all patterns follow similar logic, if you can figure out one pattern you can probably figure out all the other questions, e.g. skill level doesn't change
Spatial Reasoning Tests
Spatial reasoning tests assess your ability to think about objects in both two and three dimensions, and draw conclusions to those objects from limited information.
What is spatial reasoning?
Spatial reasoning is the ability to think about objects in both two and three dimensions, and visualise the movement of those objects or deduce patterns between them. Spatial reasoning skills are a critical part of science, art, and math. Spatial reasoning can be improved with practice.
Spatial reasoning tests prove helpful in assessing a candidate’s capacity to interpret two and three-dimensional shapes. The employer will judge your ability to identify patterns or relationships between these shapes.
These tests allow you to visualise two and three-dimensional images in your mind, and mentally manipulate these images into the shape that you want.
The tests are frequently used by employers to evaluate technical and engineering job seekers and are largely conducted in technology sectors and in the military.
What are the types of spatial reasoning tests?
Every spatial reasoning test will contain a variety of different questions, all designed to test your ability to visualise and manipulate images in their 2D and 3D shapes.
Have a read through these common types of questions and try a few out for yourself. It’s a great way to familiarise yourself with what you’ll need to know how to do, before taking a full mock test.
Shape matching
The shape matching or visual comparison questions will require you to examine two groups of different shapes in different layouts and rotations, before matching those that are the same.
It’s essentially a game of ‘pairs’ played at high speed, and it shows how comfortable you are with visualising two-dimensional objects.
A key thing to watch out for is reflected images, which are incorrect and often put in the test to make it extra challenging.
Group rotation
Mentally rotating shapes is one of the things you’ll need to demonstrate an aptitude for in the spatial reasoning test, either in two or three dimensions.
You’ll be shown a shape, and then lots of possible alternative views of the same shape — your job is to select the correct one.
Often the shapes will have an identifying marker such as a dot or square; the placement of the marker is important as it ultimately determines which answer is correct.
Cube views
You’ll be presented with three different views of a three-dimensional cube, with shapes or symbols on each face. You’ll then be asked questions about the symbols on the faces, to assess how capable you are at visualising shapes from all angles.
Mirror images
Just as it sounds, these questions require you to find the mirror image of the two- or three-dimensional shape you’re presented with.
If you find these questions tricky, it’s often possible to use logic to discount several possible answers quickly, leaving you with fewer potential correct answers.
Combining two-dimensional shapes
In this type of question you’ll be shown lots of 2D shapes, one of which has been cut up into pieces. You’ll be asked to look at the pieces and then work out which shape the pieces fit together to make.
Block counting
You’ll see a series of cubes made from blocks (but you won’t be able to see all of the blocks). The challenge is to work out how many blocks have been used to make the shape.
You’ll need to count blocks you cannot see, which is another means of testing your spatial reasoning ability.
Maps
Designed to assess your ability to take instructions and follow a map, these questions usually take the form of a two dimensional map or plan which you’ll be asked to navigate.
If you have a good sense of direction you may not find these questions challenging, but the trick here is to be accurate even under tight time pressure.
How to develop your spatial reasoning skills
Acing the spatial reasoning test always comes down to how well you’ve practised and prepared.
First, have a go at a free spatial awareness test. This is the best way to familiarise yourself with the question formats, the skills you’re being tested on and the speed at which you need to work.
Once you’ve had an initial go, make sure you do the rest of the tests in exam-style conditions to get used to working against the clock and in silence.
Once you’ve finished a test, go back through your answers and see how you’ve done. It’s important to give yourself credit for any correct answers, but it’s even more important to identify your weak spots.
For example, if you struggle with mirror images and don’t tend to get these questions right, you should dedicate extra time to working on them. You could also find alternative ways to get better at the questions, such as drawing shapes with a physical mirror to boost your ability to visualise reflections.
As well as improving your understanding, speed and accuracy, practising mock tests also helps to instil confidence that can be very useful if you’re feeling a little nervous on the day.
Prepare yourself for leading employers
Free spatial reasoning tests questions
Practicing spatial reasoning tests is the most effective way to prepare for your assessment. This will help you become familiar with the question style, test format, and timings, which will ensure there are no surprises in the real test.
So, why not do some spatial reasoning practice with a selection of free spatial awareness test questions and solutions to get you started:
Spatial reasoning question 1:
Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?
Spatial reasoning question 2:
Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?
Spatial reasoning question 3:
Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?
Correct answers:
Question 1
D. The large square overlays the small square with each alternate turn. The triangle moves from the left of the frame to the right of the frame with each turn.
Question 2
A. The dot moves from top left corner, to the middle line, to the bottom right corner, to middle line with each turn. The diamond remains in top right corner and is omitted for the following two frames once it has appeared. The triangle changes direction from down (always in left segment) to up (always on right segment) with each turn.
Question 3
B. Please note: squares are in no particular order within the frame. It is merely the number of squares that are important for this sequence. Shaded squares change from three to two with each turn. Unshaded squares change from two to three with each turn. Semi-circle moves from top left to top right, to bottom left to bottom right with each turn.
I’ve practiced hundreds of numerical questions and still have plenty more to try.Ellen used Practice Aptitude Tests to prepare for her upcoming interview at HSBC. Start your success story
Spatial Reasoning Tests FAQs
How are spatial reasoning tests scored?
Spatial reasoning tests consist of various questions related to dimensional thinking. The number of correct answers will form your score. After that, your results may be compared to the results of other test-takers or the normative group.
What are spatial reasoning tests used for?
Spatial reasoning tests are used for assessing a person’s ability to think about objects in different dimensions. The set of questions will evaluate how well you can use your imagination and reasoning to make conclusions about these objects.
What do spatial reasoning tests involve?
Spatial reasoning tests involve inquiries based on objects pictured in 2 or 3 dimensions. You will have to mentally process these images to figure out the answer. Such questions might include mirror images, perspective-related pictures, two-dimensional shapes and cubes.
What do spatial reasoning tests measure?
Spatial reasoning tests measure your multi-dimensional thinking. You will receive pictures of some objects and will have to process them in your mind to get an answer to the question. Your performance in this test will indicate how well you process objects in space.
Where can I practice spatial reasoning tests?
Practicing is the best way to achieve the highest results in spatial reasoning tests. Our website provides hundreds of spatial reasoning questions for you to practice. Tips and guides will help you train your brain to work with the spatial processing of objects.
Which employers use spatial reasoning tests?
Spatial reasoning tests assess your ability to think about objects in different dimensions. Such skills are considered to be crucial for technical roles. Therefore, if you are applying to be an engineer or an architect you might be expected to pass these tests.
Spatial Reasoning Tests Tips
1Do your research
Every spatial reasoning test is different. Find out as much information beforehand, such as who the test provider is, how long the test is and whether it’s an online or offline test. Once you know all of this, you’ll be able to practice accordingly.
2Find alternative ways to prepare
Practice doesn’t have to be limited to working through old tests: try alternative ways to improve your spatial awareness. Whether it’s looking at 3D models, trying your hand at some non-verbal reasoning tests or abstract reasoning tests, using mirrors to draw reflections or assembling models from flat plans, you can make the activities fun while honing skills for your spatial reasoning test.
3Consider pen and paper
Remember to bring a pen and paper along with you to the test (check this is allowed). It can really help you to visualise answers and solve challenges both in practice and on the day.
4Think logically
It’s important not to panic, even if you can’t work out an answer. The spatial reasoning test is multiple-choice, so you can usually rule out a few options as definite ‘nos’. Then, try to apply logic to make a judgement call between any remaining options. Remember, if you have time at the end you can always come back to any tricky questions.
5Put the practice in
It goes without saying, but practice really is the best way to prepare for any aptitude test. When you do mock tests and practice spatial questions, try to recreate exam conditions so you get used to working against the clock with no external help.
6Identify your strong and weak areas
Better not to practice any spatial reasoning question you find easy. Instead, try to concentrate only on those questions you may find difficult to answer. Work on your grey areas.
7Don't cheat
Many employers use verification tests to validate your previous test results. Publishers use special software which compares your answer patterns and performance between the online and subsequent supervised test.
Spatial Reasoning Video Tutorials
Spatial Tests: A Guide
6 mins
Mirror Images
2 mins
Rotated Views
1 min
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Spatial Reasoning 01
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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Spatial Reasoning 02
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Spatial Reasoning 03
20 Questions|20 Minutes
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Reviews of our Spatial Reasoning tests
What our customers say about our Spatial Reasoning tests
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Manuel Bocalandro
Philippines
March 28, 2023
easy
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Rei Z
Canada
February 18, 2023
Really Great Variety of Problems
This is a set of interesting and challenging questions for the free version that makes for good practice!
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Zama M
South Africa
February 18, 2023
Attempt 1
The test had clear instructions but was more of the same questions. I was expecting questions of varied dimensions but I think the results will share some light as to what the objective was and where I went wrong. I am hoping I will find more questions to practice especially in 3D.
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Anjelo A. Sibayan
Philippines
January 31, 2023
The ptterns
I like how it challenge me to think logically about the patterns of shapes and I only dislike the number of free test because it's few
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Aeolus Kun
Canada
January 16, 2023
The sequence and pattern
I liked how the question image is clear and not blurry. It is also fun to have a challenge for spatial reasoning like this.
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Simran Relwani
United Kingdom
January 12, 2023
nice difficulty
i liked that all the questions were sequence related, but also wish there were more types of spatial reasoning tests
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Marc Mitler
United States of America
December 01, 2022
hard
fun stimulating. it gave me something to do. It was a very interesting test. I liked how it improves your visual spatial skills. I would definitely recommend this for people who want to keep their brain fit. The more you practice the better you get. I want to keep doing this
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Felix Akrong
Ghana
November 02, 2022
Critical thinking
This test is a true test of cognitive ability in space and is very scintillating. I would recommend this test to anyone.
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Simi Sola
Nigeria
October 24, 2022
Very useful
This test is going to be easier for you if you use the elimination method. Shoutouts to the creator for helping me ace my entrance exam.
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MARIANELLE GARCÍA BERRIO
Colombia
September 19, 2022
Nice test
It was pretty unique, usually I only see tests that require you to rotate 3D figures in your head. I think it will be of great use to my studies.