CFA® Formula Sheets
Master essential CFA formulas with concise, easy-to-review sheets created by CFA charterholders. Understand how formulas connect across topics, improve recall, and build the confidence to apply concepts under exam pressure.
Aligned to the CFA Institute's Curriculum
- 100% LOS aligned
- All three levels covered
- Annual curriculum updates
- High-yield exam focus
- Clear concepts via diagrams
- Formulas by topic area
- Common exam traps flagged
- Study with it, not just read it
- Per-chapter QBank links
- Any-device access
- One unified study platform
- Seamless reading experience
Comprehensive CFA Formula Sheets for Every Level
CFA Level 1 Formula Sheet
Master the fundamentals with UWorld’s CFA Level 1 Formula Sheet in SimpleSheets+. Access the most important formulas across key CFA topics in a clear, structured format designed for faster learning and retention.
- Key formulas organized by topic
- Quick-reference study aid
- Simple explanations included
- Supports active recall learning
CFA Level 2 Formula Sheet
Advance your financial analysis and valuation skills with UWorld’s CFA Level 2 Formula Sheet in SimpleSheets+. Designed for application-focused learning, it helps you organize, understand, and retain the key formulas needed for complex CFA Level 2 concepts.
- Core formulas by topic
- Built for application practice
- Exam-focused explanations
- Ideal for vignette questions
CFA Level 3 Formula Sheet
Tackle advanced portfolio management with confidence using UWorld’s CFA Level 3 Formula Sheet in SimpleSheets+. Designed for strategy-focused learning, it helps you connect complex concepts with the formulas that drive investment decisions.
- Advanced formulas by topic
- Strategy-focused study aid
- Quick review under pressure
- Links concepts to calculations
Designed to Help You Study, Retain, and Recall
Written by Active CFA Charterholders
The creators of SimpleSheets+ have passed the exam themselves. They know exactly which formulas confuse candidates, how topics are weighted at each level, and how questions are phrased to test application. Every entry is built directly from that firsthand knowledge.
- Written by CFA charterholders
- Aligned with CFA curriculum
- Reflects level topic weights
- Exam-informed definitions
Every Formula Maps to Exam Content
Nothing in SimpleSheets+ is there because it seemed relevant. Every formula ties to a current CFA Institute Learning Outcome Statement. If it is not tested, it is not in here. If it was added to the curriculum this cycle, it is.
- Every entry maps to a current LOS
- No retired or outdated formulas
- Updated each curriculum year
- Topic weightings shape the coverage
Don't Just Read Formulas
Cover the formula. Read the definition. Try to reconstruct it. That gap between reading and recalling is where retention actually gets built. SimpleSheets+ is structured for that kind of practice, not passive rereading.
- Plain-language definitions
- Application notes included
- Common exam traps flagged
- Focused topic groupings
Study Anytime, Anywhere
SimpleSheets+ is inside your UWorld dashboard, not a separate download you have to track down. Available on the mobile app too, so a commute or a lunch break is a legitimate study session.
- Desktop and mobile access
- Review during short breaks
- Sync across your devices
- Study at your own pace
Get Your CFA Formula Sheets Today
How UWorld CFA SimpleSheets+ Outperforms Others
| Comparison Factor | UWorld CFA | Other Preps |
|---|---|---|
|
Formula Organization
|
Grouped by CFA subject to mirror the actual exam testing structure. |
No subject grouping, making it harder to see how related formulas connect. |
|
Definitions and Context
|
Explains what the formula measures, not just what it looks like, aiding exam interpretation. |
No explanation; forces you to constantly cross-reference study guides to understand its use. |
|
Exam Application Notes
|
Notes on scenario setups, correct usage, and how to avoid common exam traps. |
No application guidance; candidates are left to figure out usage during mock exams. |
|
Curriculum Alignment
|
Every formula ties directly to current Learning Outcome Statements. No outdated clutter. |
Often misses recent LOS updates or includes retired formulas. |
|
Active Recall Design
|
Formatted for active retrieval practice (cover, read, reconstruct) rather than passive reading. |
Reference-only format lacking a structure for active exam-day recall practice. |
|
Access and Integration
|
Integrated into your UWorld dashboard alongside your QBank. No tool-switching. |
Standalone file with no connection to your active practice question workflow. |
Formula Organization
Grouped by CFA subject to mirror the actual exam testing structure.
No subject grouping, making it harder to see how related formulas connect.
Definitions and Context
Explains what the formula measures, not just what it looks like, aiding exam interpretation.
No explanation; forces you to constantly cross-reference study guides to understand its use.
Exam Application Notes
Notes on scenario setups, correct usage, and how to avoid common exam traps.
No application guidance; candidates are left to figure out usage during mock exams.
Curriculum Alignment
Every formula ties directly to current Learning Outcome Statements. No outdated clutter.
Often misses recent LOS updates or includes retired formulas.
Active Recall Design
Formatted for active retrieval practice (cover, read, reconstruct) rather than passive reading.
Reference-only format lacking a structure for active exam-day recall practice.
Access and Integration
Integrated into your UWorld dashboard alongside your QBank. No tool-switching.
Standalone file with no connection to your active practice question workflow.
CFA Formulas: FAQs
How are UWorld’s CFA Formula Sheets different from others?
Not all CFA Formula Sheets are created with the same goal in mind. While many resources simply compile formulas into a reference list, UWorld’s CFA Formula Sheets are designed to help candidates efficiently review, retain, and apply key concepts throughout their exam preparation. Each sheet is structured around the CFA curriculum, making it easier to connect formulas to the topics and learning objectives tested on the exam.
Built Around the CFA Curriculum
UWorld’s Formula Sheets are organized by topic and aligned with the latest Learning Outcome Statements (LOS). This structure helps candidates quickly find the formulas they need while reinforcing how each concept fits within the broader curriculum.
More Than Just Formulas
SimpleSheets+ includes key definitions, concepts, and relationships alongside essential equations. This added context helps candidates understand the purpose and application of formulas rather than relying solely on memorization.
Designed for Faster Review
The concise format makes it easy to revisit important formulas during study sessions, topic reviews, and final exam preparation. Instead of searching through textbooks or notes, candidates can quickly access the information they need in one place.
Updated for Every Exam Cycle
UWorld reviews and updates its Formula Sheets to reflect the latest CFA Institute curriculum changes. This ensures candidates are always studying the most relevant formulas and concepts for their upcoming exam.
For candidates seeking a more comprehensive preparation experience, Formula Sheets can also be paired with UWorld’s CFA QBank and Full Course to reinforce concepts through practice questions and detailed instruction.
What’s the difference between UWorld CFA SimpleSheets and SimpleSheets+?
| SimpleSheets | SimpleSheets+ |
|---|---|
| SimpleSheets offers a free preview for each CFA Exam level, giving you a glimpse of key formulas organized by topic to support your prep. | SimpleSheets+ is an extensive, concise reference guide offering each level’s key formulas, definitions, and fundamental concepts. It is included with the Advanced and Elite packages. |
Do UWorld’s CFA formula sheets cover all three levels?
Yes. UWorld’s CFA formula sheets are available for Levels 1, 2, and 3, each customized to that level’s curriculum and question style. Level 1 focuses on foundational formulas in quantitative methods, economics, and financial reporting. Level 2 emphasizes application-based formulas used in valuation, portfolio analysis, and risk management. Level 3 formula sheets include advanced portfolio management and performance measurement equations. Each set is aligned with the latest Learning Outcome Statements (LOS), ensuring complete coverage of formulas tested in the CFA® exams.
Are UWorld’s CFA formula sheets free to access?
Yes. You can download a free sample CFA® formula sheet directly from this page by selecting your desired level. The free SimpleSheets preview includes essential formulas organized by topic to help you get started with your prep. For complete access, SimpleSheets+, included with UWorld’s Advanced and Elite CFA Exam Prep packages, provides full formula coverage, definitions, and explanations across all levels.
How do UWorld’s formula sheets help with CFA exam prep?
UWorld’s CFA formula sheets go beyond memorization. Each sheet is designed to teach you when and how to apply each formula through visual structure, context cues, and cross-links to related practice questions in the CFA Exam Prep course. This integrated approach reinforces understanding, improves recall, and strengthens problem-solving accuracy under timed conditions. Whether you’re reviewing formulas daily or doing last-minute revision, UWorld’s formula sheets help convert formula knowledge into exam-ready confidence.
How often are UWorld’s CFA formula sheets updated?
UWorld’s CFA formula sheets are updated before every new exam cycle to reflect the latest CFA Institute curriculum and any changes to Learning Outcome Statements (LOS). Each update ensures all formulas, definitions, and examples stay accurate and relevant. This guarantees that candidates always study from the most up-to-date version, matching the exact formulas tested on their exam.
Can I use UWorld's CFA Formula Sheets with the QBank or Full Course?
Yes. UWorld’s CFA Formula Sheets are designed to complement both the CFA QBank and Full Course. Use Formula Sheets for quick review and formula reinforcement while practicing exam-style questions in the QBank or building a deeper understanding with comprehensive course instruction. Together, these resources create a more complete and efficient CFA exam preparation experience.