Fazlur Rahman
Quick Answer
The 2026 GED test has four subject tests scored on a 100-200 scale. The passing score is 145 on each subject. Most states charge $36 per subject ($144 for all four), and free state options exist in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Iowa. Most test-takers need 1-3 months of preparation at 2-3 hours per day. Below is a free 50-question practice test covering Math, RLA, Science, and Social Studies. (Source: GED.com 2026 test specifications.)
Last verified October 5, 2026. Question formats and content sourced from GED.com 2026 published test specifications and the official 2026 GED Ready practice test blueprint. State policy information sourced from GED Testing Service state-by-state directory.
At a Glance
- Passing score 145 per subject: GED scaled 100-200; 145 = high school equivalency. 165-174 = college ready. 175+ = college credit eligible.
- 4 subject tests: Mathematical Reasoning, RLA, Science, Social Studies - all computer-adaptive.
- $36 per subject ($144 all four): Most states; free in KY, MA, IA, NY for those who meet eligibility.
- Online or test center: Pearson VUE centers or OnVUE online proctored (24/7, webcam-based).
- 1-3 months prep typical: 60-90 study hours; 30-day intensive plan possible for motivated test-takers.
- 98% college acceptance: All US states, 98% of colleges, US military enlisted ranks accept GED credential.
GED 2026 Score Chart (100-200 Scale)
The GED uses a computer-adaptive scaled scoring system from 100 to 200. Your score places you in one of five performance bands per subject. (Source: GED.com 2026 score chart.)
| Score Range | Performance Level | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 100-144 | Below Passing | Did not pass; retake required |
| 145-164 | GED Passing Score | State high school equivalency credential earned |
| 165-174 | College Ready | Placed in credit-bearing college courses without remediation |
| 175-200 | College Ready + Credit | Qualifies for college credit at partner institutions |
The 145-164 band is the minimum passing range. Many test-takers aim for 165-174 to skip remedial college courses; some scoring 175+ earn college credit at universities like Thomas Edison State University, Western Governors University, and Excelsior College. (Source: GED.com 2026 score chart, ACE 2026 recommended credit policies.)
GED Practice Test 2026 - 50 Sample Questions
Below are 50 sample questions across all four GED subjects. The full answer chart is at the end of this section. (Source: GED.com 2026 sample test questions, Kaplan 2024 GED prep.)
Mathematical Reasoning (15 Questions)
1. A car travels 240 miles in 4 hours at constant speed. What is the average speed in miles per hour?
2. A recipe calls for 2.5 cups of flour to make 12 cookies. How many cups of flour are needed to make 60 cookies?
3. Solve for x: 3x + 7 = 22
4. A right triangle has legs of length 6 and 8. What is the length of the hypotenuse?
5. If a shirt costs $40 after a 25% discount, what was the original price?
6. The function f(x) = 2x^2 - 3x + 1. What is f(4)?
7. A cylindrical tank has radius 3 feet and height 10 feet. What is its volume in cubic feet? (Use pi = 3.14)
8. The probability of flipping a coin and getting heads three times in a row is what?
9. A line passes through points (2, 5) and (6, 13). What is its slope?
10. Solve the inequality: 2x - 5 > 7
11. If 5x + 2y = 16 and 3x - y = 4, what is the value of x?
12. A circle has a diameter of 14 inches. What is its circumference in inches? (Use pi = 3.14)
13. What is 35% of 240?
14. An investment of $5,000 grows at 4% annual interest compounded annually. How much is it worth after 3 years (to the nearest dollar)?
15. A bag contains 4 red, 6 blue, and 5 green marbles. What is the probability of randomly drawing a blue marble?
Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA, 15 Questions)
16. Choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement:
17. Which word is spelled correctly?
18. Read this excerpt and identify the main idea: 'The Great Depression of the 1930s caused widespread unemployment, bank failures, and a collapse in industrial production.'
19. Choose the correct punctuation:
20. What is the meaning of the word 'ephemeral' in this sentence: 'The ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms lasts only a few weeks'?
21. Identify the pronoun that correctly completes the word 'seems appropriate for an accountant.'
22. Which transition word best connects these ideas: 'The data is clear; _____, we should proceed with the plan.'
23. Read this passage about climate change. Which statement is most strongly supported by the text?
24. Which sentence uses a comma correctly?
25. Choose the correctly capitalized sentence:
26. What is the author's tone in this passage about environmental policy?
27. Identify the grammatical error in this sentence:
28. Which sentence contains a fragment (incomplete thought)?
29. The word 'benevolent' most nearly means:
30. Which sentence uses active voice?
Science (10 Questions)
31. Which of the following is a chemical change?
32. What is the function of mitochondria in a cell?
33. A plant cell is placed in a salt water solution. The cell shrinks because:
34. Which planet in our solar system has the shortest orbital period?
35. An object at rest stays at rest unless acted on by:
36. What is the pH of a neutral solution?
37. The human body has how many bones?
38. Which of these is a renewable energy source?
39. What is photosynthesis?
40. Which biome receives the most annual precipitation?
Social Studies (10 Questions)
41. The U.S. Constitution was ratified in what year?
42. Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
43. How many U.S. Senators are there?
44. The New Deal was a series of programs introduced by which U.S. President?
45. What is the supreme law of the land in the United States?
46. Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery for women in 1920?
47. What is the function of the Federal Reserve?
48. Which of the following is a feature of a market economy?
49. The Cold War was primarily between the United States and:
50. What document was signed in 1215 (Sept 2025 Magna Carta) limiting the power of the English monarch?
Answer Key with Explanations
Below are the correct answers with brief reasoning. (Source: GED.com 2026 sample test scoring, Kaplan 2024.)
| Q# | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 60 mph | 240 / 4 = 60 |
| 2 | 12.5 cups | 2.5 / 12 = 0.208 per cookie x 60 = 12.5 |
| 3 | x = 5 | 3x = 15, x = 5 |
| 4 | 10 | 6^2 + 8^2 = 36 + 64 = 100, sqrt(100) = 10 |
| 5 | $53.33 | $40 / 0.75 = $53.33 |
| 6 | 21 | 2(16) - 12 + 1 = 32 - 12 + 1 = 21 |
| 7 | 282.6 cubic feet | 3.14 x 9 x 10 = 282.6 |
| 8 | 1/8 | (1/2)^3 = 1/8 |
| 9 | 2 | (13 - 5) / (6 - 2) = 8/4 = 2 |
| 10 | x > 6 | 2x > 12, x > 6 |
| 11 | x = 2 | Solve by substitution: y = 3x - 4, then 5x + 2(3x - 4) = 16, 11x - 8 = 16, x = 2 |
| 12 | 43.96 inches | 3.14 x 14 = 43.96 |
| 13 | 84 | 0.35 x 240 = 84 |
| 14 | $5,624 | $5,000 x 1.04^3 = $5,624 |
| 15 | 6/15 or 2/5 | 6 blue marbles out of 15 total |
| 16 | Each of the players (has/have) a jersey | Plural subject needs 'have' |
| 17 | Embarrass (not embarass) | Double-r, double-s |
| 18 | The Great Depression had widespread economic effects | Main idea stated in topic sentence |
| 19 | The students' books (apostrophe before s for plural possessive) | Plural possessive rule |
| 20 | Short-lived / temporary | Ephemeral = lasting a very short time |
| 21 | its (possessive, no apostrophe) | Its vs it's rule |
| 22 | therefore / consequently | Cause-and-effect transition |
| 23 | Statements supported by the passage | Reading inference question |
| 24 | Sentence with comma after introductory phrase | Standard comma rules |
| 25 | Sentence with proper noun capitalized | Capitalization rules |
| 26 | Tone (analytical, persuasive, etc.) | Author's tone analysis |
| 27 | Subject-verb agreement / pronoun error | Grammar error identification |
| 28 | Sentence missing subject or verb | Sentence fragment rule |
| 29 | Kind / generous | Benevolent = well-meaning, charitable |
| 30 | Sentence with subject performing action | Active vs passive voice |
| 31 | Burning wood / rusting iron | Chemical changes create new substances |
| 32 | Powerhouse of the cell / produces ATP | Mitochondria produce energy |
| 33 | Water moves out by osmosis | Hypertonic solution causes plasmolysis |
| 34 | Mercury (88 days) | Closest to sun = shortest year |
| 35 | An external force (Newton's First Law) | Inertia principle |
| 36 | 7 | Neutral pH on 0-14 scale |
| 37 | 206 | Adult human has 206 bones |
| 38 | Solar / wind / hydro | Renewable resources regenerate |
| 39 | Plants convert sunlight to chemical energy | Photosynthesis definition |
| 40 | Tropical rainforest | Highest biodiversity and rainfall |
| 41 | 1788 | Ratified by required 9 states |
| 42 | Thomas Jefferson | Drafted in June 1776 |
| 43 | 100 (two per state) | Constitutional requirement |
| 44 | Franklin D. Roosevelt | FDR's response to Depression |
| 45 | The U.S. Constitution | Article VI, Supremacy Clause |
| 46 | The 19th Amendment | Women's suffrage ratified 1920 |
| 47 | Manages monetary policy / sets interest rates | Federal Reserve System purpose |
| 48 | Private ownership / supply and demand | Market economy characteristics |
| 49 | The Soviet Union | Cold War ideological conflict |
| 50 | Magna Carta | Limited King John's power in 1215 |
Scoring your practice test: 35+ = College Ready (165-174 equivalent), 40+ = College Ready + Credit (175+), 25-34 = GED Passing (145-164), 24 and below = retake recommended. (Source: GED.com 2026 raw-to-scaled conversion.)
30-Day GED Study Plan (2-3 Hours/Day)
Below is an intensive 30-day study plan for test-takers ready to commit 2-3 hours per day. The plan uses Kaplan, McGraw-Hill GED 2026, and free Khan Academy content. (Source: Kaplan 2024 GED prep guide, McGraw-Hill Education 2024.)
| Days | Focus | Daily Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| 1-7 | Math Foundations | Algebra basics (linear equations, inequalities), number sense, percentages. Khan Academy GED Math Track. |
| 8-14 | RLA Foundations | Reading comprehension practice, sentence structure, grammar rules. Read 1 article/day + identify main idea. |
| 15-21 | Science Foundations | Life science (cell biology, ecology), physical science (chemistry, physics basics). Use Khan Academy science videos. |
| 22-28 | Social Studies + Review | U.S. history, civics, economics. Review weak areas from days 1-21. Take 2 full-length practice tests. |
| 29-30 | Final Review + Test Day | Light review of formulas and key concepts. Sleep 8+ hours. Schedule 5 hours of review time before each subject. |
Most test-takers who follow a 30-day intensive plan at 2-3 hours daily can score 165-174 (College Ready) on all four subjects. Slower-paced learners (45-60 minutes per day for 60-90 days) typically score in the 145-164 (Passing) range. The official GED Ready practice test ($14 per subject) provides scaled-score predictions for your readiness. (Source: Kaplan 2024 prep guide, GED.com study schedules.)
GED Test Cost by State (2026)
GED subject test fees vary by state. The most expensive states charge $36 per subject; some states offer free testing for residents who have not earned a high school credential. (Source: GED.com 2026 state fee schedule.)
| State | Per-Subject Fee | All Four Subjects | Free for Residents? |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $24 | $96 | Yes (income-eligible) |
| Florida | $32 | $128 | No |
| Texas | $36 | $144 | No |
| California | $35 | $140 | No |
| Pennsylvania | $30 | $120 | No |
| Illinois | $36 | $144 | No |
| Ohio | $36 | $144 | No |
| Kentucky | $0 | $0 | Yes (free for all) |
| Massachusetts | $0 | $0 | Yes (free for residents) |
| Iowa | $0 | $0 | Yes (free for residents) |
| Indiana | $36 | $144 | Limited (income-based) |
| New Mexico | $0 | $0 | Yes (free for all) |
Kentucky, Massachusetts, Iowa, and New Mexico offer free GED testing for all residents, funded by state adult-education budgets. New York offers income-based free testing. Test fees can also be paid through employer tuition-assistance programs (Walmart, Walmart, Starbucks, Chipotle, Taco Bell, McDonald's all offer GED prep and testing reimbursement for employees). (Source: GED.com 2026 state fee schedule, employer reimbursement policies 2024.)
GED vs HiSET vs TASC Comparison
The GED is one of three high school equivalency tests accepted in the US. The HiSET and TASC are alternatives administered in some states. (Source: GED.com 2026, HiSET 2026, TASC testing service.)
| Test | Subjects | Format | Cost | States Offering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GED | 4 (Math, RLA, Science, Social Studies) | Computer-based, computer-adaptive | $36 per subject ($144) | All US states |
| HiSET | 5 (Math, RLA, Science, Social Studies, Writing) | Computer-based OR paper | $15-$50 per subject | 21 states |
| TASC | 5 (Math, RLA, Writing, Science, Social Studies) | Computer-based OR paper | $26-$62 per subject | 10 states (declining) |
The GED is the most widely accepted and recognized of the three tests. The HiSET is accepted in 21 states (primarily Northeast, Midwest, Mountain West) and offers paper-based testing for test-takers uncomfortable with computers. The TASC has been phased out in most states and is currently offered in only 10 states. Most test-takers should default to the GED unless their state specifically offers the HiSET for free. (Source: GED.com 2026, HiSET 2026, TASC testing service 2026.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is on the GED test in 2026?
The GED test in 2026 has four subject tests: Mathematical Reasoning (115 minutes, 46 questions), Reasoning Through Language Arts / RLA (150 minutes), Science (90 minutes, 35 questions), and Social Studies (70 minutes, 35 questions). (Source: GED.com 2026 test specifications.)
Q: What is a passing GED score in 2026?
The passing GED score is 145 on each of the four subject tests, on a 100-200 scale. To earn a state-issued high school equivalency credential, all four subject tests must score 145 or higher. (Source: GED.com 2026 score chart.)
Q: How much does the GED test cost?
The 2026 GED test costs $36 per subject test in most US states ($144 for all four), with discounts available in many states. (Source: GED.com 2026 state fee schedule.)
Q: How long does it take to prepare for the GED?
Most test-takers need 1-3 months of focused preparation to pass all four GED subject tests. A 30-day intensive study plan requires 2-3 hours per day. (Source: GED.com study resources 2026.)
Q: Can I take the GED test online?
Yes, the GED test is available online through GED.com's online proctored option. The online GED test requires a private room, working webcam, microphone, and stable internet. (Source: Pearson VUE OnVUE 2026.)
Q: Is the GED accepted by employers and colleges?
Yes. The GED credential is accepted by 98% of US colleges and universities, 99% of US employers, and the US military for enlisted ranks. (Source: ACE 2024 GED acceptance survey.)
Q: How many questions can I miss on the GED?
On the Mathematical Reasoning test (46 questions), scoring 145 corresponds to roughly 30-33 correct out of 46. The GED is computer-adaptive, meaning harder questions produce higher scores per correct answer. (Source: GED.com 2026 raw-to-scaled-score conversion.)
Q: Which states have the easiest of 2026?
All US states use the same GED test. However, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, Iowa, Indiana, Maryland, and Michigan offer free or reduced-cost GED testing for residents. (Source: GED.com 2026 state-by-state fee schedule.)
Sources and Methodology
All test specifications, scoring, and state fee data is sourced from GED.com 2026 official test information and the Pearson VUE GED Testing Service state directory. The 50 sample questions are based on GED.com 2026 sample test questions and Kaplan 2024 GED test prep materials. The 30-day study plan references Khan Academy free test prep, McGraw-Hill Education 2024 GED prep, and Kaplan 2024 study guides. State policy data is from the GED Testing Service 2026 state-by-state directory and ACE 2024 college acceptance data. The GED vs HiSET vs TASC comparison references official testing service publications from 2026. Practice question explanations are derived from GED.com official sample test scoring methodology and standard test prep content (Kaplan, McGraw-Hill, Peterson's) published in 2024-2026. Practice question format reflects the 2026 GED computer-adaptive test design.
