10 must-solve numerical reasoning question types
Numerical reasoning tests feel unpredictable, but they are not. Every provider — SHL, AON, Talent Q, Cappfinity — draws from the same pool of about 10 question types. Learn the method for each and you will recognise them instantly on test day. For deeper methods, use the numerical reasoning guide, data interpretation, and word problems guide.
- The win condition is recognising the question type within five seconds.
- Percentage change, ratios, tables and weighted averages cover a large share of tests.
- Provider difficulty changes pacing more than it changes the underlying maths.
- Review should tag the question type and the mistake type separately.
If you know the type, you know the method. Drill recognition under time pressure. Start numerical practice
What to focus on first
| Focus area | Why it matters | Best drill |
|---|---|---|
| Percentages | Highest-frequency business calculation. | Change, share and reverse percentage drills. |
| Ratios | Shows up in allocation, mix and productivity questions. | Part-to-total conversion. |
| Tables | Tests data navigation more than maths. | Row/column lookup under time. |
| Weighted averages | Common in price, score and portfolio questions. | Value x weight, sum, divide. |
Common traps
- Recognising the topic but not the type. Percentages can mean change, share or reverse calculation.
- Eyeballing comparisons. Ranking questions often need calculated growth, not visual height.
- Ignoring provider pacing. Talent Q and AON can punish hesitation more than SHL.
How to practise from here
Take a mixed set and write the question type before solving. If naming the type takes more than five seconds, drill that family before doing more full mocks.
Frequency by question type (across 3,600+ questions)
1. Percentage change
Formula: (New − Old) / Old × 100. Always divide by the base (starting) value.
(96 − 80) / 80 = 0.2 = 20%.
2. Ratio and proportion
If A:B = 3:5 and total = 240, then A = 240 × 3/8 = 90, B = 240 × 5/8 = 150.
Total parts = 10. Largest share = 5/10 × 500K = $250K.
3. Data table lookup
Read the right row and column. The trap is adjacent rows with similar labels.
4. Bar/line chart reading
Extract values from the axis. Watch for stacked bars (subtract to get individual values).
5. Weighted average
Multiply each value by its weight, sum, divide by total weight.
(100×20 + 200×15 + 50×30) / 350 = (2000 + 3000 + 1500) / 350 = 6500/350 = $18.57.
6. Compound growth
Final = Initial × (1 + rate)^n. Used for multi-year projections.
7. Currency/unit conversion
Multiply or divide by the exchange rate. Check direction carefully.
8. Ranking and comparison
“Which region had the highest growth?” Calculate for all, then compare. Do not eyeball charts.
9. Reverse calculation
Given the result and the percentage, find the original. E.g., $84 is 70% of X → X = 84/0.70 = 120.
10. Multi-step arithmetic
Combines two or more of the above. E.g., find percentage change, then apply a ratio, then convert currency.
How to use this list in practice
Do not practise all ten equally. Take one mixed set, tag every question by type, then drill only the two types that caused misses or slow correct answers. If percentage change is the weak point, use percentage shortcuts. If table navigation is the weak point, use chart and table drills.
Source notes
forge checks this taxonomy against official provider examples such as SHL’s numerical reasoning example questions and Aon’s online assessment preparation page.
Practise all 10 types on forge
3,600+ questions tagged to specific question types — drill the ones you get wrong, skip the ones you nail.
Start practisingFrequently asked questions
What are the most common numerical reasoning question types?+
Percentage change, ratios, table lookup, chart reading, weighted averages, rates, reverse calculations and multi-step business scenarios appear most often.
Should I practise by provider or by question type?+
Start by question type to build method recognition, then switch to provider timing once you know whether your invite names SHL, AON, Talent Q or another platform.
How do I know which type I am weak at?+
Tag every wrong answer by question type and mistake type. After one mixed set, the slowest or most error-prone families are usually obvious.
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