10 must-solve numerical reasoning question types

By Marin Devereux·9 min read·Updated 2026-04-12

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.

Frequency by question type (across 3,600+ questions)

Based on Forge's skill audit across all providers.

1. Percentage change

Formula: (New − Old) / Old × 100. Always divide by the base (starting) value.

Example

Revenue grew from $80M to $96M. What is the percentage increase?

(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.

Example

A company splits profit between divisions in a 2:3:5 ratio. Total profit is $500K. How much does the largest division get?

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.

Example

Three products: A sells 100 units at $20, B sells 200 at $15, C sells 50 at $30. What is the weighted average price?

(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.

The recognition advantage

Once you can name the question type within 5 seconds of reading the prompt, you already know the method. Practice is about building this recognition, not learning new maths.

Difficulty varies by provider

SHL numerical is moderate difficulty, 80 seconds per question. Talent Q adapts — easy questions first, harder as you answer correctly. AON’s numeracy module is rapid-fire mental arithmetic. Same question types, different pacing.

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.

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