A numerical reasoning test measures how quickly and accurately you can take the right figures from tables and charts and work with them. The maths is rarely beyond percentages, ratios and averages: the time limit is what makes it hard. Practise here with timed questions and detailed feedback on every answer.
What numerical reasoning tests actually measure
Despite the name, these are not maths exams. The questions use the kind of data you would find in a business report: sales tables, exchange rates, survey results, budgets and growth charts.
You need to find the two or three figures that matter, then work with percentages, ratios, averages and changes over time. The difficulty comes from the amount of information and the time limit, not from advanced calculation, and reading the data correctly is where most marks are won or lost.
Where you will meet numerical tests in the UK
Numerical reasoning is one of the most common ability tests in UK graduate recruitment. Banks, accountancy and consulting firms use it for almost every role, and it is standard on finance, analyst and commercial graduate schemes.
You will also meet it at retail head offices, in engineering and energy firms, and in public sector recruitment, including many Civil Service applications. It is often set together with verbal and logical tests, or as one section of a combined general ability test such as SHL Verify G+.
Free numerical reasoning practice test
This free test checks how well you interpret numerical and statistical data. It has 9 questions in three sets of three, and each set is built around one graph or table.
- Study the graph or table, then answer three questions about it.
- Work out each answer and pick it from 4 to 5 fixed options.
- Use a calculator, pencil and paper, just as you should in the real test.
- The time limit is 12 minutes.
As soon as you finish, each question is explained step by step, and you see an indication of the level your result would represent in a real recruitment test.
How the test fits into the recruitment process
Most UK employers send the numerical test shortly after you submit your online application, usually with a few days to complete it. Your result is compared with a group of other candidates, and only those above the cut-off move on to a video or telephone interview.
After that comes the assessment centre, where some firms repeat a short numerical test under supervision, and finally the offer. Because the test comes so early, a weak score can end an application before anyone has read your CV.
Practical tips for numerical questions
Use the calculator you will use on the day and get comfortable with percentage change, which comes up in almost every test. Read the units on every table: thousands, millions and percentages are easy to mix up when time is short.
Check exactly which year, region or category a question asks about before you calculate. If a question is taking too long, make your best estimate from the options and move on, as a single hard question is rarely worth more than an easy one.
The full numerical reasoning practice pack
- 47 mixed practice test sets
- A large share of numerical reasoning tests
- Detailed feedback on each result
- 90 days of access to every test
- Repeat tests to build both speed and accuracy
Numerical reasoning tests: frequently asked questions
What maths do I need for a numerical reasoning test?
Percentages, percentage change, ratios, averages, fractions and simple currency conversion cover most questions. The level is roughly what you learned at school. The challenge is applying it quickly to data you have not seen before.
Can I use a calculator in a numerical reasoning test?
In most online numerical reasoning tests, yes, and you should have one ready along with pencil and paper. Our free test is designed to be taken the same way.
How long is a numerical reasoning test?
It depends on the test publisher and the employer. Our free practice test has 9 questions and a 12-minute limit, which gives you a realistic feel for the pace.
How can I improve my numerical reasoning score quickly?
Take a timed test to find your weak spots, then focus on reading tables accurately and on percentage calculations. Review the explanation for every question, not only the ones you got wrong, and repeat tests until you finish comfortably within the time.
What is a good score on a numerical reasoning test?
There is no universal pass mark. Your result is compared with a group of similar candidates, and each employer decides its own cut-off. Aim to answer every question with time left to check, because speed and accuracy both count.