Pulsifi logical reasoning test: how to solve the grid puzzles
The Pulsifi logical reasoning test shows you a grid of shapes with one cell missing, and you choose the option that completes it. Pulsifi describes it as finding the rules and patterns in an abstract scenario. Every grid uses a few rules about shape, shading, number and position. Check them one at a time and the answer drops out. It is one of the six tests in the Pulsifi assessment.
- Format: a grid of shapes with one missing cell; pick the shape that fills it (Pulsifi).
- Rules come from a short list: shape, shading, number, size, position, rotation.
- Each rule is usually constant along rows, constant down columns, or once per row and column.
- Describe the missing cell before looking at the options.
- forge's Pulsifi-style sets: 15 questions in 10 minutes, 73 items in total.
Free sample question
Complete the grid
A 3 × 3 grid. Shape, shading and number each follow a rule. Find all three, then pick the missing cell.
One question in the real format, with the worked solution · no signup
Quick summary
- You see a grid of shapes with one cell missing and choose the option that completes it.
- The grid follows a few rules about shape, shading, number, size, position or rotation.
- Check each feature across rows and down columns, one feature at a time.
- Predict the answer before looking at the options to avoid being led by distractors.
- Pulsifi doesn't publish a question count; each Pulsifi test takes about 5 to 15 minutes.
The three kinds of rule you'll see
| Rule | What it looks like | What the missing cell needs |
|---|---|---|
| Constant along rows | Every cell in a row has the same shading | The same value as the rest of its row |
| Constant down columns | Every cell in a column has the same number of shapes | The same value as the rest of its column |
| Once per row and column | Circle, square and triangle each appear once in every row and column | The one value its row (and column) is still missing |
Harder grids add progressions (one more shape in each cell, or a 90° turn each step) and combinations (cell 3 = cell 1 overlaid on cell 2, keeping only the parts that appear once). Our pattern families guide lists all seven families with examples.
Shading: constant along each row, so row 3 is outline.
Number: 1, 2, 3 across every row, so the third column has three.
Shape: each row has a circle, a square and a triangle. Row 3 already has a triangle and circles, so it needs squares.
Answer: three outline squares.
A four-step method that works on every grid
- List what varies. Shape? Shading? Count? Size? Rotation? Position? Ignore anything that never changes.
- Test one feature at a time. Rows first, then columns. Say the rule to yourself ("shading is fixed per row").
- Describe the missing cell in words before you look at the options.
- Eliminate. Cross out options that break any rule. If two remain, they differ on one feature: re-check that feature.
How to get faster
- Check features in a fixed order (shape → shading → number → position → rotation) so you never skip one.
- Give each question about 40 seconds. If you're stuck after a minute, eliminate what you can, guess and move on.
- Review misses by rule. If you keep missing rotation rules, drill rotation. Our error log method makes this quick.
Abstract reasoning skills transfer across providers. If you also face SHL or Aon tests, see the SHL inductive reasoning test and abstract reasoning guides.
Practise Pulsifi logical on forge
73 Pulsifi-style grid and sequence items in 5 timed sets, with the rule explained for every answer.
Start Pulsifi logicalRelated guides
- Pulsifi assessment: all six tests
- Pulsifi verbal reasoning test
- Pulsifi numerical reasoning test
- Logical reasoning tests
- Diagrammatic reasoning test
Source notes
Pulsifi describes its logical reasoning test (rules and patterns in an abstract scenario; a grid with a missing slot) on its online assessments page, checked 2 October 2026. Set lengths describe forge's Pulsifi-style practice. forge is independent and not affiliated with Pulsifi; all puzzles here are generated or written by forge.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pulsifi logical reasoning test?
It is one of Pulsifi's three cognitive tests. Pulsifi describes it as hypothesising rules and patterns in an abstract scenario: you examine a grid of shapes and choose the shape that fills the missing slot. It measures how you solve unfamiliar problems.
How do you solve Pulsifi logical reasoning questions?
Look at one feature at a time: shape, shading or colour, number, size, position and rotation. For each feature, check whether it is constant along rows, constant down columns, or appears once in every row and column. The missing cell must satisfy every rule.
How long is the Pulsifi logical test?
Pulsifi says each of its tests takes about 5 to 15 minutes and doesn't publish a question count. forge's Pulsifi-style logical sets use 15 questions in 10 minutes, about 40 seconds each.
Is the Pulsifi logical test like Raven's matrices?
Yes, it is the same family of task: abstract matrix problems where you find the rules and complete the grid. Practice on any matrix-style or inductive reasoning test transfers well.
Can I improve my score on abstract reasoning tests?
Yes. The rules come from a small set (rotation, shading, counting, position, combination), and learning to check them in a fixed order makes you both faster and more accurate. Most improvement comes from the first few hours of focused practice.
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