2026 EMPLOYER GUIDES4 min read

How to Pass the BBC Numerical Reasoning Test 2026

Here’s what you’ll uncover in this guide:

1. BBC Numerical Reasoning Test

What is the BBC numerical reasoning test?

The BBC numerical reasoning test is used to evaluate your ability to interpret and analyse numerical data. This BBC test comprises various multiple-choice questions related to graphs, percentages, and tables.

What does the BBC numerical reasoning test measure?

The BBC numerical reasoning test measures your problem-solving, logical thinking, attention to detail, and numerical proficiency skills.

Watch our short video below to learn more about the BBC numerical reasoning test:

Do you want to practice for the BBC numerical reasoning test?

Practice with our numerical reasoning tests to help you prepare for this BBC online assessment!

Practice Numerical Reasoning Tests

Practice Numerical Reasoning Tests

The BBC recruitment process often includes other online assessment tests. Find out about them below!

2. Other BBC Online Assessments

What other BBC online tests might I face?

Alongside the BBC numerical reasoning test, you may also be required to complete:

  1. BBC Verbal Reasoning Test
  2. BBC Logical Reasoning Test
  3. BBC Situational Judgement Test

Good to Know:

Depending on the location of the BBC role you applied to, the BBC online assessment tests are provided by either SHL or Talent Q. For some roles, a personality assessment may also be included alongside the online tests.

Discover all stages of the BBC recruitment process here!

Looking to kickstart your BBC numerical reasoning test practice? Start your prep with our free example questions below.

3. Free BBC Numerical Reasoning Test Practice Questions

Numerical Reasoning Test

 

This test assesses your numerical reasoning ability using data in charts, tables and figures. Look at each chart or table provided for each question, and use the information in these to work out the correct answer.

You have 5 options from which to choose from. Only one of these options is the correct answer.

1 / 5

Approximately, how much energy (kcal) would the consumption of 3 packets of “BBQ” crisps and 2 packets of “Pickled Onion” crisps produce?

 

2 / 5

Which country had the lowest number of mortgage approvals across the 6 years?

 

3 / 5

What percentage of all mortgages approved across the 5 countries in 2008, were due to Italy?

 

4 / 5

Approximately, what percentage of the RDA for “Salt” will an individual fulfil if they consume 3 packets of “Pickled Onion” Crisps?

 

5 / 5

What was the total (approximate) number of mortgage approvals for the USA and Italy combined, through the years 2005 to 2007 inclusive?

 

0%

Looking for even more free test practice?

BBC free numerical questions

Read on for quality tips on how to ace the BBC numerical test questions.

4. How to Pass the BBC Numerical Reasoning Test?

Now that you know what to expect from this BBC test, here are some expert tips to help you pass with confidence:

7 Top Tips to Pass the BBC Numerical Reasoning Test

  1. Revise basic mathematics concepts: Brush up on percentages, averages, currency conversion, and interest calculations, as these are likely to appear in this BBC test.
  2. Practise numerical reasoning questions: Get familiar with the format and style of tests like the BBC numerical test by working through practice questions beforehand.
  3. Manage your time well: Practice solving problems within the allocated time so you know how much time to give each question during this BBC assessment.
  4. Be properly organised: Find a quiet place and keep all the equipment you need, a calculator, a pencil, and paper, with you to help with your calculations.
  5. Read questions carefully: Pay close attention to the details of each question to avoid errors from misreading or skipping key information.
  6. Don’t get stuck on a question: Move on and come back to any questions you couldn’t immediately answer. This also helps you manage your time better.
  7. Double-check your calculations: Review your work before submitting to catch any errors or details you may have missed.

Looking for more numerical reasoning practice for this BBC test?

BBC numerical reasoning test practice

After completing the BBC numerical reasoning test, you may also be asked to complete the BBC verbal reasoning test.

5. BBC Numerical Reasoning Test FAQs

1 What does the BBC numerical reasoning test assess?

The test assesses your ability to interpret numerical data from graphs, charts, and tables and make accurate calculations and logical deductions from it.

2 Is the BBC numerical reasoning test timed?

Yes. The BBC numerical reasoning test is timed. It is important to practise under timed conditions beforehand so you are comfortable managing your pace during the actual assessment.

3 What types of questions appear in the BBC numerical reasoning test?

Questions typically involve graphs, percentages, tables, and data interpretation, requiring you to select the correct answer from a set of multiple-choice options.

4 Which test provider administers the BBC numerical reasoning test?

Depending on the location of the role you applied for, the BBC numerical reasoning test is administered by either SHL or Talent Q.

Prepare for the BBC numerical reasoning test with our expertly designed numerical practice tests, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.

Practise with peace of mind with a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.

This article was last updated on 29 June 2026. All information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, based on publicly available sources. For the most up-to-date details, please verify directly with the employer.

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