Numerical reasoning tests: how they work and how to get faster

The question types in numerical reasoning tests from SHL, Kenexa, Cubiks and others, the calculations you need, timing strategy and a two-week practice plan. 5 min readUpdated 11 November 2026By the Prepper team

Numerical reasoning tests are the most common online screen for graduate jobs in finance, consulting and large corporates. They do not test advanced maths. They test whether you can pull the right figures from tables and charts and calculate accurately against the clock.

The format

Tables, bar charts, line graphs or pie charts with several questions each.
Multiple choice, usually four or five options.
Roughly 45 to 90 seconds per question.
A calculator is normally allowed; check your invitation.

Common providers include SHL, Kenexa, Cubiks, Saville and Talent Q. Formats differ a little, but the skills are the same.

The calculations that come up

Percentage change: (new − old) / old.
Percentage of a total and reverse percentages.
Ratios and proportions.
Averages, including weighted averages.
Currency and unit conversions.
Growth over several periods.

Technique

Read the question before the data. Then find only what you need.
Check units and labels: thousands or millions, per month or per year.
Estimate first. A rough answer often rules out three options.
Do not get stuck. If a question takes more than twice the average time, choose your best option and move on.
Know your calculator. Use its memory function for multi-step sums.

Typical traps

A table in thousands and a question in millions.
"Percentage points" against "per cent".
The year the question asks about is not the last column.
An option that matches a common mistake, such as dividing by the new value.

Two-week plan

Week one: one untimed set a day. Write down the type of every mistake.
Week two: one timed set a day at the real pace. Review only the errors.

Most people improve sharply in the first five sets, mainly by getting faster at finding the data.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a calculator in a numerical reasoning test?
Usually yes for online tests. Some assessment-centre versions provide a basic one. Your invitation will say.
What is a good score?
Employers compare you with a norm group and often set the bar around the middle to upper range. Aim to answer most questions with high accuracy; guessing wildly at the end rarely helps where accuracy is measured.

Can I use a calculator in a numerical reasoning test?

Usually yes for online tests. Some assessment-centre versions provide a basic one. Your invitation will say.

What is a good score?

Employers compare you with a norm group and often set the bar around the middle to upper range. Aim to answer most questions with high accuracy; guessing wildly at the end rarely helps where accuracy is measured.