Eyeballing percentage calculations

case math
New answer on Jul 24, 2021
4 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Jul 22, 2021

Is there a way to improve eyeballing percentage calculations (eg. (5/25 = 20%) without writing down the math? Do you just memorize what % fractions constitute? (Eg 1/5 = 20%, 1/4 = 25%)

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Anonymous updated the answer on Jul 24, 2021

I would suggest to start practicing mental math on dialy basis (many websites/apps can help), then you will come up with your own shortcuts.

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Ian
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replied on Jul 22, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Yes, you need to "memorize" and practice! Find online tests (preplounge, mathdrills, etc). and just run through the percents.

The better you can get at fast math, the more of your brainpower/focus that can be spent on the rest of the case/interview!

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Agrim
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replied on Jul 24, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting

Hi Anon,

Your best tool here is practice. Nothing else.

The more you look at such ratios, the more intuitive they will become.

If you try to memorize them you will fumble at some point, and you will also be spending valuable mental resources in memorizing something that doesn't need to be memorized.

Take lots of drills and practice a lot. It will come.

Hope this helps!

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Florian
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replied on Jul 23, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

Definitely! 

  • Google ''fraction table case interview'', print it out, and memorize it
  • Use the PrepLounge Math tool to conduct math drills for 1-2 hours a day, depending on how much of a weakness it is for you.

It is always refreshing to see when a candidate is brushing through the math section with ease and accuracy, which is solely a learned skill --> There are no excuses to not perform at your best in this section.

Cheers,

Florian

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