Memory Tricks to Memorize Math Formulas

When preparing for an exam that involves mathematics, it is important to ensure that you have a firm grasp of the pertinent formulas. Unfortunately, there are often numerous formulas that you have to learn for a full test, so the prospect of memorizing can be very daunting. Consequently, you might end up confused and stressed before the actual examination. Here are some practical memory tricks to help you remember math formulas more effectively.

Smart Memory Techniques to Remember Math Formulas

Before diving into repetition, it helps to understand how memory actually works. By using cognitive techniques proven to enhance recall, you can learn CFA math formulas faster and retain them longer, without burning out.

Memory Trick Types with Quick Examples

When it comes to memorizing CFA math formulas, rote repetition isn’t enough. Instead, try these science-backed memory techniques to boost recall and retention:

1. Mnemonics

Use acronyms or catchy phrases to remember formulas or sequences.
Example: To remember the bond price formula structure, try:
“PVCI” → Present Value = Coupon + Interest

2. Visualization

Turn formulas into simple mental images or stories.
Example: For FV = PV × (1 + r)^n, imagine your present money “climbing a mountain” of interest each year, growing higher with each compounding step.

3. Pattern Recognition

Spot patterns in similar formulas across topics.
Example: Notice how simple interest, compound interest, and loan repayment formulas all build from the core structure of time value of money (TVM). Grouping them helps reduce redundancy.

4. Flashcards

Create a deck of formula flashcards—digital or paper.
On one side: the topic (e.g., Annuity Due);
On the other: the formula and a short example.
Review these daily using spaced repetition tools like Anki.

5. Spaced Repetition

Space out your formula reviews over increasing intervals (1 day → 3 days → 7 days, etc.). This exploits the forgetting curve and helps move formulas from short-term to long-term memory.

These techniques won’t replace the need for practice, but they’ll make your study sessions more efficient. Once you’ve chosen your preferred memory trick, or combined a few, it’s time to start engaging with the formulas themselves.

Peruse Over the Formulas

Memory tricks are not magical, so you should not expect to get instantaneous results. The first thing that you must do is become familiar with the important formulas in the course work. Initially, you should not attempt to remember everything that you have seen. Simply peruse over your learning material such that when a theorem is mentioned or you see a question, you will have at least an idea of what is required. This is a powerful tool in building your general understanding of the presented math content.

Know the Symbols

The most challenging aspect when learning advanced math formulas are the numerous symbols used. You can memorize as many formulas as you would like, but they are useless if you do not know the values to use when a question is presented. Therefore, take note of the Greek symbols, letters and other representations and their meaning. If you are a fairly gifted student, you will probably start figuring these out intuitively. However, it is still important for every learner to write down these for reference and convenience.

Avoid Meaningless Lists

It is tempting to just make a list of all the formulas that you are required to learn for the examination. This seems expedient and quick technique to complete the preparation with limited time. However, this is not one of the practical memory tricks through which you can actually benefit. In most cases, the list will become a convoluted blur in your head, and you will end up mixing up the formulas. Instead, give each formula its own space and learn each individually before moving on. The idea is to memorize the formula and see the meaning behind it so that you will not be confused.

Use, Don’t Just Cram

You should not trust that you will know how to apply the formula during the test automatically. Therefore, you should make use of these formulas by doing practice questions when preparing for the test. This will help you work out the math faster since you know the exact steps in using the formula. With time, you can even learn how to immediately work out the question because the methodology is ingrained in you. Moreover, you will retain your memory more efficiently if you have used the knowledge instead of just plain cramming. AnalystPrep provides an exhaustive formula sheet to be used with our question bank.

Utilize Diverse Media

The human mind can retain information from different types of communication media. Therefore, you should not rely on only one method of learning. Use all the resources that you can access to increase your retention rate of the content. Flash cards are expedient; you can prepare your own or even use the digital ones provided through online channels. Audio-visual learning is effective for most people, so watch videos that explain the content. If possible, you should discuss the math formulas and some practice questions with someone else. If not, speak the formulas aloud like a teacher.

Employ Memory Techniques

True photographic memories are rare, so you will have to rely on other memory tricks to help you. Common memory techniques might not all work with math formulas, but you can improvise for great results. Consider setting your facts to the rhythm of your favorite song or even a poem with rhyming sounds. Alternatively, you can create a story that features the details of the formula as characters in the telling. If you are creative, you can also create mnemonics for the pertinent concepts.

Memory tricks are great tools for learning, but remember that mathematics cannot be mastered through foolish trickery. Therefore, you should dedicate your time to understanding so that you will be able to apply the knowledge quickly and efficiently, especially when working on long tests that will rank you based on the number of questions you can complete.

FAQs

Q1: What is the best way to memorize math formulas for the CFA exam?
A: The best way is to use active recall and spaced repetition. Techniques like flashcards, mnemonics, and visualization can improve long-term retention. Consistent practice with formula-based questions also reinforces understanding.

Q2: Do I need to memorize all formulas for CFA Level 1?
A: Yes. The CFA exam does not provide formula sheets during the test, so candidates must memorize key formulas, especially in Quantitative Methods, Fixed Income, and Financial Reporting.

Q3: How many math formulas are in CFA Level 1?
A: There are over 100 essential formulas across different topics. These range from time value of money, ratios, and standard deviation to pricing models and return calculations.

Q4: What memory techniques help with learning CFA formulas?
A: Mnemonics, flashcards, pattern recognition, and spaced repetition are powerful tools. Combining these techniques helps you retain formulas more efficiently and reduces cognitive overload.

Q5: How long does it take to memorize CFA formulas?
A: With consistent study, most candidates can master core formulas in 3–4 weeks. It depends on your study plan, prior math background, and frequency of review.

Q6: Is it better to memorize or understand CFA formulas?
A: Both. Memorization helps you recall formulas quickly during the exam, while understanding how and when to apply them ensures you get questions right.

Q7: Can I pass the CFA exam without memorizing all formulas?
A: It’s unlikely. Many CFA Level 1 questions rely on direct formula application. Missing a few is okay, but memorizing most core formulas significantly improves your score potential.