ASVAB Scores Explained: AFQT vs. Line Scores

What is the AFQT score?

The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is the number recruiters ask about first. It's a percentile from 1 to 99: a score of 65 means you scored as well as or better than 65% of a national reference group.

It is calculated from four subtests:

• Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
• Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
• Word Knowledge (WK)
• Paragraph Comprehension (PC)

Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension are combined into a Verbal Expression score, which counts double. In short: AFQT = 2 × Verbal + Arithmetic Reasoning + Mathematics Knowledge, then converted to a percentile.

What AFQT score do you need?

What are ASVAB line scores?

Line scores (also called composite scores) combine different subtests to measure aptitude for groups of jobs — for example mechanical maintenance, electronics, or clerical work. Each branch uses its own line-score formulas, and every military job lists the line scores it requires.

That's why the "non-AFQT" subtests still matter: General Science, Electronics Information, Auto & Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension and Assembling Objects can decide which jobs you're offered.

How to raise your ASVAB score

1. Start with a free AFQT diagnostic to see which of the four AFQT subtests needs the most work.
2. Prioritize the verbal subtests — they count double toward the AFQT.
3. Practice math word problems until setting them up feels automatic.
4. Once your AFQT target is safe, work on the subtests behind the line scores for the jobs you want.