Numerical Reasoning Practice Test: Essential Tips For 2024

Numerical reasoning tests are part of the recruitment process for all top employers in the UK.

We get more emails about numerical reasoning tests than anything else, so we made this free in-depth resource to help you.

Take the Numerical Reasoning Practice Practice Test to improve your score.

On this page, you’ll find numerical reasoning practice tests, our best tips, coaching videos, and strategies for succeeding in your numerical tests.

Download our Ultimate Assessment Day & Interview Guide 2022 here. (It's packed with tips, tricks and insider-secrets to help you succeed.)

3 Useful Resources to Start Your Numerical Tests Preparation

1) Get hold of our recommended numerical practice tests here.

2) Check out our numerical reasoning podcast episode here.

3) Download a copy of our popular free report 4 Steps To Numerical Test Success

numerical-reasoning-practice-test What’s Here on the Numerical Reasoning Test Page?

> 19 numerical reasoning practice tests.
> 4 numerical reasoning coaching videos.
> Links to all numerical reasoning practice test suppliers.
> A huge list of the web’s best numerical reasoning practice tests, tips, articles, books & resources.

NOTE: There’s TONS of stuff on this page, so you may want to bookmark/favourite the page for future reference.

Ok let’s get straight to it, how do you pass a numerical reasoning test?

How to Pass a Numerical Reasoning Test – Coaching Video 1

There are 6 steps that you need to follow to pass a numerical reasoning test. In this first video, we’ll cover steps 1-3.

How to Pass a Numerical Reasoning Test – Video 2

In part 2 we share steps 4-6 including the most important secret you need to know to pass your numerical reasoning test.

Numerical Reasoning Practice Tests – Arranged by Supplier

Here’s a list of supplier-specific numerical reasoning practice tests. This list will always be maintained, so feel free to check back at any point in the future for the latest versions of each supplier’s test software.

SHL – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Saville – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Talent Q – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Kenexa – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Cubiks – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Cut-E – Numerical reasoning practice tests

Note: These tests also include each correct answer and a detailed explanation for the areas where you fall short. These resources are helpful because they highlight how you will fail and how to avoid that. (This means you can plug that hole in your knowledge before your real test.)

Take Numerical Reasoning Practice Practice Test Now

Are All Numerical Reasoning Practice Tests the Same?

Numerical Reasoning Practice Test No. They assess similar criteria, but there are big variations in the tests themselves. Find out which numerical reasoning supplier will be used for your test. Was it created by SHL, Saville, Talent Q, Kenexa, or someone else?

How Can I Find Out Who My Test Supplier Is?

Your prospective employer’s HR department, or the agency who is representing you will be able to give you this information. To give yourself the best chance of success, you should sit 4-6 numerical reasoning practice tests created by your test supplier before you sit your real test.

Numerical Reasoning Tests – The Basics

Let’s rewind a little and cover some basic background principles about numerical reasoning tests.

What Is a Numerical Reasoning Test?

A numerical reasoning test is a form of psychometric aptitude testing that is widely used by top employers in interviews and assessment centres. If you’re applying for a role at a big corporate employer, it’s highly likely there will be numerical tests.

Lots of candidates worry about their numerical reasoning test, but, unlike most other aptitude tests, you can make big improvements in your numerical ability & methods in a short space of time. This is an exercise where your preparation pays off.

numerical-reasoning-test

So the Test Is Basically Measuring My Maths Ability?

Broadly, yes. Your ability to interpret and manipulate mathematical data is the main area of assessment, but the test also gives employers insight into your overall intelligence, judgement, and business acumen.

Take Numerical Reasoning Practice Practice Test Now

What Should I Expect During My Numerical Reasoning Test?

It will vary depending on your test supplier, but as a broad rule, you will be required to answer questions by interpreting figures/data that are presented in statistical tables & graphs.

For each question, you are given a number of options to choose from, but it’s important to remember that one, and only one, of the options is correct in each case.

.

Stop worrying! Download a 12-step assessment day cheatsheet & be perfectly prepared.

Click here to download your copy

.

Can You Show Me Numerical Reasoning Test Example Questions?

Sure, here are a couple of numerical reasoning practice test example questions from a numerical ability test as well as the corresponding correct answers:

numerical-reasoning-test

Example Question 1: Which newspaper was read by a higher percentage of females than males in Year 3?

A) The Tribune

B) The Herald

C) Daily News

D) Daily Echo

E) The Daily Chronicle

Example Question 2: What was the combined readership of the Daily Chronicle, the Daily Echo and The Tribune in Year 1?

A) 10.6

B) 8.4

C) 9.5

D) 12.2

E) 7.8

Here’s another example question from a numerical reasoning practice test:

Practice-Numerical-Reasoning-Test

Example Question 3: In Year 3, how much more than Italy did Germany spend on computer imports?

A) 650 million

B) 700 million

C) 750 million

D) 800 million

E) 850 million

Example Question 4: If the amount spent on computer imports into the UK in Year 5 was 20% lower than in Year 4, what was spent in Year 5?

A) 1,080 million

B) 1,120 million

C) 1,160 million

D) 1,220 million

E) 1,300 million

Take Numerical Reasoning Practice Practice Test Now

Are All Numerical Reasoning Tests the Same?

No. They all assess very similar criteria, but there are variations in the tests themselves. Find out beforehand who your numerical reasoning test was created by (SHL, Saville, Talent Q, Kenexa etc). You should repeatedly practice tests created by that company.

Test Quick-Links

Here’s a handy list of supplier-specific tests:

SHL – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Saville – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Talent Q – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Kenexa – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Cubiks – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Cut-E – Numerical reasoning practice tests

Ok, we’ve looked at what these tests are and covered plenty of background. Now let’s review some actionable steps that you can follow to pass your numerical reasoning test with the best SHL test results.

numerical-reasoning-test

8 Expert Tips For Numerical Reasoning Test Success

Teacher and Students in Exam Hall

1) Study the Information at Least TWICE

It is vital that you fully understand the information you’re being presented with before you begin answering questions.   Numerical Reasoning Practice Test Small assumptions can catch you out in a numerical reasoning practice test – don’t forget this test is also checking your eye for detail.

2) Stay Calm

Nothing will damage your performance more than losing your focus during the test. Numerical reasoning tests have a time limit. For some people, this makes a big difference in how they go about the exam.

For example, the pressure of the time limit can make test takers struggle to concentrate. This makes it crucial to take more practice tests so that you can answer even the most difficult questions with confidence.

Here are two of our most popular articles that will help you manage nervousness:

How To Prepare For An Interview Or Assessment Centre

How To Deal With Interview Nerves & Anxiety

3) Manage Your Time Carefully

A standard numerical reasoning practice test lasts for around 20 minutes. As with most aptitude tests, it’s crucial that you manage your time carefully.

You should always scan ahead and see how many questions you need to complete within the time limit.

As a rule of thumb, you should spend about 90 seconds on each question. If you are really stuck on a question don’t waste time trying to figure it out.

During the 5 minutes you spend pondering one tricky question you could correctly answer 3-4 others and secure a much higher overall score in your numerical reasoning test. 

Download a copy of our popular free report 4 Steps To Numerical Test Success.

4) Practice as Much as Possible Before Your Test

Numerical reasoning tests are the easiest assessment centre activity to prepare for because the preparation is so clear-cut. You need to hone your numerical ability or Math skills, which means being able to answer questions on currency conversion, mental arithmetic, number series, word problems, and data interpretation.

If you put in the time for test preparation, passing this aptitude test is more than doable.

Get stuck into as many relevant numerical reasoning practice tests as you can.  Practice, practice, practice!

PRO TIP: You can practice the numerical reasoning tests used by employers  by clicking on the button given below (these are not free tests, but they are a must for candidates who want to do everything they can to guarantee success).

Take Numerical Reasoning Practice Practice Test Now

Buy some numerical reasoning books from Amazon to brush up on your maths, here’s a good selection to get you started.

You can also listen to our podcast on how to succeed in a numerical reasoning practice test, a companion to this article, by clicking here.

 

numerical-reasoning

5) If possible use your own calculator 

Using your own calculator that you’re comfortable with and fully understand how to use will save you valuable seconds in your numerical reasoning practice test.  numerical reasoning test practice A scientific calculator with the ability to use macros is ideal, but in the absence of this just use a big calculator with a clear screen and large buttons.   Simplicity and ease of use are the key here; don’t lose sight of the fact you’re being timed against other candidates!

6) Make No Assumptions

In a numerical reasoning practice test, you mustn’t factor in real-life data that you know proves or disproves an element of a question.  You absolutely must take all elements of your numerical reasoning test literally – if it isn’t included in the data you’re shown then you can’t include it in your decision-making process for the question.

7) Focus Only on the Sought Data

The answer to most questions will be in only a sub-section of the data you are shown. (You can often disregard 80% of the data that’s presented.)   The key is knowing where to look and this is part of the test; your data-selection skills are being measured as well as your core mathematic ability.

8) Fully Understand How to Calculate Percentages

Do you fully understand percentages? It’s surprising how many people think they do, but don’t.

It’s important that you know this because it forms a large part of every numerical reasoning test.

As a quick test: Do you know how to strip a retrospective percentage increase out? (e.g. for after-sales tax, such as VAT?)

For example, if I bought £72.14 of fuel for my car and needed to calculate how much that would be without VAT what would I do? Would I calculate 17.5% of £72.14 (£12.62) and deduct it from the total? This would give me a pre-VAT figure of £59.52. This would be incorrect. 

This is the most common mistake made by candidates in a numerical reasoning test.

Why is it wrong?

Because the calculation took a 17.5% measure of the after-tax figure.

The correct way to strip out the VAT increase (or any after-the-fact percentage increase) is to divide the original number by, in this example, 1.175. (The 1.175 represents the 17.5% VAT, but you could use 1.52 to represent 52% or 1.255 to represent 25.5% etc.)

So, in this example, the original after-tax amount was £72.14 which when divided by 1.175 gives us the correct figure of £61.40.

Here are two simple videos that will help you further:

How to Calculate Percentages in Your Numerical Reasoning Practice Test – Coaching Video 3

The most fundamental thing that you must be able to do to succeed in a numerical reasoning practice test is to understand percentages.

Percentages are the most-used metric in numerical reasoning tests and you simply must understand how to calculate percentages and reverse percentages.

Most people can do the former but often fail at the latter. Watch this video to learn more:  

So far so good, right?

Most people are comfortable with this. But how about reverse percentages? Reverse percentages feature in almost every numerical reasoning practice test. Do you really know how to strip a percentage out?

Reverse percentages (calculating an original number from a percentage-increased one) account for the most-failed questions in numerical reasoning practice tests.

How to Calculate Reverse Percentages in Your Numerical Reasoning Practice Test – Coaching Video 4

Got it? Hopefully, these videos will help you ace numerical tests that you might need to take in the future.

Wondering where you can find more numerical reasoning practice tests? Worry no more, because we’ve made The Big List…

The Big List of Numerical Reasoning Practice Tests

Here’s a huge round-up of the best numerical reasoning resources and articles from free practice tests to top tips.

This list will be a treasure trove for you as you prepare for your numerical reasoning test. 

Numerical Reasoning Practice Test Resources

Ok, here are some great numerical reasoning test resources that should be on your radar. Take a look at them and try to answer all practice questions available as well. Doing so will help you obtain good scores on numerical tests.

  • JobTestPrep – The accuracy and sheer breadth of tests on offer (including explanations) are superb.
  • SHL (official website) This is SHL’s “test preparation and career centre”.
  • Kenexa (official website – now owned by IBM) – GraduatesFirst free Kenexa guide (signup required)
  • Cut-E (official website) – These tests are used by some of the big financial services companies like PwC.
  • Cubiks (official website) – Numerical reasoning practice test resources.
  • Talent-Q (official website) – Click here to learn more about Talent Q Elements Numerical Test.

Why Is It So Hard to Find Free a Numerical Reasoning Practice Test?

We often get emails from people asking where they can find a free numerical reasoning practice test. Sadly, there aren’t many high-quality free numerical reasoning practice tests out there.

There are free tests, but they tend to be very generic and the style and difficulty level won’t be the same as the real test you will sit.

Sure, in one sense “maths is maths”, so practising ANY test is helpful to a degree, but the format, layout & timings of the tests vary hugely from supplier to supplier which is why we recommend you practice with supplier-specific tests.

“You get what you pay for” is an appropriate maxim here. We encourage all of our clients and coaching students to reposition the ‘expense’ of practice tests in their mind: Don’t see the price of the tests as a cost. Think of them as a smart investment you’re making to progress your career and unlock the next chapter of your life.

Take Numerical Reasoning Practice Practice Test Now

High-Quality, Supplier-Specific Numerical Tests

Our recommended numerical reasoning practice tests are listed below. We recommend them due to their accuracy, breadth, and the inclusion of clear explanations for the targeted areas where you’re weak.

This allows you to pinpoint your shortcomings and improve. They’re perfect:

SHL – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Saville – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Talent Q – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Kenexa – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Cubiks – Numerical reasoning practice tests
Cut-E – Numerical reasoning practice tests

More Useful Resources and Links for Numerical Reasoning Practice Tests

Ok, let’s carry on with The Big List!

This is a round-up of all the best numerical reasoning practice test resources and tips that are out there. There’s a lot here so work through it over a period of time to ensure you digest it:

  • A basic-but-helpful practice test from ‘Psychometric Success’.

Two Quick and Simple Numerical Reasoning Practice Tests

This numerical reasoning practice test has a 15-minute time limit – try and ensure you’re free from distraction, so you can focus wholly on the test and get an accurate result.

Numercial Reasoning Practice Test

Here’s another simple numerical reasoning practice test:

Numerical Reasoning Practice Test

What Tools or Resources Will I Need for My Numerical Reasoning Test?

The Casio MX8 calculator is a business workhorse and sells for around £4 on Amazon UK.

Having a large basic calculator with a clear display and big buttons is a real help when you’re doing a timed numerical reasoning practice test and under pressure to outpace the other candidates who are your competition. (It may sounds pedantic, but these things are often very close. If you’re serious about doing well in this test then you’ll appreciate that literally every second counts.)

Three Good Books That Will Help You Succeed

  1. ‘Now you’ve been shortlisted: Your guide to being successful at interviews and assessment centres’ Amazon (UK)
  2. ‘You’re Hired! Psychometric Tests: Proven tactics to help you pass your numerical reasoning practice test’ Amazon (UK)
  3. ‘Practice & Pass: Numeracy tests’ Amazon (UK)

Our Numerical Reasoning Success Podcast Episode

You can listen to it here.

Extra Resources of Ours That Will Help You

Some Final Questions for You…

  • Lastly the Tools and Resources page is packed with useful equipment and ‘A’ List recommendations that will make your life easier.

Also Read:

Have We Missed Anything?

If you find something useful that should be added to this page please let us know by dropping us an email and we’ll add it.

Did You Find This Page Useful?

We hope you enjoyed using this free numerical reasoning practice test hub. Make sure to check out our suggestions and work hard. This will ensure good results in any numerical reasoning test you will take.

Turbocharge your employability NOW

Get your copy of our Ultimate Assessment Day & Interview Guide here. It's packed with tips, tricks and insider-secrets to help you succeed.

assessment centre

.

© Copyright AssessmentCentreHQ - All Rights Reserved

.

Recommended Reading: