Sky Logical Reasoning Test

We may earn a commission from some links on this page. Recommendations remain editorially independent.

Sky logical reasoning test guide

The Sky logical reasoning test may be part of the online assessment process for some Sky roles.

Depending on the role and recruitment pathway, candidates may need to answer questions involving:

• number sequences
• letter sequences
• shape patterns
• abstract reasoning
• rule identification
• missing-item questions
• pattern completion
• classification
• logical relationships
• problem-solving under time pressure

The exact assessment depends on the role, business area, recruitment campaign, and candidate pathway.

Always follow the official instructions in your Sky recruitment email, assessment invitation, or candidate portal.

What is the Sky logical reasoning test?

The Sky logical reasoning test is designed to measure how well you identify patterns and apply rules.

It may assess whether you can:

• recognise a sequence
• identify a hidden rule
• compare shapes or symbols
• detect changes between items
• complete a missing step
• apply logic consistently
• solve unfamiliar problems quickly
• avoid jumping to unsupported conclusions

Logical reasoning is not usually about memorising facts.

It is about understanding how information changes from one item to the next.

Related page:

• Sky Aptitude Test

Is the Sky logical reasoning test used for every role?

No.

Not every Sky candidate receives the same test.

The assessment format may vary depending on:

• role
• business area
• seniority level
• early careers programme
• apprenticeship pathway
• graduate pathway
• technology role
• business role
• assessment provider
• location
• recruitment campaign

Some roles may include logical reasoning as part of a broader online assessment.

Other roles may focus more on behavioural assessment, situational judgement, video interview, numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, technical tasks, or assessment centre activities.

Common Sky logical reasoning question types

Sky-style logical reasoning questions may include:

Number sequences

You identify the rule connecting numbers.

Example:

2, 4, 8, 16, ?

Letter sequences

You identify alphabetical patterns.

Example:

A, C, F, J, ?

Shape sequences

You identify how shapes change from one step to the next.

Abstract reasoning

You solve visual patterns involving shapes, positions, rotations, shading, or symbols.

Missing item questions

You choose the item that completes a sequence or matrix.

Classification questions

You identify which item does not belong.

Rule application questions

You apply a stated or hidden rule to find the correct answer.

What logical reasoning measures

Logical reasoning may measure:

• pattern recognition
• attention to detail
• flexible thinking
• structured problem-solving
• rule application
• speed and accuracy
• visual analysis
• concentration
• ability to work with unfamiliar information

Strong candidates do not guess immediately.

They look for the rule.

Number sequence questions

Number sequence questions ask you to find the pattern between numbers.

Common rules include:

• adding
• subtracting
• multiplying
• dividing
• alternating rules
• increasing differences
• decreasing differences
• squares
• doubles
• halves
• mixed operations

Example:

3, 6, 12, 24, ?

Answer:

48

Explanation:

Each number doubles.

Increasing difference sequences

Some sequences do not use the same increase each time.

Example:

2, 5, 9, 14, 20, ?

Differences:

+3, +4, +5, +6

Next difference:

+7

Answer:

27

Alternating sequences

Some sequences use two patterns at the same time.

Example:

2, 10, 4, 20, 6, 30, ?

Separate the odd and even positions:

Odd positions: 2, 4, 6, ?
Even positions: 10, 20, 30

Odd position pattern:

+2

Answer:

8

Letter sequence questions

Letter sequences use alphabet positions.

Example:

A, C, F, J, O, ?

Convert to positions:

A = 1
C = 3
F = 6
J = 10
O = 15

Differences:

+2, +3, +4, +5

Next difference:

+6

Answer:

U

Because:

O = 15
15 + 6 = 21
21 = U

Shape pattern questions

Shape patterns may involve changes in:

• size
• number
• position
• rotation
• colour
• shading
• direction
• border
• symbol count
• inside and outside elements

To solve shape patterns, ask:

What changes?
What stays the same?
Does the change repeat?
Does the change alternate?
Is there a rotation?
Is there a count pattern?
Is shading moving?
Is one feature changing while another stays fixed?

Abstract reasoning questions

Abstract reasoning questions use shapes or symbols rather than words or numbers.

They may include:

• matrices
• sequences
• odd-one-out questions
• shape analogies
• missing panels
• rotating shapes
• combined rules

A good strategy is to check one feature at a time.

For example:

Shape
Size
Position
Rotation
Shading
Number of items
Direction

Do not try to solve everything at once.

Matrix questions

A matrix question may show a grid with one missing item.

The rule may work:

• across rows
• down columns
• diagonally
• by combining shapes
• by removing shapes
• by rotating shapes
• by changing shading
• by increasing or decreasing quantity

Use this method:

1. Check rows.
2. Check columns.
3. Look for repeated changes.
4. Identify the missing feature.
5. Test the rule against all available cells.

Odd-one-out questions

Odd-one-out questions ask which option does not follow the same rule.

Example:

A: 2, 4, 8
B: 3, 6, 12
C: 5, 10, 20
D: 4, 8, 15

Answer:

D

Explanation:

A, B, and C double each time. D does not.

Rule application questions

Some logical reasoning questions give you a rule and ask you to apply it.

Example:

Rule:
If a code starts with A, add 3 to the number.
If a code starts with B, subtract 2 from the number.

Question:
B9 becomes what?

Answer:

7

Explanation:

B means subtract 2.
9 - 2 = 7

How difficult is the Sky logical reasoning test?

The Sky logical reasoning test can feel difficult because it may use unfamiliar patterns and strict time limits.

Candidates often struggle with:

• rushing into guesses
• missing alternating patterns
• focusing on the wrong feature
• overlooking small changes
• spending too long on one item
• panicking when a pattern is not obvious
• choosing an answer that fits only part of the sequence
• failing to check the rule

The key is not to solve every question perfectly.

The goal is to solve as many questions as possible accurately and efficiently.

How to prepare for the Sky logical reasoning test

Use a structured preparation approach.

Step 1: Learn common pattern types

Practise:

• addition sequences
• multiplication sequences
• alternating sequences
• increasing differences
• letter patterns
• rotations
• shading movement
• shape count changes
• odd-one-out logic
• matrix patterns

Step 2: Practise untimed first

Start without timing.

Focus on understanding how rules work.

Ask:

What is changing?
What is staying the same?
Is there more than one rule?
Does the rule work across the full sequence?

Step 3: Build rule recognition

After each question, write down the rule.

Example:

Rule: numbers double each time.
Rule: letters increase by +2, +3, +4.
Rule: black square moves one space clockwise.
Rule: number of circles increases by one.

This trains your brain to recognise patterns faster.

Step 4: Add timing

Once you understand the common formats, add timing gradually.

Use this sequence:

Untimed accuracy
↓
Light timing
↓
Full timing
↓
Mixed question practice
↓
Assessment-style practice

Step 5: Review every mistake

For each mistake, ask:

Did I miss the rule?
Did I assume the first pattern too quickly?
Did I ignore an alternating sequence?
Did I focus on the wrong feature?
Did I fail to test the rule?
Did timing pressure affect me?

Mistake review is where improvement happens.

Sky logical reasoning practice resources

Candidates looking for additional preparation resources can use employer assessment practice platforms.

JobTestPrep provides Sky Assessment preparation materials, including logical reasoning practice, aptitude test questions, and study resources.

Affiliate resource:

Practice Sky Assessment tests with JobTestPrep

Affiliate disclosure: We may receive a commission if you purchase through this link, at no additional cost to you. JobTestPrep is an independent third-party preparation provider and does not guarantee the exact assessment content used by Sky.

These resources are preparation tools and are not official Sky recruitment content.

Sky logical reasoning practice questions

The following practice questions are original examples.

They are not official Sky assessment questions.

Use them to practise the underlying logical reasoning skills.

Practice question 1: simple number sequence

4, 8, 16, 32, ?

Answer

64

Explanation

Each number doubles.

4 × 2 = 8
8 × 2 = 16
16 × 2 = 32
32 × 2 = 64

Practice question 2: increasing difference

3, 7, 12, 18, 25, ?

Answer

33

Explanation

The differences increase by 1:

+4, +5, +6, +7

Next difference:

+8

So:

25 + 8 = 33

Practice question 3: alternating sequence

5, 20, 7, 18, 9, 16, ?

Answer

11

Explanation

There are two alternating patterns:

Odd positions: 5, 7, 9, ?
Even positions: 20, 18, 16

Odd positions increase by 2:

5, 7, 9, 11

Answer:

11

Practice question 4: multiplication plus one

2, 5, 11, 23, ?

Answer

47

Explanation

Each number is multiplied by 2 and then 1 is added:

2 × 2 + 1 = 5
5 × 2 + 1 = 11
11 × 2 + 1 = 23
23 × 2 + 1 = 47

Practice question 5: letter sequence

B, D, G, K, P, ?

Answer

V

Explanation

Convert letters to alphabet positions:

B = 2
D = 4
G = 7
K = 11
P = 16

Differences:

+2, +3, +4, +5

Next difference:

+6

So:

16 + 6 = 22
22 = V

Practice question 6: letter alternating pattern

A, Z, C, X, E, V, ?

Answer

G

Explanation

There are two alternating patterns:

Odd positions: A, C, E, ?
Even positions: Z, X, V

Odd positions increase by 2 letters:

A, C, E, G

Even positions decrease by 2 letters:

Z, X, V

Answer:

G

Practice question 7: odd one out

A: 3, 6, 12
B: 4, 8, 16
C: 5, 10, 20
D: 6, 12, 22

Which option is the odd one out?

Answer

D

Explanation

A, B, and C double each time.

D does not:

6 × 2 = 12
12 × 2 = 24, not 22

Practice question 8: rule application

Rule:

If the symbol is ▲, add 4.
If the symbol is ■, subtract 3.
If the symbol is ●, double the number.

Question:

● 7 = ?

Answer

14

Explanation

The symbol ● means double the number.

7 × 2 = 14

Practice question 9: shape count logic

Sequence:

Panel 1: 1 circle
Panel 2: 2 circles
Panel 3: 3 circles
Panel 4: ?

Answer

4 circles

Explanation

The number of circles increases by one in each panel.

Practice question 10: rotation logic

Sequence:

Panel 1: arrow points up
Panel 2: arrow points right
Panel 3: arrow points down
Panel 4: ?

Answer

Arrow points left

Explanation

The arrow rotates 90 degrees clockwise each step.

Practice question 11: position movement

Sequence:

Panel 1: black square is in the top-left corner
Panel 2: black square is in the top-right corner
Panel 3: black square is in the bottom-right corner
Panel 4: ?

Answer

Bottom-left corner

Explanation

The black square moves clockwise around the corners.

Practice question 12: combined rule

Sequence:

Panel 1: 1 black circle
Panel 2: 2 white circles
Panel 3: 3 black circles
Panel 4: ?

Answer

4 white circles

Explanation

Two rules are changing:

Number of circles increases by 1.
Colour alternates black, white, black, white.

So Panel 4 should show 4 white circles.

How to answer logical reasoning questions faster

Use this method:

1. Identify the question type.
2. Look for the simplest rule first.
3. Check changes between items.
4. Test whether the rule works across the full sequence.
5. Look for alternating patterns if the simple rule fails.
6. Check secondary features.
7. Eliminate answers that break the rule.
8. Move on if time is running out.

The first pattern you see may not always be the correct one.

Always test it.

How to spot common patterns

Use this checklist.

For number sequences

Check:

• same increase
• same decrease
• multiplying
• dividing
• alternating patterns
• increasing gaps
• squares
• doubling
• halving

For letter sequences

Check:

• alphabet position
• increasing gaps
• decreasing gaps
• alternating forward and backward patterns
• vowels or consonants
• skipped letters

For shape sequences

Check:

• rotation
• movement
• shading
• count
• size
• border
• inside symbol
• mirror image
• alternating features

When to skip a question

In timed logical reasoning tests, skipping can be strategic.

Consider moving on if:

• you cannot identify the rule after a reasonable attempt
• all answer options look equally likely
• the pattern seems too complex
• you are spending too long on one item
• easier questions remain

Do not let one difficult pattern damage the rest of your performance.

Common Sky logical reasoning mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

• guessing too quickly
• not testing the rule
• ignoring alternating patterns
• focusing on only one feature
• missing small visual changes
• confusing clockwise and anticlockwise movement
• overlooking colour or shading
• spending too long on one question
• failing to practise under time pressure
• reviewing only correct answers
• relying on leaked or unauthorized content

Good logical reasoning requires careful pattern testing.

One-week Sky logical reasoning preparation plan

If your assessment is in one week, focus on common pattern types.

Day 1: Baseline practice

Complete a short logical reasoning set and identify weak areas.

Day 2: Number sequences

Practise addition, multiplication, increasing gaps, and alternating patterns.

Day 3: Letter sequences

Practise alphabet positions and skipped-letter patterns.

Day 4: Shape patterns

Practise rotation, movement, count, shading, and size changes.

Day 5: Matrix and odd-one-out questions

Practise identifying rules across rows, columns, and groups.

Day 6: Timed mixed practice

Complete a timed logical reasoning set.

Day 7: Review and rest

Review mistakes, check official instructions, and avoid heavy cramming.

Two-week Sky logical reasoning preparation plan

If you have two weeks, prepare more gradually.

Days 1–2: Learn common formats

Review number, letter, shape, matrix, and odd-one-out questions.

Days 3–4: Number and letter sequences

Practise hidden rules, alternating rules, and increasing gaps.

Days 5–6: Shape changes

Practise rotation, shading, movement, and count.

Days 7–8: Abstract reasoning

Practise visual patterns and missing panels.

Days 9–10: Matrix questions

Practise row and column rules.

Days 11–12: Timed practice

Complete assessment-style timed sets.

Days 13–14: Final review

Review common rules, mistake patterns, and test-day strategy.

Test-day tips for the Sky logical reasoning test

Before the test:

• read the official instructions
• check the deadline
• prepare a quiet environment
• test your internet connection
• close distractions
• start with enough time
• prepare identification if required

During the test:

• look for the simplest rule first
• test the rule against all items
• watch for alternating patterns
• check small details
• manage your time
• move on if stuck
• stay calm after difficult questions

After the test:

• wait for official communication
• do not share protected assessment content
• prepare for possible next stages

Ethical preparation

Prepare ethically.

Avoid:

• leaked Sky logical reasoning questions
• copied confidential materials
• unauthorized answer keys
• exact test replica claims
• using AI during the assessment unless explicitly allowed
• sharing protected assessment content
• pretending to be someone else

Use practice resources to improve your logical reasoning skills, not to bypass the recruitment process.

What to verify officially

Before taking the Sky logical reasoning test, verify:

• assessment deadline
• test platform
• sections included
• time limits
• question format
• technical requirements
• webcam or microphone requirements
• identification requirements
• reasonable adjustment process
• result communication process
• next recruitment stages

If this guide conflicts with official Sky recruitment instructions, follow the official source.

Bottom line

The Sky logical reasoning test may assess your ability to identify patterns, complete sequences, recognise rules, and solve abstract problems under time pressure.

The best preparation strategy is to practise common pattern types, build accuracy before speed, review mistakes carefully, and use ethical preparation resources.