Abstract reasoning is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — aptitude skills assessed in recruitment and graduate testing. Used by employers to evaluate how quickly candidates can spot patterns, identify rules, and make sense of unfamiliar information, abstract reasoning tests can feel intimidating at first glance.
The good news is that abstract reasoning is not an innate talent held by select few. It is a learnable, trainable skill. With the right approach, candidates can dramatically improve both speed and accuracy — often in a relatively short period of time.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what abstract reasoning is, how abstract reasoning tests work, the most common question types and patterns, and — crucially — how to improve abstract reasoning scores using a repeatable method. You’ll also find a practical pattern checklist, a step-by-step solving framework, and a simple 7-day practice plan you can apply immediately.
What is abstract reasoning?
Abstract reasoning is the ability to identify patterns, relationships, and rules in visual or non-verbal information. Instead of using words or numbers, abstract reasoning tests rely on shapes, symbols, diagrams, and sequences to assess how you think. Put simply, abstract reasoning measures how well you can solve new problems without prior knowledge. You’re not expected to know the answer in advance like you would in other test situations — you’re expected to work it out logically.
In the workplace, abstract reasoning and problem solving go hand in hand. Employers use abstract reasoning tests to predict how quickly someone can learn new systems, adapt to change, and make accurate decisions when information is incomplete.
Why abstract reasoning matters at work
Abstract reasoning abilities are closely linked to performance in roles that require analytical thinking and adaptability, including:
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Finance and consulting: spotting trends, anomalies, or logical inconsistencies in data
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Technology and engineering: debugging systems, understanding workflows, recognising structural patterns
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Operations and management: process improvement, identifying inefficiencies, responding to novel problems
This is why abstract reasoning tests are widely used in graduate schemes, professional roles, and high-volume recruitment.
Although abstract reasoning overlaps with logical and inductive reasoning, it is not the same. Logical reasoning often focuses on verbal logic and arguments, while abstract reasoning is purely visual and rule-based. If you want a deeper comparison, see our guides on logical reasoning tests and inductive reasoning tests.
To see real examples, explore our full library of abstract reasoning tests.
How abstract reasoning tests work
An abstract reasoning test is typically timed, multiple-choice, and entirely visual. Each question presents a pattern or relationship, followed by several possible answers — only one of which follows the same underlying rule.
Typical test structure
Most abstract reasoning tests share the following features:
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Strict time limits (often 30–90 seconds per question)
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Increasing difficulty as the test progresses
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No calculators or written working
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Visual information only — no words or numbers
What the test is really assessing is not intelligence, but how quickly and accurately you can learn new rules under pressure.
Why time pressure matters
Difficulty in abstract reasoning tests comes from a combination of novelty, pace, and complexity. Even simple rules become challenging when time is limited. This is why having a consistent method matters more than spotting “clever” solutions.
Common pitfalls
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Focusing on one complex rule and missing a simpler change
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Ignoring obvious differences like shape count or position
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Spending too long on a single question and running out of time
What to expect
In the first 60 seconds of any abstract reasoning test:
- Read the instructions carefully
- Note how many questions and total time
- Check whether guessing is penalised
- Use practice questions to calibrate your speed
You don’t need advanced maths — you need a method. For a deeper breakdown, see our guide on how to prepare for abstract reasoning tests.
Types of abstract reasoning questions
While abstract reasoning questions may look varied, most fall into a small number of familiar categories. Learning to recognise the type quickly is one of the fastest ways to improve performance.
Sequence or series questions
You’re shown a sequence of images and asked to identify what comes next.
Check first:
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Number of shapes
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Direction or movement
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Rotation or reflection
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Shading or colour changes
Matrix or grid questions
Usually presented as a 2×2 or 3×3 grid with one missing cell.
Check first:
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Patterns across rows
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Patterns down columns
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Combined rules (row + column)
Odd-one-out questions
You must identify which option does not follow the shared rule.
Check first:
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What all the others have in common
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Whether one breaks a quantity or movement rule
Analogy pairs
These follow the format A → B, C → ?
Check first:
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What changes from A to B
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Apply the same transformation to C
For more pattern-recognition strategies, see our guide on identifying and solving logic patterns.
Common abstract reasoning patterns
Most abstract reasoning patterns fall into predictable categories. Using a consistent scanning order helps ensure you don’t miss the simplest rule.
A fast pattern checklist (scan in this order)
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Quantity rules: Count shapes, sides, dots, or symbols. Look for addition or subtraction across frames.
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Position & movement: Track direction, alignment, or movement paths.
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Rotation & reflection: Check degrees of rotation or mirror flips.
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Shading & colour: Look for alternation, progression, or toggling.
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Size & layering: Watch for scaling, overlap, foreground/background changes.
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Interaction rules: Two features changing together (e.g. rotation + shading).
Using this order prevents over-complication and speeds up decision-making.
How to improve abstract reasoning
Improving abstract reasoning scores comes down to method, speed control, and targeted practice.
The repeatable solving method
Use the same five-step approach for every question:
- Scan – Identify obvious changes quickly
- Hypothesise – Form a simple rule
- Test – Check it across at least two transitions
- Eliminate – Remove options that don’t fit
- Decide – Commit and move on
Speed tactics
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Time-box each question
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Use elimination early
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Recognise pattern families instead of starting from scratch
Accuracy tactics
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Verify rules across multiple rows or frames
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Avoid forcing complex explanations
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If unsure, guess intelligently and move on
A simple 7-day practice plan
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Day 1–2: Learn question types (15–20 minutes/day)
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Day 3–4: Focus on pattern recognition (20 minutes/day)
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Day 5: Mixed timed practice
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Day 6: Review mistakes by pattern type
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Day 7: Full test simulation
Track why you got questions wrong — not just your score.
Abstract reasoning vs logical reasoning
Both test problem solving, but abstract reasoning focuses on visual pattern discovery, while logical reasoning focuses on verbal logic and arguments. Preparation strategies overlap, but practice materials should match the test type.
Abstract reasoning improves fastest when candidates understand test formats, recognise common patterns, and apply a consistent method under time pressure. It is not about being “naturally good” — it’s about learning how these tests work and practising deliberately.
Start small: focus on pattern recognition, review your errors, and build confidence through repetition. With structured practice, most candidates see meaningful improvements far sooner than expected.
To take the next step, practise with realistic abstract reasoning tests and see how top employers like Accenture assess abstract reasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is abstract reasoning a skill you can learn or improve over time?
Yes. Abstract reasoning is a learnable skill. With structured practice and familiarity with common patterns, most candidates see clear improvements.
How long does it take to see improvement in abstract reasoning test scores?
Many candidates notice improvements within 1–2 weeks of focused practice, especially when reviewing mistakes by pattern type.
Are abstract reasoning tests the same for all employers and industries?
No. While patterns are similar, difficulty, time limits, and formats vary by employer and test provider.
What is the best way to practise abstract reasoning if you are short on time?
Short, focused sessions (15–25 minutes) targeting pattern recognition are more effective than long, unfocused practice.
Do abstract reasoning tests require maths knowledge?
No. Abstract reasoning tests assess pattern recognition and logic, not numerical ability.