Is it ok to calculate by hand during the case on the sheet of paper?
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Deleted user
on Sep 23, 2019
Dear A,
Yes, that is expected from you during the interview.
Let me know, if you need any help during preparation to the interview.
Best,
André
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Vlad
on Sep 23, 2019
Coach
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi,
I doubt anyone can make case calculations without taking notes. So you SHOULD be using a sheet of paper.
I recommend using the following approach while doing your calculations:
- Tell the interviewer your approach / formula
- Check with the interviewer that your approach is correct
- Ask for a minute to perform the calculations
- Check any assumptions you make with the interviewer. If you need to round the number - you have to check with the interviewer as well
- Come to the interviewer with some intermediate calculations results to check that you are moving in the right direction
- Come up with the final answer
Best!

Francesco
on Sep 23, 2019
Coach
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Anonymous,
it is totally fine to write down your calculations during the interview.
In terms of how to approach math in the case, this is what I would recommend:
- Repeat the question – candidates sometimes do mistakes answering the wrong question in the math part
- Present how you would like to proceed from a theoretical point of view (you may ask for time before presenting if you initially don't know how to approach the problem)
- Ask for time and perform the first computations
- Present interim steps to the interviewer to keep him/her aligned – don’t just say the final number
- Continue with the computations until you find the final answer
- Propose next steps on the basis of the results you found
Best,
Francesco
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