SHL Numerical Reasoning Test Answers 2021

The SHL Numerical Reasoning Test is a staple of many graduate and professional recruitment processes. In 2021, the test retained its core formattimed multiplechoice questions that assess your ability to work with numbers, interpret data, and make logical conclusions. Below you will find a concise guide that explains the test structure, common question types, and stepbystep solutions to the most typical 2021 items.

What to Expect in the 2021 Test

• Number of questions: 2028, depending on the specific SHL product.
• Time limit: 1220 minutes (roughly 3545 seconds per question).
• Format: Online, computerbased, with a single answer per question.
• Data sources: Tables, line and bar charts, pie charts, and short text descriptions.

Key Question Types and How to Solve Them

1. Ratio & Proportion

These items give two related figures and ask you to find a missing value based on a consistent ratio.

2. Percentage Change

Often presented as a before/after comparison, you need to calculate the increase or decrease.

3. Averages & Weighted Averages

Calculate simple mean values or use weighting when different groups contribute unequally.

4. Interpretation of Charts

Read data directly from a chart, often spotting trends or comparing values.

5. Conversion & Unit Problems

Convert between units (e.g., km to miles) or between currencies.

Sample 2021 Questions with Full Answers

Question 1 Table Interpretation

A table shows quarterly sales (in thousands) for two product lines:

What is the total sales for Product B in Q1Q3?

Answer: 30+35+50 = 115 (thousand units).

Question 2 Percentage Decrease

A companys operating cost fell from 240000 to 192000.

What is the percentage decrease?

Solution: Decrease = 240000192000 = 48000.
Percentage = (48000 / 240000) 100 = 20%.

Question 3 Ratio

In a survey, the ratio of respondents who prefer product X to product Y is 3:5. If 64 people prefer product Y, how many prefer product X?

Solution: Let 5 parts = 64 1 part = 12.8.
3 parts = 3 12.8 = 38.4 38 (rounded to nearest whole person).

Question 4 Weighted Average

Three projects generate returns of 8%, 12% and 15% on investments of 100k, 150k and 250k respectively.

What is the overall portfolio return?

Weighted return = (8%100k + 12%150k + 15%250k) / (100k+150k+250k)
= (8000 + 18000 + 37500) / 500k = 63500 / 500k = 12.7%.

Question 5 ChartBased Trend

A bar chart shows monthly expenses for a department: Jan20k, Feb22k, Mar24k, Apr23k.

What is the average monthly expense for the fourmonth period?

Total = 20+22+24+23 = 89k.
Average = 89/4 = 22.25k.

Strategies for Maximising Your Score

• Speed over perfection: With limited time, aim to answer quickly; skip and return if youre stuck.
• Eliminate implausible options: Even without full calculation, discarding two of four answers increases odds.
• Use mental math tricks: For percentages, remember 10% = divide by 10; 5% = half of 10%; 2% = half of 4% etc.
• Read the question twice: Misreading increase as decrease is a common error.
• Practice with timed drills: Familiarity with the question layout reduces the cognitive load during the real test.

Resources for Further Practice

To reinforce the concepts covered above, consider the following free and paid resources:

• Practice Aptitude Tests SHL Numerical Reasoning
• JobTestPrep SHL Numericals 2021 Pack
• Official SHL sample papers (available via the recruiters portal).

Final Thoughts

The 2021 SHL Numerical Reasoning test does not introduce any radical new formats; success rests on solid grounding in basic arithmetic, a clear method for interpreting data, and disciplined time management. By reviewing the question types, studying the sample solutions above, and practising under timed conditions, you can confidently approach the test and achieve a competitive score.