Can I use the phrase "Using the rule of 72 we see that.." in a case interview? Or is it just a math trick that isn't really supposed to be so evidently exposed during calculations?
Back to overview
16
Wrong calculation for vaccination revenue?
10
Quick question: Using the rule of 72!
2
3.5k
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Vlad
on Mar 18, 2019
Coach
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi,
Not sure if I understand your question. You should always provide clarity on the way you are doing the calculations. I strongly recommend telling the interviewer HOW you are going to calculate something before actually starting the calculations. So yes, you should tell this to the interviewer.
Best!
0 comments
Francesco
on Mar 18, 2019
Coach
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Anonymous,
as mentioned by Vlad, you can definitely mention you are using the rule of 72 - if you don’t, the interviewer will very likely ask you how you managed to calculate so quickly a compound growth. The interviewer may also ask you where the rule comes from, so be sure to review its origin, which is related to the natural logarithm.
Best,
Francesco
Sign up for free to read all answers.
Sign up for free to read all answers.
Similar Questions
Most Popular Posts
Preparing for Bain AC final round. How different is it to the first round in terms of difficulty and structure?
10
on Jun 02, 2026
Europe
5
100+
Top answer by
Mauro
Coach
Ex Bain AP | +200 interviews | 15years experience | Top MBB coach
5 Answers
100+ Views
+2
Question about
Case
on Jun 03, 2026
Global
4
100+
Top answer by
Tommaso
Coach
Ex-McKinsey | MBA @ Berkeley Haas | Experienced Hire Specialist | 50% off on 1st meeting in June (DM me for promo code!)
4 Answers
100+ Views
+1
How do you actually know if you did well in an interviewer-led case?
15
on Jun 04, 2026
Europe
7
200+
Top answer by
Bogdan
Coach
MBB & Tier-2 Consulting Interview Coach | Ex-McKinsey, Kearney & Alvarez & Marsal | CV Review | Free 15-minute Intro
7 Answers
200+ Views
+4
What is the cool off period for Bain?
13
on Jun 07, 2026
Middle East
5
200+
Top answer by
Franco
Coach
Ex BCG Principal & Global Interviewer (10+ Years) | 100+ MBB Offers | 95% Success Rate
5 Answers
200+ Views
+2
Applying to MBB Associate level at 31 considered too old?
10
on Jun 07, 2026
USA
6
100+
Top answer by
Franco
Coach
Ex BCG Principal & Global Interviewer (10+ Years) | 100+ MBB Offers | 95% Success Rate
6 Answers
100+ Views
+3