Numerical Ability / Reasoning tests assess a test taker’s ability to solve numerically related problems. Some tests focus on mathematical ability, presenting test takers with decontextualised sums they need to answer. Others set numerical questions in work-relevant contexts, requiring test takers to take information from various sources (e.g. tables, graphs, reports) and use this solve problems. As questions in more contextualised tests tend to be presented verbally, such tests also include an element of verbal ability. Tests of Numerical Ability / Reasoning will assess a test taker’s ability to reason with and solve numerical problems but will also provide an indication of their general reasoning ability.
Common elements of numerical reasoning tests are statistical analysis, working with graphs, charts and tables to identify key information, and applying the correct logic to answer a question. Arithmetic, percentages, averages and fractions are also key elements.
Generally speaking, numerical reasoning tests are short, timed assessments presented in a multiple-choice format. Unlike some forms of psychometric testing, there are right and wrong answers in numerical reasoning tests.
Numerical reasoning questions can be tailored to the essential requirements of the role being recruited to such as determining profit margins, calculating percentage increases or decreases in sales, or estimating material quantities. As such, they give employers a good indication of how an applicant would perform in the role in question.
As numerical reasoning tests are timed, they can also provide employers with a good measure of how well an individual works under pressure. Depending on the level and type of role applied for, tests can be quite complex requiring the need to apply a number of processes to draw the right conclusion.
Numerical reasoning tests may employ the use of what are called ‘distractors’. Distractors fall into two types: information that is included which is not relevant to the question; and answer options which are similar to the correct answer or that would be reached if a common mistake was made.
Numerical reasoning tests are rarely used on their own in the recruitment and selection process and are most commonly employed as part of an overall recruitment strategy involving other psychometric tests such as verbal reasoning and personality questionnaires.
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Are you looking to assess your candidates’ potential? If the answer is yes, then use ability tests such as verbal, numerical and logical.
Numerical reasoning assesses how quickly and accurately a person can make factually-based decisions.
You will be able to request a complete cognitive ability test covering verbal, numerical and logical reasoning. Our Personality Insights Report includes cognitive ability results too.
Note: The SOVA platform complies with the ‘Web Content Accessibility Guidelines’ and timings on the ability tests can be adjusted for individuals who have neurodiverse conditions.
Online - desktop / tablet, Online - mobile
Online - desktop / tablet, Online - mobile
15 Minutes
15 Minutes
English (UK)
Are you looking to assess your candidates’ potential? If the answer is yes, then use ability tests such as verbal, numerical and logical.
Numerical reasoning assesses how quickly and accurately a person can make factually-based decisions.
You will be able to request a complete cognitive ability test covering verbal, numerical and logical reasoning. Our Personality Insights Report includes cognitive ability results too.
Note: The SOVA platform complies with the ‘Web Content Accessibility Guidelines’ and timings on the ability tests can be adjusted for individuals who have neurodiverse conditions.
Numerical reasoning tests are commonly used for roles requiring a high level of numeracy such as finance or insurance. They are also increasingly being used for any role that involves data interpretation or numerical analysis, such as marketing, HR, surveying, engineering and project management, and for graduate recruitment. Typically, the more senior the role, the more complex the numerical tests will be. They can be used in combination with other psychometric tests to get an idea of how a candidate will perform.
Numerical reasoning tests will comprise questions that test general arithmetic including addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication, as well as percentage change and simplified ratios.
Currency conversion questions are also commonly used as are numerical estimation or inference questions based on information presented in a graph, chart, table, or written format. Some questions may involve the use of a number series, where numerical logic will be tested, rather than the ability to perform basic calculations.
Read more about the best psychometric tests for recruitment in our blog to learn more about what to expect from each different psychometric test.
Numerical reasoning tests like other tests which measure intelligence tend to show higher levels of adverse impact than other types of tests. This can be minimised by conducting a thorough job analysis prior to recruitment taking place, combine scores from numerical reasoning tests with other assessments and take steps to ensure that every aspect of the testing process is fair.
Check out our blog post titled Why Cognitive Ability Matters to learn more about the importance of numerical reasoning and other psychometric tests.
