The Ultimate SIFT Math Course (+FREE Worksheets & Tests)
Welcome to the most complete free SIFT Math course on the web. The SIFT (Selection Instrument for Flight Training) is the test that determines whether you’ll qualify for U.S. Army aviation training — and the math sections (Math Skills Test and Simple Drawings test for spatial reasoning) carry serious weight in your overall score. This hub gathers every SIFT-relevant math lesson, practice test, and book recommendation in one place.
The SIFT Math Skills Test covers algebra, basic arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and word problems. You have 40 minutes for 40 questions — that’s one per minute, with no calculator. Mental math fluency and quick estimation are as important as topic mastery. The lessons below cover everything the test asks.
Bookmark this page. Every link below opens a focused lesson with worked examples and free practice problems.
Military Aviation Selection Tests
Looking for the best resource to help you succeed on the SIFT Math test?
The Best Book to Ace the SIFT Math Test
SIFT Math Test Prep Resources
Before you dive into the topic-by-topic lessons, get the lay of the land. These guides cover what’s on the test, how it’s scored, and how to put together a study plan that fits your life.
SIFT Math Complete Course
This is the heart of the course. Each section below is a topic family that the test loves to ask about. Work one section at a time and check your understanding with the practice problems before moving on.
Number Sense, Integers, and Order of Operations
- Opposite Integers
- Number Lines for Integers
- Adding and Subtracting Integers
- Multiplying and Dividing Integers
- Order of Operations
- Absolute Value
- Integers and Absolute Value
Fractions, Decimals, and Mixed Numbers
- Simplifying Fractions
- Word Problems: Fractions
- Repeating Decimals
- Convert Between Fractions and Decimals
- Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers
- Ordering Decimals, Mixed Numbers, and Fractions
- Multiplying Mixed Numbers
- Dividing Mixed Numbers
- Multiplying and Dividing Decimals
Ratios, Proportions, and Percentages
- Writing a Ratio
- Ratio Tables
- Finding Equivalent Ratios
- Equivalent Rates
- Word Problems: Rates and Ratios
- Representing Percentages
- Solving Percentage Word Problems
- Converting Between Percent, Fractions, and Decimals
- Percent Problems
- Simple Interest
Algebraic Expressions and Equations
- Expressions and Equations
- Equivalent Expressions
- Properties to Write Equivalent Expressions
- Exponents in Multiplication
- Prime Factorization with Exponents
- One-Step Equations
- Multi-Step Equations
- Rearranging Multi-Variable Equations
- Factoring Variable Expressions
- Multiplying Rational Expressions
- Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
- Writing a Quadratic Function
- Radical Equations
Inequalities and Linear Word Problems
- Writing Inequalities from Number Lines
- Graphing Single-Variable Inequalities
- One-Step Inequalities
- Word Problems: One-Step Inequalities
- Linear Equation and Inequality Word Problems
Geometry: Lines, Angles, and Triangles
- Triangles
- Triangle Inequality
- Sides and Angles of a Triangle
- Area of a Triangle
- Area of a Parallelogram
- Area of a Trapezoid
- Area of Compound Figures
- Word Problems: Area
Solid Figures, Volume, and Coordinate Plane
- Cubes
- Rectangular Prisms
- Word Problems: Volume
- Objects on a Coordinate Plane
- Understanding Quadrants
- Coordinate Planes as Maps
Statistics, Data Analysis, and Probability
- Mean, Median, Mode, and Range
- Mean, Median, Mode from Charts
- Identifying Outliers
- Range, Quartiles, and Interquartile Range
- Pie Graphs
- Line Plots
- Frequency Distribution Tables
- Finding the Probability of an Event
The Perfect Prep Book for the SIFT Math Skills Test
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to prepare for the SIFT math test?
Most aviation candidates benefit from 4–6 weeks of focused math prep — about an hour a day, four to five days a week. If your math is rusty, plan on 8–10 weeks. The biggest gains come from drilling word problems and practicing under strict timed conditions.
What math topics are on the SIFT?
The SIFT Math Skills Test covers basic arithmetic (whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages), algebra (linear equations and inequalities, basic systems), ratios and proportions, and word problems applying all of the above. No calculus, no advanced trig.
Can I use a calculator on the SIFT math test?
No. The SIFT does not allow calculators on any section. That’s why mental math fluency is critical — practice solving problems by hand from day one of your prep.
What SIFT score do I need to qualify for aviation training?
The minimum qualifying SIFT score is 40. Competitive applicants typically score 50+. Strong math performance is one of the biggest score drivers, since the Math Skills Test is one of the heaviest-weighted subtests.
Are these SIFT math lessons really free?
Yes. Every lesson, worksheet, and practice problem linked above is free.
Build Your Algebra Foundation
Have any questions about the SIFT Math test?
Drop your question in the comments below — about a specific topic, the test format, study planning, anything — and we’ll reply.
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