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What are numerical reasoning tests? What do numerical tests measure? How to pass numerical reasoning tests? Find out in our complete guide to 2026 numerical reasoning tests below.
Our website provides practice numerical reasoning tests to prepare for recruitment assessment tests used by companies around the world. Start your online assessment preparation with GF today!
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Not sure if you should practice online numerical reasoning aptitude tests? Research has revealed that 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results and the best way to pass this stage is through practice.
According to a study that analysed the Top 100 global employers, it was discovered that 54% – 84% candidates who do not practice assessments are more likely to fail at the first stage of psychometric assessments (Bradley et al., 2019).
Still not sure if you should practice? Check out our quick video below to uncover why it’s essential for you to prepare for your numerical reasoning test:
Continue reading to get answers to these critical questions:
Without further delay, let’s find out everything about numerical reasoning tests below!
A numerical reasoning test or numerical reasoning aptitude test is a psychometric test that assesses your numerical ability to understand, analyse and interpret numerical data presented in charts, tables or words as related to the roles you applied for.
Good to Know: Numerical ability questions require no more than an understanding of basic mathematics at GCSE or equivalent level that includes ratios, percentages and basic arithmetic.
Want to know more about numerical reasoning psychometric tests? Check out our short video below:
You might wonder what makes numerical tests so popular? Find out below why employers favour numerical reasoning tests in their recruitment process.
Here are 7 key facts you must know about numerical reasoning psychometric assessments before you start your next job application.
Do you want to ace your numerical reasoning test including logical and verbal reasoning tests in your next job application? Practice our GF free ability test questions below!
So what do numerical reasoning tests questions usually look like? Keep reading as we cover some common types of numerical reasoning tests questions!
The numerical reasoning tests can require you to answer the following 5 types of numerical ability questions depending on the test provider:
These 5 types of numerical reasoning test questions can be presented in the following formats:
These numerical reasoning ability tests from providers like SHL, Kenexa and Talent Q require candidates to choose the correct answer amongst usually 4-5 options.
Numerical aptitude tests such as from Cut-e require you to determine whether the statements are true, false or you cannot say based on your calculations and the data provided.
These numerical test questions, though not commonly used, require you to derive your answer based on the information provided and input the answer directly into the provided field.
Online numerical reasoning assessments like that from Cappfinity require you to rank the options on a given criteria like ranking of profits or ordering costs.
These interactive numerical reasoning test questions from SHL may require you to drag the options to appropriate places on the screen such as matching data points in the graph or adjusting the graph or pie chart to answer.
Watch our short video below to learn more about types of online numerical reasoning tests and their providers.
Now that we have covered the key types of numerical reasoning tests, check out a numerical test example designed by our experts for your numerical aptitude test practice.
Challenge yourself with the free numerical reasoning test example question below in 45 seconds. Check below the image for the worked solution and answer!
Numerical Reasoning Practice Test Question
Got the answer? Check out how to answer number reasoning questions with the worked solution below!
Step 1
First, look at the provided graph to locate the number of mortgage approvals for the USA and Italy in 2005. Add these 2005 rates for the USA and Italy together. 170,000 + 95,000 = 265,000
Step 2
Then similarly we can add the 2006 rates for the USA and Italy together. 110,000 + 95,000 = 205,000
Step 3
Then, add the 2007 rates for the USA and Italy. 75,000 + 95,000 = 170,000
Step 4
Finally, we can now add the totals found from steps 1, 2 and 3 together to find the combined number of mortgage approvals. 265,000 + 205,000 + 170,000 = 640,000
Correct Answer: C
Looking for even more FREE numerical reasoning practice questions?
Check out our short video below for more numerical reasoning practice test questions with worked solutions!
What does numerical reasoning assessment tests measure? Let’s find out the skills that numerical reasoning tests assess below.
Primarily, numerical reasoning tests aim to measure your numerical reasoning skills. However, they also assess other skills required for optimal performance in the job role. These skills include:
Problem-solving
ability to provide insightful solutions to on-the-job problems that are related to numerical data.
Numeracy skills
numerical reasoning tests assess your knowledge of basic mathematical concepts and ability to apply them to real-life organisational problems.
Logical reasoning
numerical tests assess your ability to make logical conclusions from given numerical data.
Ability to understand and prepare data
numerical tests assess your ability to monitor, interpret and prepare graphs, charts and spreadsheets to communicate critical organisational needs.
Decision-making
numerical reasoning tests reveal your capacity to analyse given data and choose the correct answer to resolve the given problem.
While numerical reasoning psychometric tests require a basic understanding of mathematical concepts, their major aim is to assess your ability to reason, understand and use the given data efficiently to problem solve under time pressure necessary for graduate roles.
This is contrary to the popular belief that numerical aptitude tests focus on measuring your maths skills which is what you can expect if they were asked to complete a numerical calculation test.
Don’t miss the 3 key mistakes candidates make that you should avoid in your online numerical reasoning assessment test with this quick video:
Wondering how scoring is done on numerical reasoning assessments? Find out below!
The numerical reasoning assessments are mostly evaluated by converting your raw scores to percentiles rather than using descriptors such as T score, sten, stanine etc. Percentiles reveal how well you scored compared to other candidates.
While there is no fixed passing score in the numerical reasoning assessments, most employers usually use a set cut-off score to shortlist candidates and this varies but the most preferred range is between 70-90 percentile.
Your speed is also measured during numerical reasoning tests. Watch this short video below to discover how to increase your speed using the elimination method.
Having learnt all of these, let’s find out why numerical reasoning tests are important.
Numerical reasoning tests are important in the hiring process as they allow recruiters to assess candidates for a variety of roles in job functions that require numerical skills and data analysis. These job functions include:
Here are 5 jobs that employers most commonly use numerical reasoning tests for in their hiring processes:
Numerical reasoning assessments can help recruiters determine if you have the logical reasoning and decision-making ability on numerical data within the role. For example, good numerical reasoning in a job can help you:
Now that you know why numerical reasoning tests are important, let’s talk about some of the employers that use numerical reasoning tests
Many multinational employers use numerical reasoning assessments as part of their online assessment stage. Here is a list of some of these top employers:
Check out our step-by-step employer guides for detailed employer guides to 100+ of the world’s largest companies and discover tips that will put you ahead of your competitors.
These employers and many others use numerical reasoning tests as part of their aptitude tests to find candidates for their various companies and roles.
Find out why employers use numerical reasoning tests below.
Employers use numerical reasoning tests to assess your numeracy skills and problem solving skills as suitable for a role. Here are other key reasons why employers use numerical reasoning skill tests in their recruitment process:
Efficient recruitment process
The use of standardized online numerical reasoning tests help employers sift out the large volume of candidates efficiently without bias.
Save on costs and time
Numerical ability tests help recruiters assess the critical numerical ability required for the job role early on in the hiring process.
Standardized and objective
Numerical reasoning assessments help employers to maintain an unbiased position when hiring applicants from different socio-cultural backgrounds.
Adaptive
Most numerical reasoning assessments are adaptive, depending on the role. Senior level roles numerical tests are often more challenging than those for junior or entry level positions.
Reliability and validity
Numerical assessment tests are standardized and consistent which means they can always be trusted to test candidates’ job performance in the roles they applied for.
Support employee training and development
Numerical reasoning tests can help to identify training needs and improvement for existing employees.
Good to Know: Using a psychometrically robust numerical reasoning assessment allows recruiters to reduce the candidate pool by 50% on average when partnered with another psychometric test.
There are several numerical test providers used by multinational employers during their recruitment process, let’s uncover more about them below.
Most of the reputed employers like Amazon and Shell use numerical reasoning tests from any of following numerical psychometric test providers:
Good to Know: According to research, 75% of the Times top 100 companies and a further 70% of UK companies with other 50 employees use psychometric testing including numerical reasoning as part of their recruitment process Pearce et al. (2021).
Now that we know which employers use numerical reasoning tests and why they use them, let’s learn how to pass numerical reasoning tests in the next section.
To pass a numerical test, you need to prepare and practice consistently as the hiring process for top companies is always competitive. Below are some important tips to ace the numerical reasoning test in your next aptitude tests.
Here are 7 top tips you can use to prepare and pass numerical reasoning assessments:
Revise basic maths skills
Brush up on concepts like fractions, percentages, ratios, and interpreting graphs or tables as they are required in numerical tests.
Practice timed tests regularly
Consistently practice numerical reasoning tests to build speed, accuracy, and familiarity with numerical test formats.
Improve mental calculation speed
Practice mental math as this helps reduce reliance on calculators and also saves time while under pressure.
Review worked solutions
Analysing the correct answers provided by the practice tests improves your understanding of numerical questions and solution methods.
Attention to details is important
Ensure you’re using the correct figures, units, and labels from each question to derive your answers because accuracy matters.
Use elimination methods where possible
Eliminate the answers that you find odd or incorrect to help you reach the correct answer faster with fewer options.
Use your time wisely
Ensure to aim for both speed and precision as you work; double-check your work only if time allows.
Do you want to practice more numerical reasoning test practice questions to boost your numerical ability? Practice with GF!
With this, we have been able to cover all you need to know about numerical reasoning tests you need to complete in online aptitude assessments used by top organisations across the world.
Wait, before you go!
Before you start your numerical reasoning tests, explore our FAQ section below for more answers about successfully completing numerical reasoning assessment tests.
A maths test checks your knowledge of formulas and calculations. A numerical reasoning test checks your ability to interpret, analyze, and apply numbers to real-world scenarios, often using business data.
Numerical reasoning tests typically last 20–40 minutes, depending on the test provider and employer. Most numerical tests have 15–25 questions.
In most numerical reasoning tests, basic calculators are permitted. But some employers may restrict calculator use to test mental math skills.
The math itself is usually high school level, but the challenge comes from:
Yes. Some firms, mostly banks and consultancies, use more advanced, data-heavy tests, while others use simpler versions. Always check the company’s careers page for clues on the provider.
Do you want to pass your numerical aptitude tests, first time? Practice for your aptitude tests today with GF, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe. Practice with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
Do you want to pass your numerical aptitude tests, first time? Practice for your aptitude tests today with GF, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.
Practice with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
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