Deutsch English Español Français Italiano 日本語 Nederlands Português

home tests Cognitive ability

Numerical reasoning

Numerical Reasoning test

Type: Cognitive ability

Time: 10 min

Languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese

Level: Intermediate

Summary of the Numerical Reasoning test

This Numerical Reasoning test evaluates candidates’ general aptitude for numbers and their ability to interpret them across various scenarios. Our ability test helps you identify candidates who possess strong numerical and critical thinking skills.

Covered skills

Interpreting numbers, fractions, ratios, and percentages
Understanding number series and patterns
Interpreting tables, charts, graphs, and diagrams
Completing arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Use the Numerical Reasoning test to hire

Any role in which numerical aptitude is important. This test is crucial if the position involves financial information (i.e., budgets, forecasts, business cases), complex spreadsheets, and/or data analysis.

Preview questions

graphic image for cognitive ability tests

About the Numerical Reasoning assessment

From Finance to Marketing and from Product Development to HR, nearly every department of a modern organization deals with numbers, data, and analytics on a daily basis. This means it has become vital to use a numerical reasoning test to assess a candidate’s ability to reason with numbers. People with strong numerical reasoning skills can:

Complete a wide range of arithmetic operations
Estimate and answer numerical problems quickly
Analyze numerical data and identify patterns
Understand charts, tables, and graphs and translate them for different audiences
Create accurate forecasts and plans based on historical data

In other words, candidates with high scores on this numerical aptitude test can perform calculations confidently and manipulate numbers to solve business problems, uncover patterns, and predict trends.

By using our Numerical Reasoning exam, you can find talented problem solvers without the need for resumes. Simply assign them this test after they apply and let candidates objectively show you how accurately they can solve numerical problems and make data-driven decisions.

Explore the test science

The test is made by a subject-matter expert

Anirban C.

The global IT industry has benefited from Anirban’s talents for over two decades. With a flawless reputation that precedes him, Anirban has earned a status as a sought-after agile project manager and consultant. He’s worked internationally as a Senior Project Manager with companies such as Ericsson, IBM, and T-Mobile.

Anirban’s love for learning helps him keep his skills sharp. He holds an MBA and a degree in engineering, is a certified Scrum Master, and has certifications in Prince2 and ITIL.

Crafted with expert knowledge

TestGorilla’s tests are created by subject matter experts. We assess potential subject-matter experts based on their knowledge, ability, and reputation. Before being published, each test is peer-reviewed by another expert, then calibrated using hundreds of test takers with relevant experience in the subject.

Our feedback mechanisms and unique algorithms allow our subject-matter experts to constantly improve their tests.

What our customers are saying

TestGorilla helps me to assess engineers rapidly. Creating assessments for different positions is easy due to pre-existing templates. You can create an assessment in less than 2 minutes. The interface is intuitive and it’s easy to visualize results per assessment.

Review from

David Felipe C.

VP of engineering, mid-market (51-1000 FTE)

Any tool can have functions—bells and whistles. Not every tool comes armed with staff passionate about making the user experience positive.

The TestGorilla team only offers useful insights to user challenges, they engage in conversation.

For instance, I recently asked a question about a Python test I intended to implement. Instead of receiving “oh, that test would work perfectly for your solution,” or, “at this time we’re thinking about implementing a solution that may or may not…” I received a direct and straightforward answer with additional thoughts to help shape the solution.

I hope that TestGorilla realizes the value proposition in their work is not only the platform but the type of support that’s provided.

For a bit of context—I am a diversity recruiter trying to create a platform that removes bias from the hiring process and encourages the discovery of new and unseen talent.

Review from

High quality assessments

David B.

Chief Talent Connector, small business (50 or fewer FTE)

Use TestGorilla to hire the best faster, easier and bias-free

Our screening tests identify the best candidates and make your hiring decisions faster, easier, and bias-free.

Learn how each candidate performs on the job using our library of 400+ scientifically validated tests.

Test candidates for job-specific skills like coding or digital marketing, as well as general skills like critical thinking. Our unique personality and culture tests allow you to get to know your applicants as real people – not just pieces of paper.

Watch what TestGorilla can do for you

Create high-quality assessments, fast

Building assessments is a breeze with TestGorilla. Get started with these simple steps.

Building assessments is quick and easy with TestGorilla. Just pick a name, select the tests you need, then add your own custom questions.

You can customize your assessments further by adding your company logo, color theme, and more. Build the assessment that works for you.

View a sample report

The Numerical reasoning test will be included in a PDF report along with the other tests from your assessment. You can easily download and share this report with colleagues and candidates.

Download sample report

Why should employers test numerical reasoning skills?

Employers need to hire individuals with proven numerical reasoning skills to analyze and leverage the vast quantities of data they possess – ranging from customer insights to internal productivity metrics and financial performance. Numerically skilled staff can transform this stockpile of data into a goldmine of actionable insights and strategies, driving business performance rather than letting this valuable information go unused.

By testing new hires for their numerical abilities, employers can:

Build a workforce of objective, unbiased thinkers
Make more informed business decisions
Enhance job performance and productivity
Improve financial planning and analysis
Drive strategic initiatives with data-backed insights

The 4 types of Numerical Reasoning test questions

To help you find critical thinkers who can turn data into actionable insights, we present test takers with four types of questions:

Numerical computation: These questions examine a candidate’s ability to answer basic math questions that involve addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, averages, percentages, decimals, and ratios.
Numerical estimation: Estimation questions test how well a candidate can find correct answers to numerical problems accurately, at speed, and under pressure.
Numerical reasoning: Candidates are provided with data but must determine the correct method for solving the problem and finding the solution.
Data interpretation: These questions ask test takers to read and interpret data to solve everyday business problems. Data appears as line graphs, charts, tables, and raw numbers, or sometimes as a word problem.

Alongside our test, we suggest you explore our tutorial for assessing numerical reasoning during interviews. It’ll set you up for success in the next stage of the hiring process.

What job roles can you hire with our number reasoning test?

Our Numerical Reasoning test applies to a vast range of job roles across various industries. Whether it's in finance, marketing, engineering, operations, or any field that deals with data and analysis, numerical reasoning skills are essential to roles where workers are required to read graphs, analyze numerical information, interpret charts, and make relevant observations.

Here are a few examples of numerical reasoning jobs that demand robust numeracy skills:

Accountants, detail-oriented professionals, know how to analyze financial data, solve problems, and extract insights using their numerical reasoning skills
Architects, from drawing patterns in the correct scale to making design calculations, need a high level of numerical reasoning skills to ensure projects are precise, safe, and fit for purpose
Bankers use numerical reasoning to spot trends and correlations in vast datasets, enabling them to solve problems, identify investment opportunities, and predict market trends
Engineers, like architects, must interpret complex designs to create and build interactive systems, regardless of whether they work in software, construction, or electronics
Marketers must have basic math skills to interpret data effectively and perform calculations such as ratios, multiplication, division, and subtraction to evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns
Salespeople need to communicate the monetary value of products and services, requiring proficiency in percentages, ratios, and data manipulation

IDP Education, a consultancy specializing in international study, regularly hires marketing specialists. These professionals need strong numerical reasoning, market research, and communication skills. By assessing these skills with TestGorilla, the firm has drastically improved its quality of marketing hires and saved extensive training time that could have been wasted on the wrong recruits.

Create a multi-measure assessment: 4 tests to pair with the Numerical Reasoning exam

To hire the best numerical minds and analytical talent, it pays to create a multi-measure assessment – a combination of up to five skills tests aimed at finding well-rounded candidates.

We recommend assessing numerical thinkers with a mix of hard and soft skills tests and a test specific to the role you’re hiring for, such as one for a B2B sales account executive.

Here are four psychometric tests to run alongside our Numerical Reasoning test, regardless of the role:

Communication test: Assess how well a candidate communicates to find professional, proactive employees who enjoy collaborating with others. Good communicators are perfect for translating complex data into simple English audiences and ensuring that the entire team is on board with data-driven strategies.
Verbal Reasoning test: Go beyond numbers and hire people who can also draw accurate conclusions from written information. This skill is particularly valuable in roles that require analysts to review industry and competitor reports.
Time Management test: Evaluate your candidates’ ability to manage their time and prioritize tasks. Professionals with strong numerical reasoning and time management skills can handle large volumes of data analysis within strict time limits without the need for micromanagement.
Culture Add test: Hire creative team players who innovate and elevate your brand. With our Culture Add test, you can identify enthusiastic recruits who blend with your business mission while bringing dynamism and a fresh perspective to your team.

Note: We haven’t included any role-specific skills tests here because they depend on the position you’re hiring for. However, we reiterate that we highly advise you to add at least one in your five-test assessment to ensure your candidates possess the right skills for the job

FAQs

An assessment is the total package of tests and custom questions that you put together to evaluate your candidates. Each individual test within an assessment is designed to test something specific, such as a job skill or language. An assessment can consist of up to 5 tests and 20 custom questions. You can have candidates respond to your custom questions in several ways, such as with a personalized video.

A video question is a specific type of custom question you can add to your assessment. Video questions let you create a question and have your candidates use their webcam to record a video response. This is an excellent way to see how a candidate would conduct themselves in a live interview, and is especially useful for sales and hospitality roles. Some good examples of things to ask for video questions would be "Why do you want to work for our company?" or "Try to sell me an item you have on your desk right now."

Besides video questions, you can also add the following types of custom questions: multiple-choice, coding, file upload, and essay. Multiple-choice lets your candidates choose from a list of answers that you provide, coding lets you create a coding problem for them to solve, file upload allows your candidates to upload a file that you request (such as a resume or portfolio), and essay allows an open-ended text response to your question. You can learn more about different custom question types here.

An assessment is the total package of tests and custom questions that you put together to evaluate your candidates. Each individual test within an assessment is designed to test something specific, such as a job skill or language. An assessment can consist of up to 5 tests and 20 custom questions. You can have candidates respond to your custom questions in several ways, such as with a personalized video.

A video question is a specific type of custom question you can add to your assessment. Video questions let you create a question and have your candidates use their webcam to record a video response. This is an excellent way to see how a candidate would conduct themselves in a live interview, and is especially useful for sales and hospitality roles. Some good examples of things to ask for video questions would be "Why do you want to work for our company?" or "Try to sell me an item you have on your desk right now."

Besides video questions, you can also add the following types of custom questions: multiple-choice, coding, file upload, and essay. Multiple-choice lets your candidates choose from a list of answers that you provide, coding lets you create a coding problem for them to solve, file upload allows your candidates to upload a file that you request (such as a resume or portfolio), and essay allows an open-ended text response to your question. You can learn more about different custom question types here.

Related tests

Intermediate Math

The Intermediate Math test evaluates candidates’ ability to solve math equations and problems involving fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and time calculations. This test will help you identify candidates who can work well with numbers.

10 min

Mechanical Reasoning

This Mechanical Reasoning test evaluates candidates’ understanding of basic mechanical and physical concepts. This test helps you identify individuals with good mechanical reasoning skills who can apply mechanical principles to solve problems.

10 min

Attention to Detail (Textual)

This Attention to Detail pre-hire skills test evaluates candidates’ ability to pay attention to textual detail while processing information. The attention to detail (textual) test helps companies identify candidates who can thoroughly and carefully handle intricate processes using analytical skills.

12 min

Verbal Reasoning

This Verbal Reasoning test evaluates candidates’ ability to recognize logical relationships between words and draw accurate conclusions from written information. This cognitive ability test helps you assess candidates’ analytical skills through language.

10 min

Popular

Problem Solving

This Problem Solving test evaluates candidates’ ability to define problems and analyze data and textual information to make correct decisions. This test helps you identify candidates who use analytical skills to evaluate and respond to complex situations.

9 min

Critical Thinking

This online Critical Thinking screening test evaluates candidates’ skills in critical thinking through inductive and deductive reasoning problems. This pre-employment skills test will help you identify candidates who can evaluate information and make sound judgments using analytical skills.

12 min

Computational Thinking

This Computational Thinking test evaluates a candidate’s knowledge of computational thinking. This screening test will help you hire technologically savvy employees who can solve complex problems, think creatively, and develop innovative solutions.

10 min

Basic Math Calculations

This Basic Math Calculations test evaluates candidates’ ability to solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems. This test will help you identify candidates who can solve calculations that use double- and triple-digit integers.

10 min

Understanding Instructions

The Understanding Instructions test evaluates a candidate’s ability to understand and follow instructions in many different forms, and in a variety of contexts. This test helps you identify candidates who can process and follow instructions correctly.

10 min

Attention to Detail (Visual)

This Attention to Detail (Visual) test evaluates candidates’ ability to pay attention to visual details and information. This online skills assessment helps you identify candidates who can pay close attention to visual cues and can handle visual material carefully and thoroughly.The attention to detail test is designed by a subject matter expert to screen candidates who can find differences in images and match identical images. It also assesses candidates’ ability to distinguish small details in an image and to identify patterns. You can send this online attention-to-detail (visual) assessment to your prospective job applicants and screen them objectively before inviting them to an interview.

10 min