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Numerical reasoning tests: speed with accuracy
How to read the tables, avoid the classic traps (units, percentage points, currency direction) and use the answer options to save time.
The method
- 1
Read the question first
Then find only the numbers it needs. Tables often contain distractors.
- 2
Check units and scale
Thousands or millions? Percent or percentage points? Per year or per quarter?
- 3
Write the calculation
One line on paper, before you touch the calculator.
- 4
Estimate, then look at the options
If the options are far apart, a rough estimate is enough to pick one.
- 5
Keep moving
About 75 seconds a question in a 12-in-15-minutes test. Flag and come back.
The calculations that come up again and again
Percentage change = (new − old) ÷ old
Share = part ÷ total
Worked example · Growth and share
Checked by codeRevenue rose from $240m to $276m. The whole market was $1,840m. What was the growth rate, and the company's market share?
Show the working
- 1.Growth = (276 − 240) ÷ 240 = 36 ÷ 240 = 15%.
- 2.Share = 276 ÷ 1,840 = 15%.
Answer15% growth and a 15% share.
Worked example · Percent versus percentage points
Checked by codeA margin goes from 12% to 15%. By how much did it rise?
Show the working
- 1.In percentage points: 15 − 12 = 3 points.
- 2.In percent: 3 ÷ 12 = 25%.
Answer3 percentage points, which is a 25% increase.
Worked example · Currency direction
Checked by code€50m is converted at 1.08 US dollars per euro. How many dollars?
Show the working
- 1.Dollars per euro × euros = dollars: 1.08 × 50 = 54.
Answer$54m.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes
- Dividing by the new value instead of the old one for a percentage change.
- Mixing percent and percentage points.
- Converting currency the wrong way round. Check whether the rate is "dollars per euro" or "euros per dollar".
- Reading the wrong year's column.
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