Numerical Reasoning Practice Tests and Knowledge Hub: Essential Tips for 2021

One part of the employee recruitment assessment tests in UK is Numerical reasoning.

Since some of you, we know might hate this portion of the test and might find it more difficult compared to other types of tests, we have created this page which includes free in-depth sources that could help you ace this test. You will find practice tests, tips, strategies and coaching videos.

3 useful starting-point resources

  1. Check our recommended numerical practice tests here
  2. Check our podcast about numerical reasoning test here
  3. Download free report copy of our Four steps to Numerical Test Success Guide.

On this site you will find:

  • 19 numerical reasoning practice tests
  • 4 numerical reasoning coaching videos
  • Links to all numerical reasoning practice test suppliers
  • List of best numerical reasoning practice tests, tips, articles, books and other resources.

Take note that this page contains a lot of information which could overwhelm you if you try to absorb it all in one visit. Thus, we suggest and it would be wise if you bookmark the page and re-visit soon.

How to pass a numerical reasoning test?

The videos seen below contain six steps that you could need to follow for you to be able to pass a numerical reasoning test. This first video below covers the first three steps.

How to pass a numerical reasoning test Video 2

In this second video, you would find the 4th to 6th steps which includes important tips in order for you to pass the numerical reasoning test.

Numerical reasoning practice tests arranged by supplier.

Below is a list of specific suppliers who produce and provide numerical reasoning practice tests. The list below is updated and maintained regularly. Hence, feel free to check it from time to time.

The practice tests mentioned above have both answers and explanations to all the questions that you experience some difficulties with. This is a perfect way to understand where you fall short on and highlight it for you to remember it before your real test.

Are all numerical reasoning practice tests the same?

No, not all numerical reasoning practice tests are the same. Though they assess and test the same area or criteria, there are different variations. Try to find out which which numerical reasoning supplier will be used for your test- Saville, SHL, Talent Q or Kenexa?

How can I find out who my test supplier is?

If you are being represented by an agency or you know your prospective employer’s HR department, they are the ones who will be able to give you if not the whole information, at least a hint of who is the supplier of their test. We suggest for you not to feel pushy when you are requesting for this as it is a fair and reasonable question to ask.

To have the best chance to succeed the real numerical reasoning test, we suggest that you try 4 out of 6 numerical reasoning practice tests created by the supplier of the test of your prospect employer.

Numerical reasoning tests – the basics

Let us cover some basic background and principles on numerical reasoning tests.

What is a numerical reasoning test?

Used widely by corporate employers as part of their recruitment process, numerical reasoning test is a psychometric aptitude test that assesses numerical reasoning ability/capability which is needed for a job role of prospect future employee.

Most candidates worry about this type of test as unlike other aptitude tests, this portion is a bit difficult for some. However, through preparation and practice, you could make huge improvements on your numerical ability.

So the test is basically measuring my maths ability?

Generally, yes, it measures your mathematics ability and your ability to interpret and manipulate its data. However, this test also provides employers an idea of your overall intelligence, business acumen and judgement.

What should I expect during my numerical reasoning test?

This depends on the test supplier used by the company you are applying at. However, as a broad rule, you will need to answer questions on interpreting data that is presented in statistical tables and graphs. Each question, you will be presented a number of options you could choose from. Though this would seem easy, it is important for you to be able to choose only one. Remember there is only one correct answer.

Stop worrying! Download a 12-step assessment day cheatsheet which will help you get prepared

Can you show me a practice numerical reasoning test example?

Of course! Here are some examples of numerical reasoning practice test questions which came from real assessment center test:

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

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

Another example question from a numerical reasoning practice test:

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

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

Are all numerical reasoning tests the same?

No, though they assess similar criteria, there are many other variations. Try to find before your test who created the numerical reasoning test. If it was created by Saville or SHL or Talent Q or Kenexa? Once you know who created the test, then, you should do practice tests repeatedly.

Test quick-links

Now that we have background and what type of test numerical reasoning is, let us now review the steps that you should follow for you to be able to pass your numerical reasoning test.

8 Expert Tips for Numerical Reasoning Test Success

1) Study the information at least TWICE

It is important that you understand fully all the information that is being presented before you start answering the question. Assumptions even how small they are could cost you a few numbers. Even

in numerical reasoning practice tests, do not forget to understand all the information or data first before answering as this test also checks your ability to be detailed.

2) Stay calm

One of the things that could make a huge negative impact on your performance during test is your lack of focus. Numerical reasoning tests are timed and this could bring big pressure to most test takers which makes it more difficult to concentrate.

Here are two popular articles that will help you.

3) Manage your time carefully

A standard numerical reasoning test usually takes about 20 minutes to finish. Just like other aptitude test, in numerical reasoning test, it is important that you manage your time carefully.

We suggest that you scan ahead and check how many questions you would need to complete for you to be able to complete the whole test in time.

The general rule is you should spend about 90 seconds on each question and if you are stuck on a specific question, do not waste time trying to figure it out. Why is this? If you spend 5 minutes trying to answer one tricky question, you could answer about 3 to 4 questions correctly which could give you a higher overall score.

Download our popular free report, 4 Steps to Numerical Test Success.

4) Practice as much as possible before your real test

One of the easiest to prepare for are numerical reasoning tests. The reason behind this is because the preparation is clear-cut. If you put your time and effort in preparing for this test, you would surely pass. This is something you could say the same with other assessment exercises.

We recommend that you get as much relevant numerical reasoning practice tests as much as you could. As they say, practice makes perfect.

Tip: You could practice numerical reasoning tests that are often used by employers here and here. Though these tests are not offered for free, if you are one of those candidates who would do anything to guarantee success, try these tests.

You could also buy some numerical reasoning books on Amazon . These tests could brush up your math skills.

You could also listen to our podcast and learn how to succeed in numerical reasoning practice test.

5) If possible, use your own calculator

Use a calculator that you are comfortable with. This will save you time when you are answering your numerical reasoning practice test. Though using a scientific calculator with macros ability is very ideal, you could use a big calculator with a clear screen instead. Having a simple and easy to use calculator is important. This way, you will not lose any precious time.

6) Make no assumptions

When you are answering numerical reasoning tests, do not factor in real-life data to answer questions. Answer the questions literally. If there is no data that shows something, do not make real-life assumptions in deciding the correct answer.

7) Focus only on the sought data

The answers to most questions could be seen in a subsection of the data you are being presented with. This means, you could disregard most of the data. The important thing here is you should know where and what part of the data you should look at. In this type of test, aside from your mathematical ability, your skills on data-selection is also being measured.

8) Fully understand how to calculate percentages

There are many people who think that they understand percentages but in reality they really don’t.

This is very important because most of the questions are in this form.

Quick test: Do you know how to strip a retrospective percentage increase out? (example: 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 a common mistake by most candidates. Why is this wrong?

It is wrong because the calculation took 17.5% measure of the after-tax figure.

The correct way to take out the VAT increase is by dividing the original number by 1.175. 1.175 represents 17.5% VAT. Hence, in the question above, the original after tax amount is £72.14 when divided by 1.175 provides us the answer of £61.40.

Here are two videos to help you understand better:

How to calculate percentages in your numerical reasoning practice test- coaching video 3

One of the basics you must have a good understanding at, for you to succeed the numerical reasoning test is the topic of percentages since It is the most common metric used in numerical reasoning tests. This is why it is very important that you understand how to calculate them and how reverse calculate as well.

A lot of individuals are comfortable with computing percentages. However, this might not be true with reverse percentages. As mentioned earlier, this type of problems is in every numerical reasoning practice test. Do you really know how to strip percentage out?

Reverse percentages are calculating an original number from a percentage-increased one. This type of questions is mostly where most people fail at.

How to calculate reverse percentages in your numerical reasoning practice test- Coaching Video 4

The Big List of Numerical Reasoning Practice Tests

In this page, we shall provide you the best resources and articles about numerical reasoning. You will find practice tests and tips.

Below is a list that will help you prepare for your numerical reasoning test. Remember, to help you get back to our page, it is wide to bookmark it.

Numerical Reasoning Practice Test Resources

Here are a few numerical reasoning test resources you should be aware of:

– Assessment Day

Practice aptitude tests; an excellent modern thinking company

– SHL (official website) – test preparation and career centre – Kenexa

(official website owned by IBM) and Kenexa guide

– Cut-E- official website. Tests are often used by huge financial services companies such as PwC. – Cubiks https://www.cubiks.com/search/Pages%20default%20aspx – Official website where you could find numerical reasoning practice tests

– Talent- Q

Why is it hard to find free numerical reasoning practice tests?

For many, it is difficult to find free numerical reasoning practice tests. Unfortunately, the reason behind this is that there aren’t many high quality numerical reasoning practice tests that are offered for free.

Yes, there are free tests which you will find on the net but sadly, most of them are very generic and the style and difficulty level are not the same as the real test.

Yes maths is maths which you might think that practicing any test will be helpful. However, as mentioned earlier, format, timing and even the layout differs from one supplier to another. This is the reason why we highly recommend for you to try to practice with supplier specific tests.

We recommend everyone to have in mind that it is not the price of tests but rather see it as a smart investment in the progress of your career.

High-quality, supplier-specific numerical tests

Below is our recommended list of numerical reasoning practice tests.

More useful resources and links for numerical reasoning practice tests

  • PDF from Loughborough University- Numerical Reasoning Practice test
  • Cubiks-style free numerical reasoning practice test
  • Free Talent-Q style numerical reasoning practice test
  • Numerical Reasoning Test guide
  • How I landed a place on HSBC’s graduate programme
  • Some solid tips here: numerical reasoning test advice
  • Top tips from GraduateWings here “Numerical reasoning practice tests (GraduateWings)
  • Bosses rely on psychological tests over degrees to find the best staff
  • How to prepare for your numerical reasoning test (PracticeAptitudeTests)
  • Numerical Reasoning Practice Test- TalentLens
  • Two free numerical reasoning practice tests from PracticeAptitudeTests
  • Firms use personality tests for best graduates(Telegraph)
  • These free numerical reasoning practice tests are aimed at civil service applicants but useful for general practice
  • Some very useful numerical reasoning practice tests from CareerGym
  • More numerical reasoning practice test help from Assessment Day
  • Practice test from Psychometric Success
  • Practise and Pass Professional: Numeracy Tests

Two quick and simple numerical reasoning practice tests

This practice test comes with a time limit of 15 minutes. Ensure before you take the test that you are free from distraction. Put your phone on silent and put your whole focus on the test to get accurate test results. Good Luck!

How did you do? Here is another numerical reasoning practice test:

https://www.practiceaptitudetests.com/numerical-reasoning-tests/

What tools or resources will I need for my numerical reasoning test?

We suggest that you use the Casio MX8 calculator. This is available on Amazon UK for only £4.

Having a basic calculator that comes with a clear display huge buttons will help you when you are takin timed test. This could take out a little pressure.

Three good books that will help you succeed

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

Numerical reasoning success podcast episode – to listen click here.

Extra resources that will help you

  • Guide for verbal reasoning and logical reasoning
  • Popular free report- 4 Steps to Numerical Test Success

Some Final questions for you

  • Do you have to take a verbal reasoning test? Or other type of aptitude tests? Check out aptitude tests section
  • Can you find practice tests and advice for other reasoning tests? Numerical, verbal, inductive, logical, spatial, diagrammatic, mechanical comprehension, UKCAT and Watson-Glaser tests
  • Are you worried about your assessment day? try and check in-tray exercise or are you also worried about group exercise, interview and doing presentation?
  • Do you need some guidance on how to deal with nerves and anxiety during interview?
  • Our tools and resources page includes useful recommendations.

Have we missed anything?

If you think we missed something or you have found something interesting, drop us an email here.

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