Ratio questions in numerical reasoning tests: method, examples and practice
Ratio questions in numerical tests ask you to split an amount in a given ratio, or to find one quantity from another when you know the ratio between them. One method solves almost all of them: find the value of one part, then scale up. Most mistakes come from confusing a ratio (3:5) with a fraction (3/8 of the total). On forge's free numerical tests, percentage and ratio questions are answered correctly only 59% of the time. See our numerical reasoning guide for the wider test.
- One method: total parts → one part → scale up.
- 3:5 means the first group is 3/8 of the total, not 3/5.
- Simplify first: 12:18 = 2:3.
- On forge's tests, percentage and ratio questions: 59% accuracy over 742 answers, median 32 seconds.
- Used in SHL, Aon, Cappfinity, Pulsifi and CCAT numerical items.
Free sample question
Ratio question
Profit splits, staff ratios and team mixes.
One question in the real format, with the worked solution · no signup
Quick summary
- Add the ratio parts, find one part, then multiply.
- A ratio compares parts; a fraction compares a part with the whole.
- Simplify ratios before calculating.
- Check the answer's size against the total before choosing.
- Ratio and percentage questions are some of the most-missed in practice tests.
The three ratio question types
1. Split a total
Total parts = 2 + 3 + 4 = 9. One part = £36,000 ÷ 9 = £4,000. Largest share = 4 × £4,000 = £16,000.
2. Find one quantity from another
84 ÷ 7 = 12 per part. Managers = 2 × 12 = 24.
3. Compare two figures as a ratio
1,350 : 900. Divide both by 450: 3 : 2.
Speed tips
- Always write "one part =" before anything else. It stops you guessing which number to divide by.
- Simplify big numbers: 1,350 : 900 is easier as 3 : 2.
- Estimate first: the largest share in 2:3:4 is just under half the total, so £16,000 of £36,000 looks right.
- Watch the units: tables in thousands can hide a ×1,000.
Ratios often come paired with percentages. Our percentage shortcuts and 10 numerical question types guides cover the rest.
Practise ratios under time pressure
Free numerical drills plus SHL, Aon and Cappfinity-style timed tests with worked answers.
Start numerical practiceRelated guides
Source notes
Accuracy and timing come from answers on forge's free numerical tests, re-graded on 30 September 2026 (742 answers on percentage and ratio questions). All questions are written or generated by forge.
Frequently asked questions
How do you solve ratio questions in a numerical reasoning test?
Add the parts of the ratio to get the total number of parts, divide the total amount by that to find one part, then multiply by the number of parts you need. For 'A to B is 3:5 and A is 60', divide 60 by 3 to get one part (20), then B = 5 × 20 = 100.
What's the difference between a ratio and a fraction?
A ratio compares parts with each other (3:5), while a fraction compares a part with the whole (3/8). In a 3:5 ratio, the first group is 3/8 of the total, not 3/5. Mixing these up is the most common ratio mistake.
How do I simplify a ratio?
Divide every part by the highest number that goes into all of them. 12:18 becomes 2:3 after dividing both by 6. Simplify before calculating to keep the numbers small.
How do ratios show up in graduate aptitude tests?
As splits of budgets or profits between partners, staff mixes, comparisons between two columns of a table, and 'how many more' questions. SHL, Aon, Cappfinity and CCAT tests all use them.
How can I get faster at ratio questions?
Always find 'one part' first, simplify ratios before you calculate, and estimate the answer's size before checking the options. Timed practice on short ratio items builds the habit quickly.
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