Numerical reasoning test practice and prep are important for job seekers applying to roles that involve numbers, charts, percentages, business data, finance, or analytical thinking. Many employers do not build these tests themselves. Instead, they use well-known numerical reasoning test providers as part of their job assessment process. That is why candidates often search not only for numerical reasoning practice questions and numerical reasoning test prep, but also for the names of the providers behind these assessments.
Free Numerical Reasoning Practice Tests – Prepare for Job Assessments
Numerical reasoning tests are a common part of pre-employment assessments, especially for roles in finance, engineering, operations, and graduate programs. These tests measure your ability to interpret data, analyze numerical information, and make quick, accurate decisions under time pressure. On this page, you’ll find free numerical reasoning practice tests, sample questions, and expert tips to help you improve your speed and accuracy so you can confidently pass your next assessment.
Numerical reasoning tests are assessments designed to evaluate a person’s ability to work with and interpret numerical data. These tests are commonly used by employers during the recruitment process, particularly for roles that require a high level of quantitative skills.
The questions in these tests can range from simple arithmetic calculations to more complex data interpretation problems. These tests are commonly used in recruitment and selection processes for roles that require numerical competency, such as finance, accounting, and engineering positions.
The format of the test can be multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, or even using a virtual calculator. The test is usually timed and aims to evaluate the candidate’s speed and accuracy in dealing with numerical information.
| Provider | Description |
|---|---|
| SHL | A global leader in talent assessment and measurement, offering a wide range of numerical reasoning tests for various industries and job roles. |
| Kenexa | A talent management solutions provider that offers a range of numerical reasoning tests to assess a candidate’s quantitative abilities. |
| Talent Q | An assessment solutions provider that offers numerical reasoning tests designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to work with numerical data in a professional context. |
| Saville Assessment | A talent assessment provider that offers a range of numerical reasoning tests to assess a candidate’s ability to understand and analyze numerical data. |
| Cubiks | An assessment and development solutions provider that offers numerical reasoning tests to assess a candidate’s quantitative skills and abilities. |
Numerical reasoning tests typically include
Numerical reasoning tests are a specific type of aptitude test often used by employers during the recruitment process to evaluate a candidate’s ability to work with numbers. They are frequently used in jobs that require data analysis or mathematical thinking. Here’s what you can typically expect from these types of tests:
- Basic arithmetic: This type of test measures an individual’s ability to perform basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Data interpretation: This type of test measures an individual’s ability to interpret and analyze data presented in graphs, tables, and charts.
- Percentage calculation: This type of test measures an individual’s ability to calculate percentages and understand their significance.
- Ratio and proportion: This type of test measures an individual’s ability to understand and work with ratios and proportions.
- Probability: This type of test measures an individual’s ability to understand and calculate probabilities.
- Algebra and equation solving: This type of test measures an individual’s ability to solve mathematical equations and perform algebraic manipulations.
How to answer numerical reasoning tests
Answering numerical reasoning tests can be challenging, but there are some strategies that can help you perform well. Here are some tips on how to answer numerical reasoning tests:
- Understand the question: Before attempting to answer a question, make sure you fully understand what is being asked. Read the question carefully and identify the data and figures provided.
- Analyze the data: Once you understand the question, take the time to analyze the data provided. Look for trends and patterns in the figures, and consider what calculations you may need to perform.
- Use your calculator: NRTs are timed, so it’s important to work efficiently. Use a calculator to perform calculations quickly and accurately.
- Check your work: After you have completed a calculation, double-check your work to ensure your answer is correct. Look for any errors or mistakes, and correct them as needed.
- Practice: Like any skill, practice is essential for improving your performance on numerical reasoning tests. Familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked and practice answering them in a timed setting.
Sample Questions And Answers
Practicing numerical reasoning test sample questions and answers is one of the best ways to improve speed, accuracy, and confidence before a job assessment. The examples below cover common topics such as percentages, ratios, averages, tables, charts, and data comparison, which appear in many numerical reasoning tests used by employers.
1. Percentage Question
A company’s sales were $80,000 last month and $92,000 this month. What is the percentage increase?
A. 10%
B. 12%
C. 15%
D. 20%
Correct answer: C
Explanation:
Increase = 92,000 – 80,000 = 12,000
12,000 ÷ 80,000 = 0.15 = 15%
2. Ratio Question
A team has 18 men and 12 women. What is the ratio of men to women in simplest form?
A. 18:12
B. 3:2
C. 2:3
D. 6:4
Correct answer: B
Explanation:
18:12 simplifies to 3:2
3. Average Question
A candidate scored 65, 70, 80, 75, and 60 on five tests. What is the average score?
A. 68
B. 69
C. 70
D. 71
Correct answer: C
Explanation:
65 + 70 + 80 + 75 + 60 = 350
350 ÷ 5 = 70
4. Table Interpretation Question
A department sold:
- 120 units in January
- 150 units in February
- 180 units in March
What is the total number of units sold in the three months?
A. 430
B. 440
C. 450
D. 460
Correct answer: C
Explanation:
120 + 150 + 180 = 450
5. Percentage Decrease Question
A product price dropped from $50 to $40. What is the percentage decrease?
A. 10%
B. 15%
C. 20%
D. 25%
Correct answer: C
Explanation:
Decrease = 50 – 40 = 10
10 ÷ 50 = 0.20 = 20%
6. Chart Question
If a company’s profit was $200,000 in Year 1 and $250,000 in Year 2, how much higher was the profit in Year 2?
A. $25,000
B. $40,000
C. $50,000
D. $60,000
Correct answer: C
Explanation:
250,000 – 200,000 = 50,000
7. Unit Price Question
A company bought 40 notebooks for $120. What was the cost per notebook?
A. $2
B. $2.50
C. $3
D. $3.50
Correct answer: C
Explanation:
120 ÷ 40 = 3
8. Data Comparison Question
A worker completed 48 tasks on Monday and 60 tasks on Tuesday. By how many percent did output increase?
A. 20%
B. 25%
C. 30%
D. 35%
Correct answer: B
Explanation:
Increase = 60 – 48 = 12
12 ÷ 48 = 0.25 = 25%
Numerical Reasoning Tests by position
Numerical reasoning tests by position can look very different depending on the type of job you are applying for. While the core skill is usually the ability to work with numbers, data, charts, percentages, ratios, and tables, employers often adjust the level and style of the test to match the role. For example, a banking or finance candidate may face more advanced questions involving percentages, profit, financial data, and business calculations, while a customer service or bank teller candidate may see more practical questions focused on cash handling, totals, and accuracy. An analyst or consulting candidate may be tested on fast data interpretation and decision-making using graphs and tables, while an operations or warehouse role may involve simpler counting, quantity checks, and basic numerical accuracy. That is why strong numerical reasoning test practice and prep should not only focus on math in general, but also on the specific position and the kind of numerical thinking that job is likely to require.
Numerical Reasoning Tests by Position
| Position | Common Numerical Reasoning Topics |
|---|---|
| Bank Teller | Cash handling, totals, deposits, withdrawals, balancing figures, simple percentages |
| Banking / Finance | Percentages, ratios, financial data, profit and loss, tables, charts, business calculations |
| Financial Analyst | Data interpretation, trends, ratios, percentages, chart analysis, business metrics |
| Investment Banking Intern | Tables, graphs, percentages, growth rates, financial comparisons, fast calculations |
| Accountant | Totals, percentages, financial statements, reconciliations, ratios, calculations |
| Customer Service | Basic math, totals, transaction accuracy, billing figures, simple data checks |
| Sales / Retail | Discounts, percentages, pricing, commissions, totals, sales calculations |
| Warehouse / Logistics | Quantities, counting, stock totals, unit calculations, basic accuracy checks |
| Operations Role | Tables, productivity figures, percentages, totals, performance comparisons |
| Graduate Scheme / Corporate Role | Charts, tables, ratios, percentages, data interpretation, logical numerical comparisons |
| Consulting | Business data, charts, percentages, ratios, trend analysis, quick decision-based calculations |
| Insurance | Premium calculations, percentages, policy figures, tables, numerical accuracy |
Numerical Reasoning Test Providers for Job Assessments
| Provider | What They Offer |
|---|---|
| SHL | Numerical reasoning and broader cognitive assessments for hiring |
| Aon | Numerical reasoning within online assessment programs |
| Talogy | Cognitive ability tests that include numerical reasoning modules |
| Korn Ferry | Numerical assessments used in candidate screening |
| Saville Assessment | Aptitude tests that include numerical reasoning |
| Criteria | Pre-employment assessments with numerical and math-related testing |
| Mercer Mettl | Online numerical reasoning and aptitude tests for recruitment |
| TestGorilla | Numerical reasoning tests used in hiring workflows |
FAQ
1. What are the most common numerical reasoning test providers?
Some of the most common numerical reasoning test providers used in job assessments include SHL, Aon, Talogy, Korn Ferry, Saville Assessment, Criteria, Mercer Mettl, and TestGorilla.
2. Why do employers use numerical reasoning test providers?
Employers use numerical reasoning test providers because these companies offer structured, ready-made assessments that help measure how well candidates work with numbers, charts, percentages, tables, and business data.
3. Can I prepare for numerical reasoning tests even if I do not know the provider?
Yes. Good numerical reasoning test prep usually focuses on core skills such as percentages, ratios, tables, graphs, data interpretation, and timed practice. These topics appear across many providers.
4. Do all numerical reasoning test providers use the same format?
No. The format can vary by provider, but many tests use similar question styles such as charts, tables, percentages, ratios, and numerical comparisons under time pressure.
5. What is the best way to practice for a numerical reasoning test?
The best way to improve your numerical reasoning practice is to work on timed questions, review common math concepts, practice reading charts and tables, and get used to solving data-based questions quickly and accurately.
6. Are numerical reasoning tests hard?
They can feel difficult if you have not practiced recently, especially because they are often timed. With the right numerical reasoning test prep, many candidates improve their speed, accuracy, and confidence.
7. Which jobs often use numerical reasoning tests?
Numerical reasoning tests are common in banking, finance, consulting, analyst roles, graduate schemes, corporate hiring, business operations, and many jobs that involve data or decision-making.
