Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Math Question During Interview

Hi everyone,

During an interview, the interviewer will ask us some sudden math question so how long do we have to calculate it ? Can we write it down to a paper and calculate the number ?

During solving case, can we write down our math calculation or it has to be 100% estimate in our mind ?

Thank you so much,

2
2.8k
20
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
on Sep 13, 2018
ex-Manager - Natural and challenging teacher - Taylor case solving, no framework

Hi,

When performing a calculation, I recommand :

  • Split the discussion in two : start with the structure of the calculation, and once it's validated draw hypothesis and perform the calculation
  • when perofrming the calculation, we don' t expect you to be supper fast, be at least to be accurate. So in case, it's super direct, you should ALWAYS write down on the paper the calculation. I also recommand to proceed with intermediate steps in the calculation so it will be easier to correct in case there is a mistake.

Best
Benjamin

Vlad
Coach
on Sep 13, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

You SHOULD write down the numbers and come up with the approach to calculations. Some of the calculations you will calculate mentally, others (e.g. equations) you will actually do on paper. 

Overall you should follow the following algorithm:

  1. Always tell the interviewer your approach
  2. Check with the interviewer that your approach is correct
  3. Do the calculations writing down the numbers and doing the simple calculations mentally. Come to the interviewer with some preliminary answers
  4. Check your answer with the interviewer

Best

Similar Questions
Consulting
AI/ ChatGPT for Case Practice
on May 23, 2025
Global
9
3.6k
Top answer by
40
9 Answers
3.6k Views
+6
Consulting
How should I explain a change in course at university? Will it be asked of me?
on Apr 14, 2025
Global
10
4.2k
Top answer by
Alessa
Coach
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free
81
10 Answers
4.2k Views
+7
Consulting
McKinsey final round interview
on Sep 06, 2024
Global
5
2.7k
Top answer by
Florian
Coach
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU
66
5 Answers
2.7k Views
+2