How to prepare for the Numerosity game (2026)
Numerosity tests how fast and accurately you do mental arithmetic under time pressure. Here’s exactly how it works and how to get better at it.
Practise Numerosity free →What it measures
Numerical reasoning and processing speed — your ability to manipulate numbers quickly and correctly while a timer runs. It’s less about being a maths genius and more about fluency and composure.
How it works
You’re shown a target result and an operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication or division). You select the numbers that produce that result. Early levels are simple additions; as you keep answering correctly the game mixes in subtraction, multiplication and division, the numbers grow larger, and sometimes you need three numbers to reach the target. Each level is timed (around 15 seconds).
Strategies that work
- Warm up your mental maths before the test — speed comes from practice, not talent.
- For addition, scan for an obvious pair first; add the larger number first and stop the moment you hit the target (overshooting counts as wrong).
- For division, think in multiplication: “what times the divisor gives the dividend?”
- Don’t freeze on big numbers — break them down (e.g. 13 + 8 = 13 + 7 + 1).
- Keep moving. A blank answer scores nothing; a quick best guess is better than running out of time.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the operation can change every level.
- Overshooting the target by selecting one number too many.
- Spending too long on a single hard item instead of banking easier ones.
FAQ
Is Numerosity hard?
It’s more about speed than difficulty. With practice the arithmetic becomes automatic.
Can I really prepare for it?
Yes — mental-maths speed and accuracy improve measurably with focused practice.
Which companies use it?
Unilever, EY, BHP and Tesco among others. Always follow your employer’s specific instructions for the real test.