Formula Mastery · CFA® Level I · 2026

2026 CFA Level I Formula Sheet PDF
Clear, Organized & Memorization‑Friendly

The CFA exam does not provide a formula sheet, and candidates must recall formulas from memory during the test. A concise, well‑organized reference for study time is therefore essential. The FinQuiz Level I formula sheet is a curriculum‑aligned quick reference that keeps all key formulas in one place for fast, daily review.

  • All key Level I formulas across 10 topics, organized by reading
  • Updated for the 2026 curriculum
  • Designed for rapid daily review on screen or as a printed PDF
  • Free sample PDF to preview the structure and notation

Use the FinQuiz formula sheet during study and revision only. The live CFA exam is not open‑book and candidates may not bring formula sheets into the test center.

FinQuiz CFA Level I formula sheet preview

Why a Dedicated CFA Level I Formula Sheet Matters

Many candidates search for a CFA Level 1 formula sheet PDF, CFA cheat sheet, or equation sheet in the weeks before the exam that reflects three realities:

Heavy Formula Load

Quantitative Methods, Fixed Income, Derivatives, and Portfolio Management rely on multi‑step formulas. Pulling them from scattered notes the week before the exam is inefficient and stressful.

No Formula Sheet in the Exam

Candidates must memorize formulas and know when and how to apply them. A structured sheet for study time is critical if you want to move quickly during the exam without second‑guessing notation.

High Return on Revision Time

A single, well‑organized reference lets you run multiple high‑yield formula passes in the final weeks—far more efficient than re‑reading full chapters or searching through long notes.

Inside the FinQuiz CFA Level I Formula Sheet

Topic‑by‑Topic Structure

Formulas are grouped by topic and Learning Module, with clear headings, for example:

  • Quantitative Methods (TVM, statistics, probability, regression)
  • Financial Statement Analysis (ratios, tax, inventory, leases)
  • Equity, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Alternatives
  • Corporate Issuers & Portfolio Management

This mirrors how you study, making it easy to find exactly what you need.

Clean Notation & Short Hints

Each formula is written using consistent symbols and often includes a short reminder of:

  • What each variable represents
  • Where the formula is commonly used (e.g., NPV, duration, beta)
  • Common pitfalls (e.g., nominal vs effective rate)

The goal is fast recognition, not long paragraphs that slow you down.

Optimized for PDF & Print

Layout and font sizes are tuned so you can:

  • Use the sheet on a tablet or laptop without constant zooming
  • Print at home and keep a compact set of pages near your desk
  • Highlight or annotate sections as you solve practice questions

How to Use the Formula Sheet Effectively

The sheet is designed to fit into any CFA Level I study plan, whether you rely on the official curriculum, another provider, or your own notes.

  • During learning: Keep the relevant topic pages open while you read or watch lessons to reinforce notation in context.
  • During question practice: Refer to the sheet as a quick check, then gradually wean yourself off it as formulas become automatic.
  • Final month: Run fast “formula passes” several times per week, focusing on formulas you still hesitate on.
  • Final days: Use it as your main revision tool instead of re‑opening hundreds of pages of curriculum.
FinQuiz CFA Level I formula pages in use

Combine Formulas with Practice for Even Better Results

The formula sheet is most powerful when paired with exam‑style questions. Once you are comfortable with the formulas, consider:

  • The FinQuiz Question Bank for thousands of Level I practice questions.
  • The Practice Plus package, which bundles the Question Bank, six mock exams, and the formula sheet.

Many candidates start with the standalone formula sheet and upgrade later when they are ready for high‑volume practice.

Reduce Formula Stress Before Exam Day

The FinQuiz CFA Level I formula sheet removes the chaos from formula review. Instead of hunting through long notes, you can focus on a concise, well‑structured reference that mirrors the way the curriculum is organized.

Download the free sample to see the layout, then unlock the full 2026 sheet when you are ready.

What Candidates Say About the FinQuiz Formula Sheet

Real feedback from CFA candidates who used our formula resources in their preparation.

“Thanks a lot! I used it for L2 and it was nice.”

R
CFA candidate
via Reddit r/CFA

“I would recommend FinQuiz for its smart summaries, curriculum notes and formula sheet.”

C
CFA charterholder
via candidate feedback

CFA Level I Formula Sheet — FAQs

Is this CFA Level I formula sheet updated for the 2026 curriculum?

Yes. The FinQuiz formula sheet is aligned with the 2026 CFA Level I curriculum and Learning Modules. When the curriculum changes, we update the formulas and notation to remain consistent with current readings.

Can I use this formula sheet during the actual CFA exam?

No. The live CFA exam is not open‑book, and you may not bring formula sheets, notes, or printed materials into the test. The FinQuiz formula sheet is intended for study and revision only, to help you memorize and practice formulas before exam day.

Do you offer a free CFA Level I formula sheet?

We provide a free sample PDF so you can review the layout, notation, and level of detail before purchasing. The full formula sheet is a paid resource that covers all Level I topics.

How is this different from free formula lists I can find online?

Many free lists are incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent with current curriculum notation. The FinQuiz sheet is:

  • Curated and reviewed by CFA charterholders
  • Organized to mirror the Level I topic structure
  • Designed specifically for efficient daily review

This saves you time and reduces the risk of relying on incorrect or missing formulas.

Is FinQuiz affiliated with CFA Institute?

No. FinQuiz is an independent exam preparation provider. CFA Institute owns the CFA®, Chartered Financial Analyst®, and related trademarks and controls the official curriculum and examinations. Our materials are original prep resources designed to help candidates study; they are not endorsed or reviewed by CFA Institute.