Understanding Numerical Reasoning Tests: A Complete Guide (2025)
The Numerical Reasoning Test is one of the most commonly used psychometric assessments in recruitment processes, designed to measure a candidate's ability to interpret numerical data and solve mathematical problems efficiently. Many companies use this test to evaluate job applicants in finance, consulting, engineering, and management roles so candidates need to make sure they undertake numerical test practice before trying the real numerical exam.
This guide will cover:
- ✅What is the SHL Numerical Reasoning Test?
- ✅Learn common question types and numerical reasoning test examples
- ✅Discover effective strategies and tips for numeracy reasoning
- ✅Practice sample numerical reasoning questions
- ✅Avoid common mistakes that reduce scores
What is the SHL Numerical Reasoning Test?
Definition & Purpose
The SHL Numerical Reasoning Test is an online assessment that evaluates a candidate's ability to:
- 🔹Work with numbers, graphs, and tables
- 🔹Perform basic mathematical operations (percentages, ratios, fractions)
- 🔹Analyze data in real-world business contexts
- 🔹Make logical decisions based on numerical information
Who Uses This Test?
Many multinational corporations and graduate recruitment programs use SHL numerical reasoning tests to assess candidates in roles such as:
- 📊Finance & Accounting (HSBC, J.P. Morgan, Deloitte)
- 📊Consulting (PwC, KPMG, McKinsey)
- 📊Engineering & IT (Siemens, IBM, Cisco)
- 📊Retail & Supply Chain Management (Amazon, Unilever)
The test helps employers ensure that candidates possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills before hiring them.
SHL Numerical Reasoning Test Format
The SHL numerical reasoning test is typically:
- ✅Multiple-choice: Each question has 5 answer options.
- ✅Timed: Usually 20 questions in 12 minutes.
- ✅Wide ranging: Questions are designed to test speed, accuracy, and data interpretation skills.
Common Question Types in SHL Numerical Reasoning
1. Percentages & Ratios
💡 Example Question:
Which product has suffered the largest percentage cut in its production budget from 1990 to 1991?
- a) Product A
- b) Product B
- c) Product C
- d) Product D
- e) Product E
✅ Solution:
Calculate the percentage cut for each product between the 2 years:
Product A = 225/300 - 1 = 25%
Product B = 275/410 - 1 = 32.9%
Product C = 175/260 - 1 = 32.7%
Product D = 210/300 - 1 = 30%
Product E = 250/365 - 1 = 31.5%
So the correct answer is (B) Product B with a 32.9% cut.
2. Data Interpretation (Graphs & Tables)
💡 Example Question:
From 1990 to 1991, what was the total cut in the production budget across the 5 products?
- a) $1.35 million
- b) $4.00 million
- c) $5.00 million
- d) $11.35 million
- e) $15.35 million
✅ Solution:
Step 1: Calculate the 1990 total production budget for all products.
$10,000 x (300 + 410 + 260 + 300 + 365) = $16,350,000
Step 2: Calculate the 1991 total production budget for all products.
$10,000 x (225 + 275 + 175 + 210 + 250) = $11,350,000
Step 3: Calculate the total cut.
1990 production budget – 1991 production budget = 16,350,000 – 11,350,000 = 5,000,000
So the correct answer is (C) $5 million
3. Currency Conversion
💡 Example Question:
The total 1991 production budget for all five products is to be cut by a quarter in 1992. What is the 1992 Production Budget to the nearest £100,000? Assuming the exchange rate is 1£ = $1.2
- a) £3.0 million
- b) £3.1 million
- c) £5.2 million
- d) £6.2 million
- e) £7.1 million
✅ Solution:
Step 1: Calculate the 1991 total production budget for each product.
$10,000 x (225 + 275 + 175 + 210 + 250) = $11,350,000
Step 2: Calculate the 1992 total production budget for each product.
$11,350,000 x 75% = $8,512,500
Step 3: Convert into £
$8,512,500 / 1.2 = £7,094,000 = £7.1 million to the nearest £100,000
So the correct answer is (E), £7.1 million.
4. Profit & Loss Calculations
💡 Example Question:
A company bought a product for $50 and sold it for $75. What is the profit margin?
✅ Solution:
Profit Margin = (75 - 50) / 50 × 100 = 50%
Answer: 50%
5. Speed, Distance, and Time Problems
💡 Example Question:
A train travels at a speed of 80 km/h. How far does it travel in 45 minutes?
✅ Solution:
Distance = 80 × (45/60) = 60 km
Answer: 60 km
How to Prepare for the SHL Numerical Reasoning Test
- ✅
1. Practice with SHL-Style Questions
Use numerical reasoning test examples and free online resources to familiarize yourself with the test format.
- ✅
2. Master Mental Math & Quick Calculations
Improve speed by practicing:
- 🔹Multiplication & Division shortcuts
- 🔹Percentage calculations
- 🔹Estimations & approximations
- ✅
3. Learn to Interpret Graphs & Tables Quickly
Many questions require analyzing complex charts and numerical data. Practice reading bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs efficiently.
- ✅
4. Improve Time Management
- •Allocate less than 1 minute per question
- •Skip tough questions and return later if time allows
- •Use elimination methods to narrow down answer choices
- ✅
5. Simulate Real Test Conditions
- •Use our website's free SHL Reasoning Test Practice page.
- •Avoid distractions during test preparation
- •Use a calculator only if allowed in the actual test
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌Not practicing under timed conditions – Increases stress during the actual test
- ❌Overcomplicating simple calculations – Use shortcuts where possible
- ❌Ignoring answer choices – Some questions can be solved faster by estimating
- ❌Misreading tables & graphs – Always double-check the data before answering
- ❌Skipping the basics – Ensure proficiency in fractions, ratios, and percentages
FAQs About SHL Numerical Reasoning Tests
1. How long is the SHL Numerical Reasoning Test?
Most tests last 20-25 minutes with 18-25 questions.
2. Can I use a calculator?
Some SHL tests allow basic calculators, while others do not. Always check the test guidelines.
3. What is a good score?
A score above 70th percentile is generally considered good. However, top companies may require 80th percentile or higher.
4. Can I fail the SHL Numerical Reasoning Exam?
There's no pass or fail, but a low score may impact your chances of being considered for the next stage of the recruitment process.
5. Where can I find free SHL Numerical Reasoning practice tests?
You can practice using our website's practice tests.
Ready for Numerical Reasoning Test Practice?
The Numerical Reasoning Test is a crucial step in securing top job opportunities in finance, consulting, IT, and engineering. By understanding the test format, undertaking numerical assessment practice tests, and improving your time management, you can significantly boost your chances of success.