What this test measures
This test looks at how accurately and quickly you can carry out everyday calculations. For each question you choose the correct answer from four options. It shows how comfortable you are working with numbers under time pressure.
What is an arithmetic calculation test?
An arithmetic test measures how quickly and accurately you can carry out everyday calculations: adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, along with fractions, decimals and percentages. Each MyAptitude question gives four possible answers, and you choose the correct one.
Unlike the numerical reasoning test, which is about spotting relationships, this test is about working accurately at speed.
Arithmetic example
Two questions in the same style:
- What is 15% of 80? Options: 8, 12, 15, 18
- What is 7 × 18? Options: 116, 126, 136, 146
For the first, 10% of 80 is 8 and 5% is half of that, 4, so 15% is 8 + 4 = 12. For the second, split the sum: 7 × 18 is 7 × 20 minus 7 × 2, which is 140 − 14 = 126. Estimating first also helps: 7 × 18 must be a little less than 7 × 20 = 140, which rules out 146 straight away.
Tips for arithmetic tests
- Estimate before you calculate, so you can rule out answers that are clearly too big or too small.
- Break harder sums into easier steps, as in the example.
- Know your times tables and common percentages (10%, 25%, 50%) by heart.
- Don’t get stuck: the full test has 60 questions in 10 minutes.
How to improve your arithmetic
Short, regular mental maths practice works best: times tables, quick percentages and working out change in your head. Timed practice like this free test builds both speed and accuracy, and MyAptitude reports both.
The full MyAptitude test
The full MyAptitude Arithmetic Calculation test has 60 questions and lasts 10 minutes. This practice version has 8 questions and 2 minutes.
MyAptitude is a set of eight aptitude tests that takes about 90 minutes in total. It was developed with occupational psychologist Dr Charles Johnson. Results are reported as percentiles, with speed and accuracy, so students and their guidance counsellor or careers adviser can see where their strengths lie.
What this practice test can't tell you
A practice test helps you get used to the format and the time limit. It is not scored or compared with other students, and a handful of questions can't show your ability. A full MyAptitude result is one piece of information to discuss with your school, and it supports careers guidance rather than replacing it.
Arithmetic calculation: common questions
Can I use a calculator in the arithmetic test?
No. The test measures how quickly and accurately you can calculate in your head or on paper.
The questions use everyday numbers, so good mental maths strategies make the biggest difference.
Is arithmetic the same as numerical reasoning?
No. Arithmetic is about calculating correctly at speed. Numerical reasoning is about spotting the relationship between numbers.
MyAptitude tests them separately, so you can see whether your strength is calculation, reasoning or both.
How long is the full arithmetic test?
The full MyAptitude Arithmetic Calculation test has 60 questions and lasts 10 minutes.
This free practice version has 8 questions and 2 minutes.
Other practice tests
- Spatial Reasoning (3D)
- Spatial Reasoning (2D)
- Abstract Reasoning
- Numerical Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Spelling
- Working Quickly and Accurately
Find out more
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