uses more questions of varying difficulty to achieve the same goal.
3Time Per Question by Section
Knowing how much time you have per question helps with pacing. Some sections give you more time per question than others, which reflects the complexity of the problems.
| Subtest | CAT Sec/Question | Paper Sec/Question | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic Reasoning | ~3.7 min | ~1.2 min | Most Time-Intensive |
| Paragraph Comprehension | ~2.7 min | ~0.9 min | Reading Required |
| Mathematics Knowledge | ~1.5 min | ~1.0 min | Moderate Pace |
| Mechanical Comprehension | ~1.5 min | ~0.8 min | Moderate Pace |
| Assembling Objects | ~1.1 min | ~0.6 min | Visual Speed |
| General Science | ~0.7 min | ~0.4 min | Quick Recall |
| Word Knowledge | ~0.6 min | ~0.3 min | Quick Recall |
| Electronics Information | ~0.7 min | ~0.5 min | Quick Recall |
| Auto & Shop | ~0.3 min | ~0.4 min | Quick Recall |
Key Pacing Takeaways
- Arithmetic Reasoning gives you the most time per question because word problems require reading, interpreting, and calculating.
- Word Knowledge expects quick answers—you should know the word or be able to eliminate options within 30-40 seconds.
- Practice under timed conditions is essential. Even if you know the material, poor pacing can hurt your score.
4Which Questions Count Toward Your AFQT Score
Your AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score determines whether you can enlist. It's calculated from just 4 of the 9 subtests—so these questions are especially important.
AFQT-Contributing Questions
CAT-ASVAB
Paper ASVAB
What About the Other 5 Subtests?
The remaining subtests (General Science, Electronics Information, Auto & Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, and Assembling Objects) don't affect your AFQT score, but they do determine your "line scores"—composite scores that determine which military jobs (MOSs, ratings, AFSCs) you qualify for.
For example, a high Mechanical Comprehension and Auto & Shop score might qualify you for vehicle maintenance roles, while high Electronics Information helps for technical positions.
5Tips for Managing Questions and Time
With 145+ questions to answer, strategy matters. Here's how to approach the ASVAB efficiently.
Prioritize AFQT Sections
Your AFQT score comes from just 55 questions on the CAT (105 on paper). Focus your study time on Arithmetic Reasoning, Math Knowledge, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension. These determine whether you can enlist at all.
Don't Get Stuck
On the CAT-ASVAB, you can't go back, so make your best choice and move on. On the paper version, if a question is taking too long, skip it and return later. A question you didn't answer counts the same as a wrong answer.
Answer Every Question
There's no penalty for guessing on the ASVAB. If you're running low on time, fill in answers for remaining questions rather than leaving them blank. On multiple choice, you have a 25% chance of getting it right just by guessing.
Practice with Realistic Question Counts
When you practice, use full-length tests. Doing 5-10 questions at a time doesn't prepare you for the mental endurance of answering 145+ questions in one sitting. Fatigue affects accuracy, especially in later sections.
Summary: ASVAB Question Counts
CAT-ASVAB (at MEPS)
- 145 total questions
- 55 questions for AFQT
- ~154 minutes total time
- Adaptive difficulty
Paper ASVAB (schools/MET)
- 225 total questions
- 105 questions for AFQT
- ~149 minutes total time
- Fixed difficulty
Both versions test the same 9 subjects and produce equivalent scores. The version you take depends on where you test, not your choice.
Ready to Practice?
Now that you know exactly how many questions are on the ASVAB, try a free practice test to see how you'd perform under real conditions.