Erudex journal
Numerical Reasoning Tests: What They Measure and How to Prepare
6 min read22 October 2026
Numerical reasoning tests measure how well you work with percentages, ratios, rates and data under time pressure. They are among the most common tests in graduate and finance hiring.
Key points
- •Practise under timed conditions
- •Review explanations for every mistake
- •Use scores alongside other evidence
Topics that appear most
Percentage change, discounts, ratio splits, averages and rate calculations make up most questions.
- •Percentage increase and decrease
- •Ratio and proportion
- •Averages
- •Rates and unit conversion
Exam technique
Read the question before the data, estimate before calculating and move on from questions that take too long.
Practise with Erudex
Try free timed practice papers at erudexonline.com/aptitude-tests, take the full Erudex IQ Test with a report and certificate at erudexonline.com/iq-test, or screen candidates with invite links from the HR assessments page.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use a calculator?
- It depends on the employer. Practise both ways.
- How many questions should I practise?
- Several full timed papers is a sensible goal before a real test.