Short answer: a numerical reasoning test gives you numbers in a table, chart or short text and asks you to work out an answer from them. It is a test of reading data carefully and doing simple maths under time pressure, not advanced maths. Format, length and calculator rules differ by test, so check your invitation first.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. By Prepti. Spotted something out of date? Contact us.
What it measures
SHL describes its numerical tests as assessing your understanding of tables of statistical and numerical data and your ability to make logical deductions (SHL practice tests). SHL’s Verify Interactive fact sheet says the numerical test measures the ability to make correct decisions or inferences from numerical or statistical data (SHL fact sheet).
Formats you may see
- Statistical tables, with multiple-choice answers. SHL’s example questions page uses this format (SHL example questions).
- Interactive, drag-and-drop. SHL offers a mobile-enabled interactive practice version alongside a standard multiple-choice one (SHL practice tests).
- Short combined tests. Saville lists test ranges that combine two or three aptitudes, such as verbal, numerical, diagrammatic and abstract reasoning, in 18 to 24 minutes, and others combining verbal, numerical and error checking in 9.5 to 16 minutes (Saville aptitude tests).
Time per question
Publishers set their own limits, and employers choose which version to use. One stated example: the SHL Verify Interactive Numerical Reasoning fact sheet gives 18 minutes and a maximum of 10 questions, which is about 1.8 minutes a question. That is one test, not a general rule. Your invitation or the publisher’s candidate page for your test is the right source.
Three worked examples
These are original practice questions made for this page. They are not from any publisher.
Want more? Try our free numerical reasoning practice test: 20 original questions with worked explanations.
1. Percentage change
A company’s revenue was 240,000 last year and 276,000 this year. What is the percentage increase?
- Find the difference: 276,000 − 240,000 = 36,000.
- Divide by the starting figure: 36,000 ÷ 240,000 = 0.15.
- Answer: 15%.
The common slip is dividing by the new figure (36,000 ÷ 276,000 = 13%). Change is always measured against where you started.
2. Ratio
A budget of 7,200 is split between marketing, operations and training in the ratio 5 : 3 : 1. How much does operations get?
- Add the parts: 5 + 3 + 1 = 9.
- Value of one part: 7,200 ÷ 9 = 800.
- Operations has 3 parts: 3 × 800 = 2,400.
Check: marketing 4,000 + operations 2,400 + training 800 = 7,200.
3. Reading data
Units sold by quarter: Q1 110, Q2 140, Q3 150, Q4 200. What percentage of the year’s sales were in Q4?
- Total for the year: 110 + 140 + 150 + 200 = 600.
- Q4 share: 200 ÷ 600 = 0.333.
- Answer: 33.3%.
Common mistakes
- Misreading units. Thousands, millions, percent and percentage points are easy to mix up. Read the table title and axis labels first.
- Dividing by the wrong number in percentage questions.
- Rounding too early. Keep full numbers until the last step.
- Spending too long on one question. If a question takes far longer than the others, make your best estimate and move on, if your test allows you to skip or move ahead.
- Using outside knowledge. Answer only from the data shown.
Calculators
It varies. SHL’s candidate support says that for a numerical or calculation test you may use a calculator unless you are told otherwise, and suggests having paper and a pencil ready (SHL support). Korn Ferry says Elements Numerical needs a calculator, paper and a pen (Korn Ferry FAQ). For any other test, check your invitation or ask the employer.
See what each test owner says about calculators.
How to practise
- Free official practice first. SHL has free practice tests, including the interactive version (SHL practice tests), and Saville has practice tests by range (Saville practice tests).
- Practise percentages, ratios and reading tables until they feel routine. Use the same device you will use for the real test.
- Time yourself once you know the format.
- Paid packs are optional. See how we compare them in how we rank.
Related tests
FAQ
Do I need to be good at maths? You need school-level arithmetic, percentages and ratios, and the habit of reading data carefully.
Is a calculator allowed? Check your invitation. See the section above.
Is the test timed? Usually yes. The exact limit depends on the test and the employer.
What is a good score? Employers set their own cut-offs and mostly do not publish them. We do not give pass marks.
Can I practise for free? Yes, SHL and Saville both publish free practice tests.
What if I have a condition that affects timed tests? Ask the employer before you start. SHL says time extensions need the employer’s approval (SHL support).