Cheat Sheet

CFA Level I Cheat Sheet

By The Exam Atlas Editorial Team · Verified 2026-05-29

A final-revision summary for CFA Level I. Study aid only — no notes in the proctored exam (an approved calculator is permitted).

The ten topics

Ethics · Quantitative Methods · Economics · Financial Statement Analysis · Corporate Issuers · Equity · Fixed Income · Derivatives · Alternative Investments · Portfolio Management.

Core formulas to know

ConceptIdea
Future valueFV = PV × (1 + r)ⁿ
Present valuePV = FV ÷ (1 + r)ⁿ
NPVSum of discounted cash flows minus initial outlay
Current ratioCurrent assets ÷ current liabilities
ROENet income ÷ shareholders’ equity
Bond pricePresent value of coupons + principal

The Code and Standards (ethics)

Seven Standards of Professional Conduct: Professionalism; Integrity of Capital Markets; Duties to Clients; Duties to Employers; Investment Analysis and Recommendations; Conflicts of Interest; Responsibilities as a CFA Member/Candidate.

Exam-day reminders

Two sessions of multiple-choice questions · master the approved calculator · ethics can decide a borderline result · manage time per item.

FAQ

Can I bring notes to the CFA exam?
No. It is proctored. An approved financial calculator is allowed; notes are not. Use this for final revision only.

Sources