The ratios and percentages questions were reasonable, but involved a lot of calculations on the calculator.
SHL Style 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.
Prepare yourself for leading employers
Free example SHL style numerical questions
We recommend you start with our free SHL style 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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SHL Style Numerical Reasoning Tests FAQs
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 Style 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
Practicing 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 in the end. You can maximize 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 Style 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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Job Search
Australia
January 30, 2024
It involves a lot of calculations
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ayyyzma
United Kingdom
October 20, 2023
Fun
First numerical test I’ve completed and had fun with it. Not sure if it is representative of actual exams!
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Mmamotsa Makhene
United States of America
October 18, 2023
Great practice
The option of being timed, adds the real life pressure which is appreciated to learn the pace that you need to work at.
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Mariko
Japan
October 16, 2023
Difficult to figure out a question asked in a mini panic
Combined with various figures given to you, it is difficult to understand the question asked. Although the questions that is asked is not difficult, with your panic kicking in, it makes it difficult to figure out.
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Ameya Garg
United Kingdom
October 14, 2023
Just need to be good at mental maths as most questions can be done quicker mentally then with a calculator
nice, simple layout, wish the names were real it would make it easier to remeber values throughout questions
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Brandon Pavlat
United States of America
October 03, 2023
Wasn't easy
The graphs would switch to the previous graph question if I took information off the view a specific area.
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Bri Santiago
Switzerland
September 29, 2023
Challenged but get's brain juices flowing
I found this test very helpful in preparing for an assessment day interview. It was important to pay attention to details but also make quick calculations.
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Patronella Nzwanai Bhunhu
Zimbabwe
September 29, 2023
Numerical test
Fast pace and also very trick but also the graphs not so interactive when you touch them to get information
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Jasmine Yong
United Kingdom
September 28, 2023
Time allocation
The timed test puts a pressure on me and reduced my performance. However, the questions were healthily challenging.
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Edward Glendinning
Australia
September 27, 2023
Keep track of the time.
I found the maths nice and straightforward. Important to take notes, and keep yourself moving ahead of the clock