Finance Exams
CFA Level 1 Formula Reference — 250 Formulas + 98 Definitions
54-page 2026 formula reference: 250 formulas + 98 definitions by topic plus an 80-question recall drill with answer key.
CFA Level 1 exam prep
348 entries — 250 formulas and 98 definitions across Quant (65), Fixed Income (51), Derivatives (49), and the remaining Level 1 topics. The 80-question drill tests see-the-formula/name-the-concept recall. Same validated bank as the Anki deck.
Built for: CFA Level 1 candidates who need fast formula retrieval under exam timing — print the reference, run the recall drill, and pair with spaced-repetition review on the companion Anki deck.
Covers: 250 CFA Level 1 formulas and 98 key definitions across Quant, Economics, FSA, Corporate Issuers, Equity, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Alternatives, Portfolio Management, and Ethics & GIPS.
- Printable PDF study material
- 54 pages + 80 recall questions
- Topic coverage table and samples on this page
- Independent supplement to courses and question banks
Product facts
- Contents
- 54 pages + 80 recall questions
- Coverage
- 250 CFA Level 1 formulas and 98 key definitions across Quant, Economics, FSA, Corporate Issuers, Equity, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Alternatives, Portfolio Management, and Ethics & GIPS
- Format
- Price
- $14 USD
- Checkout
- Gumroad
- Exam cycle
- 2026 CFA Level 1 preparation cycle
- Delivery
- Printable PDF digital download through Gumroad
What is inside the PDF
| Section | Length | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Methods | 65 entries | TVM, statistics, regression — typeset with one-line meanings |
| Economics | 36 entries | Micro, macro, and currency parity relationships |
| Financial Statement Analysis | 44 entries | Ratios, cash flow linkages, inventory methods |
| Corporate Issuers | 14 entries | Capital structure and governance metrics |
| Equity Investments | 23 entries | Multiples, DDM, and index construction |
| Fixed Income | 51 entries | Duration, convexity, yields, and pricing |
| Derivatives | 49 entries | Forwards, futures, options, and swaps |
| Alternative Investments | 11 entries | Core alternatives metrics |
| Portfolio Management | 27 entries | CAPM, Sharpe, and portfolio risk/return |
| Ethics & GIPS | 28 entries | Key ethics and GIPS definitions |
| Formula Recall Drill | 80 questions | See the formula, name the concept — explained answer key |
PDF previews
Three real excerpts from the PDF: the cram sheet, allergens + HACCP, and the Big 6 pathogen table.
Quantitative Methods formula table — typeset math at a glance
Each row shows concept, typeset formula, and a one-line plain-English meaning — the fastest pre-exam scan for TVM and statistics families Level 1 repeats.
Formula Recall Drill — see the formula, name the concept
80 questions with same-topic distractors test whether you can retrieve the concept behind a displayed formula under exam timing.
Drill question with full explanation in the answer key
Every recall question includes why the correct concept matches the formula and why tempting distractors fail — mapped to the validated item bank.
How this deck compares
Level 1 rewards retrieval speed — you cannot apply a formula you cannot name in three seconds. This reference is the printable recall layer; pair it with Anki for daily reps and the free mock for topic gaps.
| Approach | Typical size | Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Free community decks | 1,000–3,000 |
|
| Budget mega-packs | 1,000+ |
|
| This deck | 54 pages + 80 recall questions |
|
CFA Level 1 Formula Reference study guide
What is inside
348 entries — 250 typeset formulas and 98 examiner-style definitions across Quantitative Methods (65), Fixed Income (51), Derivatives (49), FSA (44), Economics (36), Ethics & GIPS (28), Portfolio Management (27), Equity (23), Corporate Issuers (14), and Alternatives (11). Each table row shows concept, typeset formula, and a one-line plain-English meaning. The 80-question Formula Recall Drill shows a formula and asks you to name the concept — same-topic distractors mirror exam phrasing.
Four-week recall plan with the Anki deck and free mock
**Week 1:** Quant and FRA tables + 20 [CFA Anki](/decks/cfa-level-1-anki-deck) cards/day. **Week 2:** Fixed income and derivatives tables. **Week 3:** Take the 80-question recall drill timed; run the [free 60-question mock](/mock-exams/cfa-level-1-readiness-check). **Week 4:** Re-print tables for lowest mock topics only; Anki review on missed drill questions.
Pitfalls this reference targets
Candidates memorize formula shape but cannot name the concept under pressure, or confuse duration with convexity applications. The recall drill forces concept retrieval — not passive re-reading of typeset math.
FAQ
What should I study first for CFA Level 1 Formula Reference?
Use the topic coverage table on this page to match 250 cfa level 1 formulas and 98 key definitions across quant, economics, fsa, corporate issuers, equity, fixed income, derivatives, alternatives, portfolio management, and ethics & gips, then review 54 pages + 80 recall questions items daily. Candidates who need sub-three-second formula retrieval print this reference for typeset formula tables and an 80-question recall drill — then run the free readiness check and drill weak topics in the companion Anki deck.
Does this pair with the CFA Level 1 Anki deck?
Yes. The PDF and 342+ card Anki deck share the same validated item bank. Use the reference for printable formula tables and the 80-question recall drill; use Anki for daily spaced-repetition on your phone.
Is this official CFA Level 1 Formula Reference exam material?
No. This is an independent educational product. CFA Institute does not endorse, promote, or warrant the accuracy or quality of this product.
Is this official CFA Institute material?
No. This is an independent educational product. CFA Institute does not endorse, promote, or warrant the accuracy or quality of this product.
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Last updated 2026-06-12.