When preparing for consulting interviews, most candidates immediately think of the case interview or personal fit questions. And while those parts are definitely demanding, there’s often another hurdle to clear beforehand: the numerical reasoning test. It might not be the most talked-about part of the process, but it plays a key role in many application processes.
These tests help employers assess how well you handle numbers under time pressure, which is essential when working with data, analyzing business problems, or supporting decisions with solid analysis. In consulting, the ability to work confidently with figures is a core part of the job.
In this article, we’ll look at what numerical reasoning tests involve, which skills are tested, and why they matter so much in the consulting world. You’ll also get example questions, tips for your preparation, and a better understanding of what to expect.
A numerical reasoning test checks your ability to understand and work with numbers, usually within a tight time frame. The questions often involve charts, tables, or graphs, followed by multiple-choice answers based on quick calculations or logical reasoning.
The good news: you won’t need advanced math. These tests assess how confidently and efficiently you can draw the right conclusions from data, spot patterns, and apply logical reasoning to solve problems. In consulting, these skills are essential when working with client data or building sound recommendations.
Here are some of the core skills typically tested:
Top consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain & Company use these tests early in the hiring process to identify candidates with a strong analytical foundation. If you can show that you’re comfortable with numbers and quick thinking, you’ll be one step closer to the next round.
To help you get a better idea of what numerical reasoning tests actually involve, let’s walk through a few sample questions together. These kinds of questions are typical for online assessments used by consulting firms They’re usually based on charts or tables and your job is to quickly interpret the data and perform some basic calculations.
Below, you’ll find a sample graph showing fundraising rounds for three UK startups, along with a table that outlines the share split and valuation at Series C. Take a minute to look over the chart, then try to answer the questions that follow.
| Share split at Series C | Borrow My Budgie | Nightly AI | Healthy Brussels |
| Employees | 1,200,000 | 13,000 | 113,000 |
| Founders | 5,400,000 | 10,000 | 400,000 |
| Investors | 11,400,000 | 27,000 | 265,000 |
| Valuation | £20m | £75m | £32m |
Question 1:
Which company’s employee stock options were the most valuable at Series C?
How to solve it:
To answer this, you need to calculate the value of employee shares for each company at Series C. Use the formula:
Value of employee shares = (employee shares ÷ total shares) × valuation
You don’t get the total number of shares directly, but you can calculate it by adding up all the shares listed (employees + founders + investors) for each company.
✅ Correct answer: Nightly AI
Question 2:
Which company’s founder stock options were the most valuable at Series C?
How to solve it:
Same method as Question 1, but use the number of shares held by founders.
✅ Correct answer: Healthy Brussels
Question 3:
To the nearest £10 million, how much investment has Nightly AI raised in total?
How to solve it:
Add up the blue bars in the chart for Nightly AI across all five funding rounds.
From the graph:
✅ Correct answer: £160m (rounded to the nearest £10m)
Question 4:
If the investors in Borrow My Budgie received no new shares at round D, how much were they diluted by?
How to solve it:
✅ Correct answer: 21%
Question 5:
By what percentage did the amount raised by Borrow My Budgie increase from Series D to Series E?
How to solve it:
From the graph:
✅ Correct answer: 200%
👉 Use our mental math tool and level up your calculation skills!
Now that you know what numerical reasoning tests assess, let’s look at how you can approach them in a smart and structured way. Success doesn’t just depend on doing the math correctly, it also requires careful reading, solid time management, and a lot of practice.
Here are the key points to keep in mind:
1. Focus on understanding the question.
Numerical reasoning questions always involve interpreting data. Sometimes you’ll need to find a missing number, convert currencies, or bring different units into the same format. Getting the calculation right is only possible if you’ve understood what’s being asked and which numbers actually matter.
A common trap: units. Questions might mix currencies or measurements. If you don’t convert them consistently, you’ll end up with the wrong answer even if your math is correct.
2. Stick to the basics.
The math itself is rarely complicated. Most tests only require:
You’ll usually be allowed to use a calculator, so the challenge is less about mental arithmetic and more about applying the right method to the right numbers.
3. Practice with different formats.
The more questions you’ve seen, the faster your brain gets at spotting patterns and ignoring distractions. Practicing with different formats helps you get used to reading data quickly, especially under time pressure.
Keep an eye out for these test providers, which are commonly used in consulting recruiting:
Practicing with these specific formats will help you feel more comfortable on test day.
👉 Check out our Tests and Guides and master the different test formats!
4. Watch the time
Most tests give you just 1–2 minutes per question. That’s tight. If you get stuck on a question, don’t let it eat up your time. It’s usually better to skip and come back later, especially if other questions are more straightforward.
5. Don’t guess blindly.
Some tests penalize wrong answers. If that’s the case, it’s better to answer only when you're reasonably confident. Firms like Oliver Wyman, for example, use negatively marked tests where even top candidates don’t need to get every question right. A score just above 50% may already be enough to move on.
Numerical reasoning tests might not get as much attention as case interviews, but they’re a key part of the application process at many consulting firms. The good news is that with the right preparation, they’re absolutely manageable.
Here’s what really matters:
If you take the time to practice and stay calm under pressure, you’ll be in a great position to pass the test and move one step closer to your consulting offer.
