ASVAB Scores Explained: What Every Number on Your Score Sheet Means

Your ASVAB score sheet contains three number types: subtest standard scores, an AFQT percentile for enlistment eligibility, and branch-specific line or composite scores for job qualification. Reading each number on its own scale tells you whether you can enlist and which military jobs your results support.

This page shows you how to read the three number types on your score sheet, then routes you to the detailed chart, score tiers, and branch requirements.

How to Read Your ASVAB Score Sheet

Your score sheet shows three different kinds of numbers on three different scales. Mixing them up is the most common reason people misread their results, a “62” next to one label is well above average, and a “62” next to another barely clears the door. Sort them into three buckets and the page stops being intimidating.

Start with the standard scores. Each of the 9 subtests is reported on a scale where 50 is the average and every 10 points is one standard deviation, so most scores land between 30 and 70. A 60 in Word Knowledge means one standard deviation above average, not “60% correct.” These nine numbers are the raw material; the two numbers that actually decide anything are built from them.

Then find your AFQT. It's the only percentile on the sheet (1–99), built from four subtests as 2(VE) + AR + MK, and it's the number your recruiter means when they ask what you got. It decides eligibility, not jobs. Last, read your composite / line scores, Army GT, Air Force MAGE, Navy rating combos, which decide the jobs you can pick. Check the AFQT against the branch minimums further down, then drop all nine subtests into our All-Branch ASVAB Calculator to turn the composites into an actual job list.

Your AFQT Score: The One Number Every Branch Cares About

The AFQT is the 1 to 99 percentile that determines enlistment eligibility, while your other score types serve different purposes. For the formula, percentile conversion, and preparation priorities, use the AFQT score guide.

AFQT Categories: Where You Land on the Military's Ranking System

Your AFQT percentile also places you in a category from I through V. See every band and its meaning on the ASVAB score chart.

The 9 ASVAB Subtests and What Each One Measures

Every military job traces back to specific subtests. Here are all 9:

Highlighted subtests feed your AFQT. The rest affect composite/line scores for job qualification only. Each subtest produces a standard score (mean ~50, SD ~10).

Want to see how you'd perform? Try a free practice test to identify your weak spots.

Composite Scores and Line Scores: How Branches Pick Your Job

Line scores, also called composite scores, combine different subtests to determine job qualification after you clear the AFQT enlistment gate. See every branch formula in the ASVAB line scores and composite scores chart.

Minimum ASVAB Scores by Branch (2026 Requirements)

Each service sets its own AFQT eligibility floor, and education track can change the applicable requirement. Compare the current values and source notes in our ASVAB score requirements by branch.

Retaking the ASVAB: Wait Times, Rules, and Strategy

Retesting involves waiting periods and score-replacement rules, so check the policy before scheduling another attempt. The complete timeline and decision guidance are in our ASVAB retake policy.

How to Improve Your ASVAB Scores (Based on What Actually Moves the Needle)

Improvement depends on the score you need: AFQT prep targets the four eligibility subtests, while job qualification prep targets the subtests in your required composite. Build the right plan with our ASVAB study guide.

ASVAB Scores FAQ

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