Everything you need to know
about the LANTITE numeracy test
Test format, topic breakdown, subtopics, the on-screen calculator, and what the pass mark actually means: all sourced from ACER's official documentation.
Two sections. One critical rule.
An on-screen basic calculator is provided. Questions span all three content strands across ACSF Levels 2–5.
No calculator of any kind is permitted. Questions cover the same content strands across ACSF Levels 2–5, but are designed to be solvable without a calculator: using mental strategies or written working.
You cannot return to Section 1 once you start Section 2
ACER explicitly warns: do not rush Section 1. Once you move to Section 2, Section 1 is locked. Many students make the mistake of rushing through Section 1 to "save time" for the non-calculator section: this is the wrong strategy.
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Three topic areas. Know the weighting.
ACER specifies proportion ranges for each strand: exact counts vary between test windows. Number and Algebra dominates at 40–50% of questions. Each bar shows the specified range and its midpoint.
Source: ACER Skills and Content Guide. Shaded band shows the ACER-specified range; bar shows the indicative midpoint. Actual distribution varies between test windows.
Number & Algebra
Preparation tip: This is the largest section. Fractions and percentages appear in almost every test window: they are the highest-leverage area to master first.
Statistics & Probability
Preparation tip: Most statistics questions are about reading and interpreting data correctly: not complex calculations. The calculator is available for this section.
Measurement & Geometry
Preparation tip: Unit conversions and time calculations are the most commonly missed. Many students haven't worked with metric conversions since school.
Three bands. Band 2 or above to pass.
ACER reports your result as Band 1, 2, or 3 across each of the three sub-domains. You must reach Band 2 or above across all three to pass. Questions are drawn from ACSF Levels 2–5: Levels 3 and 4 together make up approximately 80% of the test.
Below the test standard
Number & Algebra
- •Use whole numbers and some common fractions, decimals and percentages (such as 1/8, 0.5, 10%) to solve one- or two-step routine problems, with or without a calculator
- •Identify an appropriate formula (such as how to calculate an average in a spreadsheet) to solve problems in familiar contexts
Measurement & Geometry
- •Interpret simple diagrams, read common scales, and use spatial skills such as interpretation of simple maps to identify a location or follow directions
- •Use routine timetables and calendars to calculate durations and identify times and dates
Statistics & Probability
- •Interpret familiar data representations, evaluate some related statements and solve routine problems using the data
- •Calculate everyday probabilities (such as 20%) in familiar contexts
At and above the test standard
Number & Algebra
- •Demonstrate the skills described in Band 1
- •Identify and use the appropriate operation (+, −, ×, ÷) and use proportional reasoning, and a variety of fractions, decimals and percentages (such as 3/5, 0.4, 85%) to solve multi-step problems in familiar situations, with or without a calculator
- •Use a formula in familiar contexts to calculate a value
Measurement & Geometry
- •Demonstrate the skills described in Band 1
- •Solve problems by applying knowledge and understanding of measurement concepts such as the speed-distance-time relationship
- •Apply spatial skills such as using scale to find distance, and reorienting maps and plans to determine directions and relative positions
- •Interpret and use schedules and time displays to determine durations and times, and to solve problems
Statistics & Probability
- •Demonstrate the skills described in Band 1
- •Interpret less familiar, relatively complex data representations (such as multi-category graphs and tables), evaluate related statements and solve routine problems using the data
- •Calculate and interpret small probabilities (such as 0.3%) in meaningful contexts
Clearly above the test standard
Number & Algebra
- •Demonstrate the skills described in Band 1 and Band 2
- •Estimate and calculate accurately and use a variety of less familiar fractions, decimals and percentages (such as 1/16, 9.93, 0.02%) to solve problems set in less routine contexts, with or without a calculator
- •Use a graphical representation of an algebraic relationship (such as a linear graph) to calculate a value (such as a rate) in meaningful contexts
Measurement & Geometry
- •Demonstrate the skills described in Band 1 and Band 2
- •Link different information sources and apply measurement knowledge and understanding such as rates and area
- •Use spatial reasoning to interpret less routine maps and diagrams, and solve multi-step problems
- •Interpret and use time-related criteria such as schedules and regulations to solve multi-step problems
Statistics & Probability
- •Demonstrate the skills described in Band 1 and Band 2
- •Interpret additional data representations and diagrams (such as box-and-whisker plots and Venn diagrams) and use them to identify key aspects, evaluate related statements and solve more complex problems
- •Interpret written text containing statistical information and calculate a range of statistics (such as median and quartile)
- •Calculate conditional probabilities in meaningful contexts
Source: ACER sample result statements (Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics and Probability sub-domains). ACSF level proportions: L2 10%, L3 40%, L4 40%, L5 10%.
Three process domains
Every question also maps to one of three numeracy process domains. ACER uses these proportions to construct each test. Most students are weak in one specific process: knowing which one helps you target your preparation.
Identifying mathematical information and meaning in activities and texts. These questions require you to locate, extract and interpret the relevant numbers, units and relationships from the stimulus before any calculation begins.
Using and applying mathematical knowledge and problem solving processes. These questions require you to select and execute the appropriate mathematical procedure: carrying out the calculation or process to reach a solution.
Interpreting, evaluating, communicating and representing mathematics. These questions require you to make sense of a mathematical result in its real-world context, evaluate its reasonableness, or express it in the appropriate form.
Source: ACER Skills and Content Guide, Table 8: Numeracy processes.
Three context categories
Questions are also distributed across three real-world contexts. Nearly half of all questions are set in personal and community situations: the most familiar type for most candidates.
Everyday personal scenarios: shopping, budgets, cooking, travel, household measurements, personal finance, and community activities.
School and classroom contexts: timetables, student data, assessment results, resource allocation, and scenarios drawn from a teaching environment.
Workplace and professional development contexts: training data, professional reports, industry-relevant measurements and statistics.
Source: ACER Skills and Content Guide, Table 1: Target proportions of items in each context category.
It follows BODMAS. Most students don't know this.
The LANTITE on-screen calculator is a basic calculator that follows the order of operations (BODMAS/BIDMAS). This is different from a standard pocket calculator, which performs operations left-to-right. ACER strongly advises all candidates to practise with it before the test.
Available buttons
0–9, decimal pointNumber entry+ − × ÷Basic operations( )Brackets%Percentagex²Squarex³Cube√Square root∛Cube root+/−Sign changeAnsLast answerMem Enter/Recall/ClearMemory functionsBack / ClearDelete / ResetThe BODMAS trap
17.50 + 19.75 × 3 = ?Many students expect: (17.50 + 19.75) × 3 = 111.75
The calculator gives: 17.50 + (19.75 × 3) = 76.75
(17.50 + 19.75) × 3 = 111.75Use brackets to force the order you intend. The calculator respects them correctly.
Common questions
How many questions are in the LANTITE numeracy test?
The LANTITE numeracy test has 65 questions total, split into two sections. Section 1 has 52 questions with an on-screen calculator available. Section 2 has 13 questions with no calculator.
How long is the LANTITE numeracy test?
The total available time is 120 minutes across both sections. Section 1 (52 questions, calculator) is estimated at 90–95 minutes, and Section 2 (13 questions, no calculator) is estimated at 25–30 minutes. These are guides: you manage your own time, but you cannot return to Section 1 once you start Section 2.
What topics are in the LANTITE numeracy test?
The LANTITE numeracy test covers three content strands: Number and Algebra (40–50% of questions), Statistics and Probability (25–35%), and Measurement and Geometry (20–30%). Exact proportions vary between test windows.
What is the pass mark for the LANTITE?
To pass the LANTITE, you must achieve a score broadly equivalent to the top 30% of the adult Australian population. This is defined as ACSF Standard 3.5.
Can you use a calculator in the LANTITE numeracy test?
Yes, but only in Section 1. An on-screen basic calculator is provided for the 52 questions in Section 1. Personal calculators are not permitted. Section 2 (13 questions) must be completed without any calculator.
How many times can you sit the LANTITE?
From 2025, there are no limits on the number of LANTITE attempts. Previously there was a limit of three attempts.
Test windows and results dates
The LANTITE runs across four test windows per year. Results are released by window: not on the day of sitting: typically a few weeks after each window closes.
2026 Test Windows
| Window | Reg. closes | Test dates |
|---|---|---|
| Window 1 | 20 Jan | 9–22 Feb |
| Window 2 | 13 Apr | 4–17 May |
| Window 3 | 13 Jul | 3–16 Aug |
| Window 4 | 5 Oct | 26 Oct–8 Nov |
Registration opens at 10am and closes at 5pm AEST/AEDT on the listed dates. Remote proctoring closes 5 days before the end of each window.
2026 Results Release Dates
| Window | Results released |
|---|---|
| 2025 Window 4 | Week ending 12 Dec 2025 |
| 2026 Window 1 | Week ending 20 Mar 2026 |
| 2026 Window 2 | Week ending 12 Jun 2026 |
| 2026 Window 3 | Week ending 11 Sep 2026 |
| 2026 Window 4 | Week ending 4 Dec 2026 |
Source: ACER LANTITE 2025/2026 results schedule.
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