Sky Numerical Reasoning Test

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Sky numerical reasoning test guide

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

Depending on the position, candidates may need to answer questions involving:

• percentages
• ratios
• averages
• tables
• graphs
• charts
• data interpretation
• currency calculations
• increases and decreases
• comparisons
• business metrics
• customer figures
• performance data

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

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

What is the Sky numerical reasoning test?

The Sky numerical reasoning test is designed to evaluate how well you understand and use numerical information.

It is not usually about advanced mathematics.

It is more likely to test whether you can:

• read data accurately
• choose the correct calculation
• interpret tables and graphs
• compare figures
• calculate percentages
• work under time pressure
• avoid careless mistakes
• make logical decisions from numerical evidence

Numerical reasoning is useful in many Sky roles because candidates may need to work with customer data, sales figures, performance metrics, reports, commercial information, or operational data.

Related page:

• Sky Aptitude Test

Is the Sky numerical reasoning test used for every role?

No.

Not every Sky candidate will take the same assessment.

The test format may vary depending on:

• role
• business area
• seniority level
• graduate programme
• apprenticeship programme
• customer-facing pathway
• technology pathway
• finance pathway
• commercial role
• assessment provider
• location
• recruitment campaign

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

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

Common Sky numerical reasoning question types

Sky-style numerical reasoning questions may involve:

Percentage increase and decrease

Used to compare changes over time.

Ratios and proportions

Used to compare quantities or divide amounts.

Tables

Used to interpret structured information quickly.

Graphs and charts

Used to identify trends, comparisons, and patterns.

Averages

Used to summarise data.

Currency calculations

Used in commercial, sales, finance, or customer-related contexts.

Data interpretation

Used to choose the correct conclusion from numerical information.

Multi-step calculations

Used when you need to combine two or more operations.

Key maths skills to review

Before taking a numerical reasoning test, review these basics:

• addition
• subtraction
• multiplication
• division
• percentages
• percentage change
• fractions
• decimals
• ratios
• averages
• rounding
• estimates
• units
• chart reading
• table scanning

You do not need to memorise complex formulas.

You do need to be accurate with everyday numerical operations.

Percentage increase formula

Use this structure:

Percentage increase = increase ÷ original value × 100

Example:

A team handled 1,600 cases in March and 2,000 cases in April.

Increase = 2,000 - 1,600 = 400

Percentage increase = 400 ÷ 1,600 × 100 = 25%

Answer:

25%

Percentage decrease formula

Use this structure:

Percentage decrease = decrease ÷ original value × 100

Example:

Average response time decreased from 12 minutes to 9 minutes.

Decrease = 12 - 9 = 3

Percentage decrease = 3 ÷ 12 × 100 = 25%

Answer:

25%

Difference between percentage change and percentage share

Candidates often confuse percentage change with percentage share.

Percentage change

Compares a new value with an old value.

Example:

Old value = 100
New value = 120
Increase = 20
Percentage increase = 20 ÷ 100 × 100 = 20%

Percentage share

Compares one part with the total.

Example:

Total customers = 500
Customers using app = 125
Share = 125 ÷ 500 × 100 = 25%

Always identify what the question is asking before calculating.

Ratio questions

Ratio questions compare quantities.

Example:

A team has 12 advisors and 4 managers.

What is the advisor-to-manager ratio?

Answer:

12:4 = 3:1

Ratios should usually be simplified.

Average questions

Average means:

Total ÷ number of values

Example:

A team completed 80, 90, and 100 cases across three days.

Average = (80 + 90 + 100) ÷ 3
Average = 270 ÷ 3
Average = 90

Answer:

90 cases

Table interpretation questions

Numerical reasoning tests often use tables.

Example table:

Month      New Customers    Cancelled Accounts
January    1,200            300
February   1,500            350
March      1,800            450
April      2,000            500

Example question:

In which month was the net customer increase highest?

Calculate:

January: 1,200 - 300 = 900
February: 1,500 - 350 = 1,150
March: 1,800 - 450 = 1,350
April: 2,000 - 500 = 1,500

Answer:

April

Chart interpretation questions

Chart questions require careful reading.

You may need to identify:

• highest value
• lowest value
• trend
• difference between two points
• percentage change
• total across categories
• comparison between groups

Common mistakes include:

• misreading the axis
• ignoring the unit
• confusing values and percentages
• estimating when an exact calculation is needed
• using the wrong base value

How difficult is the Sky numerical reasoning test?

The Sky numerical reasoning test can feel challenging because it may be timed.

Candidates often struggle with:

• time pressure
• unfamiliar question formats
• misreading tables
• rushing percentage questions
• calculation errors
• confusion between similar answer options
• not knowing when to estimate
• overcomplicating simple questions

The best preparation is to practise realistic, timed data interpretation questions and review mistakes carefully.

How to prepare for the Sky numerical reasoning test

Use a structured preparation approach.

Step 1: Review core maths

Focus on:

• percentages
• ratios
• averages
• fractions
• decimals
• rounding
• basic calculations

Step 2: Practise data interpretation

Use tables, graphs, and charts.

Do not practise calculations only in isolation.

Numerical reasoning is mostly about using data correctly.

Step 3: Build accuracy first

Start untimed.

Make sure you understand:

• what the question asks
• which data to use
• which calculation is needed
• how to check the answer

Step 4: Add timing

Once accuracy improves, practise under time pressure.

Use shorter time limits gradually.

Step 5: Review every mistake

For each mistake, identify the cause.

Was it:

• wrong data selected?
• wrong formula?
• calculation error?
• unit mistake?
• percentage base error?
• chart reading mistake?
• rushing?
• overthinking?

Improvement comes from mistake analysis.

Sky numerical reasoning practice resources

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

JobTestPrep provides Sky Assessment preparation materials, including numerical 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 numerical reasoning practice questions

The following practice questions are original examples.

They are not official Sky assessment questions.

Use them to practise the underlying numerical skills.

Practice question 1: percentage increase

A customer support team handled 2,400 queries in May and 3,000 queries in June.

What was the percentage increase?

Answer

25%

Explanation

Increase = 3,000 - 2,400 = 600

Percentage increase = 600 ÷ 2,400 × 100 = 25%

Practice question 2: percentage decrease

Average waiting time decreased from 10 minutes to 8 minutes.

What was the percentage decrease?

Answer

20%

Explanation

Decrease = 10 - 8 = 2

Percentage decrease = 2 ÷ 10 × 100 = 20%

Practice question 3: ratio

A team has 18 customer advisors and 6 team leaders.

What is the advisor-to-team-leader ratio in simplest form?

Answer

3:1

Explanation

18:6 = 3:1

Practice question 4: average

A team completed the following number of installations over four days:

Monday: 42
Tuesday: 38
Wednesday: 46
Thursday: 34

What was the average number of installations per day?

Answer

40

Explanation

Total = 42 + 38 + 46 + 34 = 160

Average = 160 ÷ 4 = 40

Practice question 5: table interpretation

Region      Sales     Returns
North       8,000     400
South       7,500     300
East        6,800     340
West        7,200     360

Question:

Which region had the highest net sales after returns?

Answer

North

Explanation

North: 8,000 - 400 = 7,600
South: 7,500 - 300 = 7,200
East: 6,800 - 340 = 6,460
West: 7,200 - 360 = 6,840

Highest net sales:

North

Practice question 6: percentage share

A department received 5,000 enquiries.

1,250 enquiries were about billing.

What percentage of enquiries were about billing?

Answer

25%

Explanation

1,250 ÷ 5,000 × 100 = 25%

Practice question 7: multi-step calculation

A service plan costs £40 per month.

A promotion gives a 15% discount for the first month.

What is the first-month price after the discount?

Answer

£34

Explanation

Discount = 15% of £40 = £6

Price after discount = £40 - £6 = £34

Practice question 8: comparing growth

Team A increased completed cases from 500 to 650.

Team B increased completed cases from 800 to 960.

Which team had the higher percentage increase?

Answer

Team A

Explanation

Team A increase = 650 - 500 = 150
Team A percentage increase = 150 ÷ 500 × 100 = 30%

Team B increase = 960 - 800 = 160
Team B percentage increase = 160 ÷ 800 × 100 = 20%

Team B had a larger increase in number of cases, but Team A had the higher percentage increase.

Practice question 9: identifying missing value

A table shows monthly new customers:

January: 1,200
February: 1,350
March: ?
April: 1,650

The number of new customers increased by the same amount each month.

What is the March value?

Answer

1,500

Explanation

The increase from January to February is:

1,350 - 1,200 = 150

If the increase is the same each month:

March = 1,350 + 150 = 1,500
April = 1,500 + 150 = 1,650

Practice question 10: selecting the right conclusion

A team’s total completed cases increased from 4,000 to 4,400.

The number of complaints increased from 200 to 220.

Which statement is best supported?

A. The complaint rate increased
B. The complaint rate stayed the same
C. The complaint rate decreased
D. There were no complaints

Answer

B. The complaint rate stayed the same

Explanation

Original complaint rate:

200 ÷ 4,000 × 100 = 5%

New complaint rate:

220 ÷ 4,400 × 100 = 5%

The number of complaints increased, but the complaint rate stayed the same.

How to answer numerical reasoning questions faster

Use this method:

1. Read the question first.
2. Identify what is being asked.
3. Find the relevant data.
4. Ignore irrelevant data.
5. Choose the correct calculation.
6. Estimate the answer if useful.
7. Calculate carefully.
8. Check units and answer options.

Reading the question before the table can save time because you know what data to look for.

How to avoid percentage mistakes

Percentage questions are common and easy to misread.

Check:

• What is the original value?
• What is the new value?
• Is it asking for increase, decrease, or share?
• Is the answer required as a percentage or number?
• Is the base value correct?

Example mistake:

Old value = 100
New value = 120

Correct percentage increase:

20 ÷ 100 × 100 = 20%

Incorrect method:

20 ÷ 120 × 100 = 16.7%

The base for percentage increase is the original value.

How to use estimation

Estimation can help eliminate wrong answers quickly.

Example:

19% of 402

Estimate:

20% of 400 = 80

So the answer should be close to 80.

If the answer options are:

8
39
76
160

The best option is:

76

Estimation is useful when exact calculation is unnecessary or when you need to check reasonableness.

Calculator or no calculator?

Whether a calculator is allowed depends on the assessment instructions.

Do not assume.

Before the test, verify:

• whether calculators are allowed
• whether an on-screen calculator is provided
• whether you can use paper
• whether rough work is allowed
• whether the assessment is proctored
• what materials are permitted

If a calculator is allowed, you still need to understand the method.

A calculator will not help if you choose the wrong data or formula.

Common Sky numerical reasoning mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

• not reading the question carefully
• using the wrong base value for percentages
• confusing percentage increase with percentage share
• misreading chart axes
• ignoring units
• copying the wrong number from a table
• rounding too early
• calculating when estimation would be faster
• estimating when exact calculation is needed
• spending too long on one question
• failing to check answer options
• practising without reviewing mistakes
• relying on leaked or unauthorized content

One-week Sky numerical reasoning preparation plan

If your assessment is in one week, focus on high-impact skills.

Day 1: Baseline practice

Complete a short numerical reasoning practice session and identify weak areas.

Day 2: Percentages

Practise percentage increase, decrease, and share.

Day 3: Tables and charts

Practise selecting the right data quickly.

Day 4: Ratios and averages

Review ratio simplification, average calculations, and comparisons.

Day 5: Multi-step questions

Practise combining calculations under light timing.

Day 6: Timed mixed practice

Complete a timed numerical reasoning session.

Day 7: Review and rest

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

Two-week Sky numerical reasoning preparation plan

If you have two weeks, prepare more gradually.

Days 1–2: Core maths review

Review percentages, ratios, averages, fractions, decimals, and rounding.

Days 3–5: Table interpretation

Practise selecting relevant data and ignoring irrelevant information.

Days 6–7: Graphs and charts

Practise trends, comparisons, and visual data.

Days 8–9: Multi-step calculations

Practise questions requiring two or more operations.

Days 10–11: Timed practice

Work under realistic time pressure.

Days 12–13: Mixed numerical reasoning

Complete full practice sets and review errors.

Day 14: Final review

Review formulas, common mistakes, and test instructions.

Test-day tips for the Sky numerical reasoning test

Before the test:

• read the official instructions
• check if a calculator is allowed
• prepare a quiet environment
• test your internet connection
• start before the deadline
• close distractions
• keep your charger nearby

During the test:

• read the question first
• identify the relevant data
• avoid unnecessary calculations
• write down key numbers if allowed
• check units
• watch the 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 numerical 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 numerical reasoning skills, not to bypass the recruitment process.

What to verify officially

Before taking the Sky numerical reasoning test, verify:

• assessment deadline
• test platform
• sections included
• time limits
• calculator rules
• rough work rules
• 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 numerical reasoning test may assess your ability to interpret data, calculate percentages, compare figures, read tables and graphs, and make accurate decisions under time pressure.

The best preparation strategy is to review core maths, practise realistic data interpretation questions, build accuracy first, add timing gradually, review mistakes carefully, and use ethical preparation resources.