The level of difficulty was not that hard. You could have different tests with variable difficulty for different people.
SHL Numerical Reasoning Tests
SHL’s numerical test is the most popular numerical reasoning test used by employers and recruiters around the world. It’s designed to assess how critically, quickly and accurately you can analyse and interpret charts, graphs, tables and other numerical data.
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Free example SHL numerical questions
We recommend you start with our free SHL numerical practice tests and questions. Each example practice question includes worked solutions.
After that, try the three example questions below. Answers and solutions follow after the questions.
1. Percentages
What was the average total percentage decrease in the number of homes sold by Bradfield Homes and Thompson Homes from May to June?
- A) 18.18%
- B) 13.26%
- C) 13.04%
- D) 8.33%
2. Tables and graphs
If Heathrow Airport pledged in January to reduce cancelled flights by 80% by March, by how many cancelled flights have they failed to reach this target?
- A) 4
- B) 0
- C) 14
- D) 18
3. Conversions
2,000 CHF was used to purchase USD in Q2 and then sold in Q4. How much will the amount be worth in CHF?
- A) 2,117.65
- B) 2,098.03
- C) 2,077.67
- D) 1,981.48
Answers
1) May = 110 + 120 = 230 June = 90 + 110 = 200 230 - 200 = 30
30 / 230 x 100 = 13.04%, so the answer is C)
2) Step 1: Take the number of flights cancelled in January and calculate an 80% reduction:
30 × (1-0.8) = 6
Step 2: Subtract this figure from the March figure:
10 - 6 = 4, so the answer is A)
3) Step 1: Calculate how many USD you can buy with CHF 2,000 in Q2:
2,000 × 1.08 = USD 2,160
Step 2: Calculate how many CHF you can purchase with USD 2,160 in Q4:
2,160 ÷ 1.02 = CHF 2,117.65, so the answer is A)
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Are SHL numerical tests difficult?
The tests are designed to be challenging, as they act as a filter for employers who are looking to take only the best candidates forward. The good news is, if you’re applying for a job that requires you to take an SHL numerical test, you’re probably pretty adept with numbers already— so it’s just about ensuring you’ve put enough practice and preparation in before the test to sharpen your skills.
How are SHL numerical tests scored?
The tests are scored comparatively, which means your score will be compared to the scores of every other candidate who took the test. This is preferable to a benchmark pass rate or normative scoring, as it takes into account how hard the test was.
How long is an SHL numerical test?
The SHL numerical test usually comprises 18 questions, for which you’ll have between 17–25 minutes to answer. It’s important to check how long you have at the start, so you can give yourself a time allowance for each question.
Can you use a calculator?
The answer to this varies from test to test. As such it’s essential to find out before you start practising past tests, so you know whether you can use a calculator or not.
If you are allowed to use a calculator, it’s wise to familiarise yourself with the model you have and make sure you know how to get the best from all of the different functionalities.
Where can I practice numerical reasoning tests?
You can start with the numerical reasoning tests on this website, where there’s also plenty of tips and tricks from industry insiders, helpful blog posts and advice from people who have taken the tests previously.
How can I improve my numerical reasoning?
There really is nothing better than practising past tests. Doing so helps you to get quicker, familiarise yourself with the different questions, work out which areas you need to brush up on and ensures you enter the test with confidence that you can face what’s in front of you.
SHL Numerical Reasoning Tests Tips
1Brush up on your numerical skills
You need to make sure you have a good grasp of fractions, ratios, percentages, averages and statistics. Build your confidence at analysing data presented in graphs and charts, as that’s what the majority of the questions will focus on. Our numerical reasoning test questions are a good place to start.
2Practice different numerical tests
Practising is the most important thing you can do to prepare, but there are ways to make your practice more efficient. Don’t just rely on the questions on the SHL website, as these are easier than the ones you’ll see on the actual test. Our sample tests cover all of the kinds of questions you’re likely to see.
3Replicate the test environment
Take any mock test you do in exam conditions, so you prepare yourself mentally and get better at answering the questions quickly and accurately. This means a quiet working environment free from distractions, equipping yourself with the tools you’ll be allowed on the day and most crucially — timing yourself.
4Work quickly but don’t rush
The most common mistakes are made because people don’t read the questions properly and miss key information. A good example of this is the different axes on the graphs — they’re often swapped around as a means of checking whether you’ve been paying attention.
5Use your time efficiently
If you’re running out of time, make an educated guess and come back to it if you have time at the end. You can maximise your chance of selecting the right answer by eliminating any you know to be wrong and trying to roughly arrive at an answer in your head, to help you better guess which answer may be correct.
Numerical Reasoning Video Tutorials
Data Interpretation
2 mins
Numerical Tests: A Guide
4 mins
SHL Tests: A Guide
5 mins
Try SHL Numerical Reasoning Tests for Free
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Free
Numerical Reasoning 01
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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Numerical Reasoning 02
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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Numerical Reasoning 03
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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Reviews of our Numerical Reasoning tests
What our customers say about our Numerical Reasoning tests
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Hammad Hadi Khan
Pakistan
June 15, 2021
The difficulty was easy compared to other sites
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keith fu
Hong Kong
June 14, 2021
Time management, identification of data
Should work on the identification of data and manage the time well, minimise numbers as much as possible
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Teresa Lyons
United Kingdom
June 10, 2021
Timing is tough
Thought I was OK on these questions until I needed to do them timed. Think I will just have to practice lots to get faster.
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Halima Bhikhu
United Kingdom
June 10, 2021
Challenging!
Time ran out too fast, and sometimes it's hard to see all information on the screen without scrolling down
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pitamber gupta
India
June 09, 2021
Not a tough test, all you need is speed and good grip of percentages
Some more instructions should be given at the beginning of the test about negative marking, and that the value can be checked on the graphs
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zanele rakganyane
South Africa
June 08, 2021
Basic Math
I think each question should take 1 minute to answer. Which means that the candidate needs to manage time properly.
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Evangeline
Philippines
June 08, 2021
Most important is the ability to take the test accurately in a given time
What I like the most in this test is the critical problems that I can solve. What I dislike is the time pressure.
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andy Horton
United Kingdom
June 06, 2021
Bit slow to start
Haven't done this in ages, so was not surprised to run out of time. Numbers are not my thing at my age.
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Ikulagba Juliet
Nigeria
June 06, 2021
Too much pressure
I like the fact that the questions are similar. But the time was very fast and I felt under pressure.
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Jonathan koch
Namibia
June 06, 2021
Know how to do ratios and work with averages at speed
I liked that the calculations were not very difficult, but the time limit did catch me in the end because of the reading time it takes to understand the questions.