Numerical Computation Tests: Practice Questions, Examples & Tips to Boost Your Score

Numerical computation questions test your ability to use the basic principles of arithmetic like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

They may also use mathematical terms and methods such as decimals, percentages, ratios, roots, fractions, powers and exponents.

These questions make no attempt to test your numerical reasoning ability.

The method you need to get the correct answer will be obvious and to score well on these questions you will simply need to make quick and accurate calculations.

This sample question paper contains 40 questions and has a suggested time limit of 10 minutes.

The questions are presented in Letter/A4 format for easy printing and self-marking.

If you are very rusty with arithmetic, try re-learning the times tables up to 12 and practice multiplication, division and percentage calculations.

Practice can improve your test scores for all types of aptitude tests, so try as many examples as you can.

We recommend the numerical test packages from JobTestPrep.

These questions are directly applicable to many administrative and clerical jobs but can also appear as a component of graduate and managerial tests.

The speed at which you can answer these questions is the critical measure, as most people could achieve a very high score given unlimited time in which to answer.

You can therefore expect 25–35 questions in 20–30 minutes.

Prepare for a Numerical Reasoning Test with JobTestPrep

Example Numerical Computation Questions

Here are some sample practice questions to give you a feel for the style of this test:

Q1. Solve: $48 \div 6 \times 5$

a) 35
b) 38
c) 40
d) 42

The correct answer is: c) 40

Division first → 48 ÷ 6 = 8. Then multiply: 8 × 5 = 40.

Q2. Express 36 as a product of prime factors.

a) $2^2 \times 3^2$
b) $2^3 \times 3^2$
c) $2^2 \times 3^3$
d) $2 \times 3^2$

The correct answer is: a) $2^2 \times 3^2$

36 = 2 × 18 = 2 × 2 × 9 = $2^2 \times 3^2$

Q3. 25% of 480 is:

a) 100
b) 110
c) 120
d) 125

The correct answer is: c) 120.

25% = ¼. So 480 ÷ 4 = 120.

Q4. The square root of 196 is:

a) 12
b) 13
c) 14
d) 15

The correct answer is: c) 14.

$14^2 = 196$

Prepare for a Numerical Reasoning Test with JobTestPrep

Q5. A recipe calls for 2.5 kg of flour.

How many 500 g bags will you need?

a) 3
b) 4
c) 5
d) 6

The correct answer is: c) 5

2.5 kg = 2,500 g. Divide by 500 g = 5 bags.

Q6. Simplify: $\frac{3}{5} + \frac{2}{15}$

a) $\frac{7}{15}$

b) $\frac{9}{15}$

c) $\frac{11}{15}$

d) $\frac{13}{15}$

The correct answer is: c) $\frac{11}{15}$
Common denominator = 15.

$\frac{3}{5} = \frac{9}{15}$Add $9/15 + 2/15 = 11/15$

Q7. If $7y – 4 = 8$, what is the value of $y$?

a) $\frac{4}{7}$

b) $\frac{7}{12}$

c) $\frac{12}{7}$

d) $\frac{7}{4}$

The correct answer is: c) $\frac{12}{7}$

Add 4 to both sides: $7y = 12$

Divide by 7: $y = 12/7$

Q8. A coat is reduced in a sale by 20% and now costs £64.

What was the original price?

a) £72
b) £76
c) £80
d) £85

The correct answer is: c) £80.
Explanation: £64 represents 80% of the price. $64 ÷ 0.8 = 80$

Q9. Which of the following is equal to $3^4$?

a) 27
b) 64
c) 81
d) 243

The correct answer is: c) 81

$3^4 = 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 81$

Q10. Solve: $\sqrt{225}$

a) 14
b) 15
c) 16
d) 17

The correct answer is: b) 15

$15 × 15 = 225$

Q11. Express 0.375 as a fraction in simplest form.

a) $\frac{3}{4}$
b) $\frac{3}{8}$
c) $\frac{5}{8}$
d) $\frac{7}{8}$

The correct answer is: b) $\frac{3}{8}$

0.375 = 375/1000. Simplify: divide numerator and denominator by 125 → 3/8.

Prepare for a Numerical Reasoning Test with JobTestPrep

Final Thoughts

Numerical computation tests may look simple, but they are all about speed and accuracy under pressure. You won’t need advanced mathematics – just a strong grasp of arithmetic, fractions, percentages and ratios. The more you practise, the quicker and more confident you’ll become.

Focus first on accuracy, then build up your speed. Make sure you understand the order of operations and common percentage and fraction conversions, and practise mental arithmetic wherever you can.

With consistent preparation, you’ll find these questions straightforward and you’ll be well-prepared to perform strongly on test day.