Numerical Reasoning Tests
Speed and accuracy with data — not advanced maths.
What it is
Numerical reasoning tests measure your ability to extract and calculate answers from tables, graphs, and charts under strict time pressure. The data is always given — employers are testing speed and accuracy, not advanced mathematics.
Who uses it
- 78% of Top 100 UK Graduate Employers use some form of numerical test (High Fliers / SHL benchmarks)
- Main test providers: SHL, Korn Ferry, Talent Q, Cubiks, cut-e
- Goldman Sachs: Korn Ferry numerical (higher difficulty)
- Civil Service: SHL numerical (moderate difficulty)
- KPMG: Talent Q numerical (adaptive — gets harder as you answer correctly)
- Most Big 4 accountancy firms, investment banks, and technology companies
What it tests
- Locating the correct row and column in data tables before calculating
- Percentage and ratio calculations using figures provided on screen
- Reading bar charts, line graphs, and pie charts accurately
- Comparing statistics across multiple data sources in a single question
- Maintaining accuracy while working at high speed — typically 25 questions in 25–35 minutes
Common mistakes
Over-calculating
Identify which column or data point you need first, then calculate once. The answer is always derivable from the right starting point.
Running out of time
Skip a question you're stuck on after 90 seconds — flag it and return. Moving forward prevents a single hard question from costing you five easy ones.
Not reading the units
Tables often mix £ thousands and £ millions. Reading units before calculating prevents the most common calculation errors.
Expecting hard maths
Most questions require only addition, subtraction, percentages, and ratios. If your calculation feels complex, you've likely selected the wrong starting point.
Practising without a timer
Time pressure is half the test. Always practice with a countdown — untimed practice builds false confidence.
How to prepare
- 1Complete at least two full timed practice tests before your real assessment so the format feels familiar.
- 2Drill percentage and ratio calculations until they're automatic — 'X% of Y' and 'ratio A:B, find A given total' are the two most common question types.
- 3Identify the table column or chart series you need before touching a calculator — locating the right data is quicker than recalculating from the wrong one.
- 4If the employer specifies a provider (e.g. SHL), practice on that provider's free sample tests — each platform has slightly different interface conventions.
- 5On test day: fully charge your device, close all notifications, and use the scratch pad or paper provided.
