What it is
What is an abstract reasoning test?
An abstract reasoning test measures how well you spot rules in patterns you have not seen before. Each question shows a set of shapes that follow a hidden rule. You work out the rule and choose the answer that fits.
Most abstract reasoning questions use the same format as a matrix reasoning test: a grid of shapes with one cell missing. The two names describe the same skill, so every practice test on this site is abstract reasoning practice.
Employers use these assessments because they do not depend on language, education, or job knowledge. They test problem solving in its purest form: see something new, find the rule, apply it.
Question format
What abstract reasoning questions look like
Here are two typical questions, described in words. On the real test they appear as visual grids of shapes.
Example 1 — rotation
EasyThe first cell shows an arrow pointing up. The second cell shows the same arrow pointing right. The third shows it pointing down. Which option completes the sequence?
Answer and explanation
An arrow pointing left. The arrow turns 90° clockwise in every cell.
Pattern type: Rotation
Example 2 — two rules at once
HardRow 1 shows one circle, then two circles, then three. Row 2 shows one square, then two, then three. Row 3 shows one triangle, then two triangles — and the missing cell. In every row, the shapes also get darker from left to right.
Answer and explanation
Three triangles with the darkest shading. Two rules run at the same time: the count rises by one in each cell, and the shading gets darker in each cell.
Pattern type: Frequency count + progression
Terminology
Abstract vs matrix vs inductive reasoning
Test invitations use several names for the same family of tests. The names differ more than the tests do:
- Abstract reasoning. The broad name for solving problems with shapes and patterns. Employers often use this name in test invitations.
- Matrix reasoning. The grid format used by most abstract tests — a grid of shapes with one cell missing.
- Inductive reasoning. The name providers like SHL use for the same skill: find the rule, then apply it.
- Diagrammatic reasoning. A close cousin. It often uses flowcharts: shapes go into an operator, come out changed, and you work out what the operator does.
Schools use one more name for the same skill: non-verbal reasoning. Whichever name your test uses, the preparation is the same.
Where you'll meet it
Where you'll meet an abstract reasoning test
Employers use abstract reasoning assessments to screen candidates for graduate schemes and for consulting, finance, engineering, and technical roles. Test providers include SHL, Aon (cut-e), Korn Ferry, and Matrigma. Their tests look different, but they all measure the same skill.
The UCAT, used for medicine admissions in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, included an abstract reasoning section for many years. The section was removed from the 2025 test onward. Other admissions exams still use shape-based reasoning, and the same pattern skills apply.
How to prepare
How to prepare for an abstract reasoning test
- Learn the common patterns. Most questions use a small set of rules — rotation, movement, adding or removing shapes, counting. Study the common patterns until you can name them fast.
- Describe what changes. Work through each row and say what changes from cell to cell — shape, size, count, position, or shading. Naming the change reveals the rule.
- Practise under time pressure. Hiring tests are timed. Get used to moving on when a question takes too long, and come back to it at the end.
- Review every wrong answer. Each mistake points to a pattern you have not mastered yet. Read the explanation, then practise that pattern directly.
Start practising
Practice abstract reasoning now
The free practice test gives you 10 abstract reasoning questions with a full explanation after every answer. No account required.
FAQ
Common questions
- Is an abstract reasoning test an IQ test?
- Not on its own. It measures fluid intelligence — how well you solve new problems without using words, numbers, or learned knowledge. Full IQ tests include matrix-style questions as one part, but a single abstract reasoning test does not give you an IQ score.
- Are abstract reasoning and matrix reasoning the same?
- In practice, yes. Abstract reasoning is the skill. Matrix reasoning is the most common question format — a grid of shapes with one cell missing. Most abstract reasoning tests use the matrix format, so practising one prepares you for the other.
- How long is an abstract reasoning test?
- It depends on the provider. Most abstract reasoning assessments used in hiring are short and timed, and the time per question is tight — often under a minute. Your test invitation states the exact length.
- Can you improve at abstract reasoning?
- Yes. You cannot memorise the answers, but the patterns repeat across tests. Learning the common rules, practising in the real format, and reviewing every mistake all raise your score.
- Are these official SHL, Matrigma, or UCAT questions?
- No. Official test questions are copyright-protected. Every question on this site is original practice material built in the same format, so you can prepare without seeing real test items in advance.