How to Study for BUD/S Diving Physics Math Test

I failed out of Navy SEAL BUDS training on a dive physics math test back in 1982.

I was over half way through the 6 month training and had finished Dive Pool Comp. I failed the dive physics test twice and was pulled from BUDS Class 125.

I was sent to the fleet Navy as a Radioman on the USS Cleveland (LPD-7). Part of the time I spent as a “Jack of the dust” working for the mess hall. I got to move boxes around and swabbed alot of decks and chipped paint. I wanted to be a frogman so I went back to the basics.

I wish I would have spent 20 hours or so studying the Dive physics test forwards and backwards until I could do the problems in my sleep.

The Lesson:

Study now and be ahead of the curve.

I was on a Navy ship for one year and I studied basic math, algebra and pre-calculus and lots of math word problems.

What is Charles Law?

Charles’ Law is an important gas law that every Navy diver and BUD/S candidate should understand because it explains how temperature changes affect the volume and pressure of gases. The law states that as the temperature of a gas increases, the volume also increases when pressure stays constant. In Navy diving operations, this can directly affect scuba tanks, buoyancy compensators, and dry suits. For example, when a compressed air tank is filled quickly before a dive, the tank heats up and pressure rises.

Once the tank cools in cold ocean water, the pressure drops, meaning the diver may actually have less usable air than expected. Navy divers working in cold water environments must understand this principle to safely plan dives, monitor air consumption, and avoid dangerous mistakes underwater. Charles’ Law also applies during long combat swimmer operations where changes in water temperature can impact buoyancy and breathing gas performance. Understanding these gas laws is critical for mission safety, dive planning, and underwater survival.

What is Boyles Law?

Boyle’s Law is one of the most important gas laws for Navy divers, combat swimmers, and BUD/S candidates to understand because it explains how pressure changes affect the volume of air underwater. The law states that as pressure increases, the volume of a gas decreases, and as pressure decreases, the gas expands. In simple terms, deeper water creates more pressure, which compresses air spaces in the body and dive equipment. For Navy divers, this applies directly to the lungs, ears, sinuses, dive masks, buoyancy compensators, and scuba tanks.

For example, when a diver descends underwater, the increased pressure compresses the air in the lungs and ears, which is why divers must equalize pressure to avoid injury. During ascent, the opposite happens—the air expands rapidly as pressure decreases. This is why Navy divers are trained never to hold their breath while ascending because expanding air can damage the lungs and cause serious injury. Boyle’s Law is also critical during combat swimmer operations, submarine lockout dives, and underwater demolitions where precise control of buoyancy and breathing gas is essential for survival and mission success. Understanding Boyle’s Law gives BUD/S students a better understanding of dive physics, safety, and underwater performance.

HOW TO STUDY NOW

I put in the extra work at night so that I could get back to Coronado and complete the training.

Today – it is ironic but you have a computer do the calculations for you. That is no excuse. I was not ready and needed to be failed. It gave me the biggest opportunity of my life to find my “Why” and become the best version of myself.

This is a perfect example of dive physics word problems I would study to get ready for the BUDS diving physics test.

I was able to leave the ship and but learned many valuable lessons during that time. I started back in day one in BUDS Class 132 and graduated in May 1984. I was very humbled by the experience and had learned from my failure. The second time around I finished with no failed evolutions or safety violations.

Quote from Stew Smith (Navy SEAL) “Also understand Algebra and Science, as you will see this math and physics in Dive Training when you apply Laws of Physics to the body while diving. Specifically Charles Law and Boyle’s Law will be used learning how to SCUBA Dive in the Navy.”

FAQs:

What math do you actually need for BUD/S Dive Phase?

Most of the math in BUD/S Dive Phase revolves around dive tables, pressure calculations, time, depth, gas laws, and problem solving under stress. You do not need advanced calculus, but you MUST understand basic algebra, ratios, physics concepts, and how to stay calm while solving problems quickly. Candidates who struggle usually fail from lack of preparation—not because the math is impossible.

Is the BUD/S math test harder because of the stress you are under during training?

Yes. The stress is what makes the test difficult.

You may understand the material at home sitting comfortably at your desk. But at BUD/S you are cold, tired, sleep deprived, and mentally smoked from training. That changes everything.

The key is repetition. Study until the problems become automatic.

What are the most important dive physics laws to study for BUD/S?

The two most important are:

Boyle’s Law
Charles Law

These laws explain how pressure, temperature, and gas volume change underwater during diving operations.

For example, Boyle’s Law helps divers understand why air volume compresses at deeper depths and expands during ascent. This is critical for dive safety and preventing lung injuries.

Charles Law explains how temperature changes affect gas volume in diving cylinders and breathing systems.

How many hours should I study for the BUD/S math test?

A good goal is 20–30 hours of focused study before arriving at BUD/S Prep or Dive Phase.

Don’t cram at the last minute.

Study consistently:

30–60 minutes daily
Practice dive table and physics word problems repeatedly
Review weak areas
Work under time pressure

Consistency wins.

What is the biggest mistake candidates make preparing for BUD/S academics?

Most candidates spend all their time training physically and ignore academics.

Big mistake.

The training pipeline tests your body AND your brain. Many strong athletes fail because they underestimate the classroom portion of training.

Train your mind like you train your body.

Can you fail BUD/S because of academics?

Yes.

Candidates can be rolled or removed from training for failing academic tests, including dive physics and dive table exams.

That is exactly why preparation matters before you arrive.

Do you need to be “good at math” to pass BUD/S?

No. You do not need to be a math genius.

You need:

Discipline
Repetition
Attention to detail
Ability to stay calm under stress

Most successful candidates simply out-prepare everyone else.

What is the best way to study dive tables?

The best method is repetition under pressure.

Write problems out by hand.
Time yourself.
Practice daily.
Study with a partner if possible.

Do enough repetitions until solving the problems feels automatic.

Why is mental toughness important during BUD/S academics?

At BUD/S, negative thinking destroys performance.

The candidates who succeed are able to:

Stay calm under stress
Focus when exhausted
Control emotions
Keep working through frustration

Mental toughness applies in the classroom just like it does during Hell Week.

Should high school students start studying math early for BUD/S?

Absolutely.

If you are serious about becoming a Navy SEAL or Special Forces operator, start building your foundation now:

Algebra
Basic physics
Problem solving
Reading comprehension
Time management

The earlier you prepare, the less stress you will feel later.

What happens if you fail at BUD/S but come back stronger?

Failure is not always the end.

I failed out of BUD/S after a math test, went to the fleet Navy for a year, studied hard, returned to training, and graduated successfully later.

The lesson is simple:

Use setbacks as fuel.

What is the best mindset for passing BUD/S academics?

Attack academics with the same intensity you attack workouts.

Show up prepared.
Stay disciplined.
Control stress.
Keep moving forward.

Small daily preparation compounds into success over time.

About the Author:
Brad McLeod is a former U.S. Navy SEAL, endurance coach, and founder of SEALgrinderPT. He graduated from BUD/S Class 132 and served at SEAL Team 4 after overcoming major setbacks during training. Brad failed out of BUD/S the first time after failing a math test despite completing Hell Week and Dive Pool Comp. Instead of quitting, he returned a year later, graduated training, and went on to serve in the Navy SEAL Teams.

Today Brad coaches military candidates, endurance athletes, and everyday people around the world through SEALgrinderPT. His programs focus on functional fitness, mental toughness, endurance, and resilience under stress. Through decades of coaching and leadership experience, Brad has helped thousands of athletes prepare for challenges ranging military preparation to mountain endurance training and long-term health.

SGPT is a proud sponsor of the Navy SEAL Foundation, the UDT/SEAL Museum Charity and Honor Flight San Diego