Math is one of the most challenging yet critical parts of the HESI Admission Assessment Exam. The good news is that with consistent practice, clear strategies, and the right resources such as a HESI A2 math practice test, you can master the required skills. This guide focuses on fractions, ratios, percentages, and conversions, while showing you how to use a HESI A2 study plan and a HESI A2 question bank to sharpen your skills.

The HESI A2 math section evaluates your ability to perform accurate calculations—something you’ll do daily as a nurse. Medication dosages, IV fluid rates, and nutrition calculations all rely on math.

🔹 Nursing safety: Correct answers prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety

🔹 Confidence boost: Mastery of math builds assurance during clinical practice

🔹 Competitive edge: Higher math scores strengthen your application in nursing programs

🔹 Exam foundation: Strong math skills make the rest of your HESI A2 exam prep less stressful

🔹 Practical skills: You’ll use these math skills daily as a nurse, not just on exams

Fractions appear in many HESI A2 practice test questions. Whether you’re simplifying, adding, or dividing, you need speed and accuracy.

Adding & Subtracting Fractions

➡ Find the least common denominator (LCD)

➡ Adjust numerators to match the LCD

➡ Add or subtract numerators, then simplify

➡ Example: ⅔ + ¼ = (8/12) + (3/12) = 11/12

Multiplying Fractions

➡ Multiply numerators together

➡ Multiply denominators together

➡ Simplify the final fraction

➡ Example: ⅔ × ¾ = 6/12 = ½

Dividing Fractions

➡ Flip the second fraction (reciprocal)

➡ Multiply straight across

➡ Simplify if needed

➡ Example: ⅔ ÷ ¾ = ⅔ × 4/3 = 8/9

Simplifying Fractions

➡ Always reduce to lowest terms

➡ Example: 6/12 → ½

Tip: Use a HESI A2 question bank to drill fraction practice daily.

Ratios are used in medication calculations and fluid adjustments. The HESI loves to test them.

Basic Ratios

➡ Example: 2:4 is the same as 1:2 after simplification

Setting Ratios as Fractions

➡ Example: If 2 tablets = 500 mg, how many tablets = 750 mg?

➡ 2/500 = x/750 → cross multiply → 500x = 1500 → x = 3 tablets

Word Problem Applications

➡ IV fluids: 100 mL in 2 hours = what rate per hour?

➡ Ratio: 100/2 = 50 → 50 mL/hour

Checking Accuracy

➡ Ratios should be logical—if the dose doubles, the amount should double.

💡 Tip: Practice ratio problems daily through HESI A2 conversion problems.

Percentages are tested in dosage adjustments, lab values, and growth calculations.

Converting Fractions to Percentages

➡ Divide numerator by denominator

➡ Multiply by 100

➡ Example: ¾ = 0.75 × 100 = 75%

Finding a Percentage of a Number

➡ Multiply the base number by the decimal form

➡ Example: 20% of 80 = 0.20 × 80 = 16

Increase/Decrease by Percentage

➡ Formula: New Value = Old Value × (1 ± % in decimal)

➡ Example: Increase 200 by 15% → 200 × 1.15 = 230

Common Nursing Applications

➡ Lab result changes (e.g., hematocrit increase by 5%)

➡ Medication adjustments by percentage strength

💡 Tip: Keep a conversion chart handy while doing a HESI A2 math practice test.

Conversions are vital to safe medication administration. HESI A2 conversion problems are straightforward once you memorize key equivalencies.

Metric Conversions

➡ 1 kg = 1000 g

➡ 1 g = 1000 mg

➡ 1 mg = 1000 mcg

Household to Metric Conversions

➡ 1 tsp = 5 mL

➡ 1 tbsp = 15 mL

➡ 1 oz = 30 mL

➡ 1 cup = 240 mL

Temperature Conversions

➡ °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32

➡ °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9

IV Conversions

➡ gtt/min = (volume × drop factor) ÷ time in minutes

💡 Tip: Flashcards for conversions are invaluable during HESI A2 exam prep.

Creating a structured HESI A2 study plan for math helps keep your learning consistent.

1️⃣ Take a diagnostic HESI A2 math practice test to identify weak areas

2️⃣ Dedicate one day each to fractions, ratios, percentages, and conversions

3️⃣ Solve at least 20 problems daily from a HESI A2 question bank

4️⃣ Review errors understand why you missed the question

5️⃣ Simulate a full timed math section weekly for stamina

On test day, anxiety can cause simple mistakes. These strategies will keep you steady:

Read the entire question carefully, don’t skip details

Write out steps for multi-part problems to avoid errors

Double-check decimal placement

If unsure, eliminate unreasonable answers

Pace yourself,accuracy is more important than rushing

Mastering HESI A2 math is about practice, not perfection. With steady work through HESI A2 conversion problems, frequent use of a HESI A2 question bank, and timed practice with a HESI A2 math practice test, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to succeed. Build a strong HESI A2 study plan, review daily, and trust the process—your math section score will reflect your preparation.