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Quantitative Aptitude Questions: Topics, Answers & Resources

05 Feb 2026
5 min read

Key Takeaways From the Blog

  • Quantitative aptitude is crucial for competitive exams, placements, and job interviews.
  • Mastering topics like number system, percentages, ratio and proportion, time and work, and data interpretation is essential.
  • Practice with a variety of question types, including MCQs and word problems.
  • Consistent, structured preparation and use of quality resources boost accuracy and speed.
  • Use extensive articles, downloadable PDFs, books, and online platforms for effective practice.

Introduction

Quantitative aptitude questions are a core component of most competitive aptitude tests, including campus placements, job interviews, and government exams. Whether you’re preparing for CAT quantitative aptitude sections, aiming for a top score in quantitative aptitude for placement, or just looking to improve your quantitative ability, mastering these concepts is essential for success.

This guide will help you understand what quantitative aptitude is, the types of questions you can expect, key topics, and the best strategies to boost your performance.

What is Quantitative Aptitude?

Quantitative aptitude measures your ability to solve mathematical problems quickly and accurately. It tests your proficiency in arithmetic, aptitude number system, algebra, geometry, data interpretation, and logical reasoning quantitative aptitude. Recruiters and examiners use quantitative aptitude questions to assess your analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to work under time pressure in various quantitative aptitude tests and quantitative aptitude exams. Recruiters and examiners use quantitative aptitude questions to assess your analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to work under time pressure.

Why Are Quantitative Aptitude Questions Important?

Quantitative aptitude questions are included in:

  • Competitive exams (Banking, SSC, CAT, MAT, UPSC, Railways, etc.)
  • Campus placements and job interviews
  • Entrance tests for higher education

Strong quantitative skills can give you a significant advantage, helping you clear cut-offs and stand out among other candidates.

Important Aptitude Topics for Competitive Exams

Understanding the syllabus and focusing on the right aptitude topics for competitive exams is the first step towards success. Here are the most important quantitative aptitude topics for placement and competitive exams:

  • Number Systems: Basics of numbers, divisibility rules, types of numbers.
  • Arithmetic: Percentages, averages, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, time and work, time, speed, and distance.
  • Algebra: Simplifying expressions, solving equations, inequalities, sequences, and series.
  • Geometry and Mensuration: Properties of shapes, area, perimeter, volume, and surface area of 2D and 3D figures.
  • Data Interpretation: Analyzing charts, graphs, and tables to answer questions.
  • Trigonometry: Basic identities, height and distance problems (in some exams).
  • Statistics and Probability: Mean, median, mode, basic probability.
  • Permutations and Combinations: Counting principles, arrangements, and selections.
  • Miscellaneous: Problems on ages, calendars, clocks, pipes and cisterns, boats and streams.

Common Types of Quantitative Aptitude Questions

You may encounter various formats, such as:

  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Fill-in-the-blank
  • Word problems
  • Data interpretation sets
  • Puzzle-type questions

Sample Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers

Below are practice questions for quantitative aptitude from some of the most frequently asked topics in quantitative aptitude tests online and quantitative aptitude for competitive exam preparation. These sample quantitative aptitude questions with answers help you prepare for both placement and competitive exams.

Aptitude Questions on Number Systems

1. What is the smallest prime number?
Answer:
2
Explanation: 2 is the smallest and only even prime number.

2. Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 18 and 24.
Answer:
6
Explanation: 6 divides both 18 and 24 exactly.

3. What is the least common multiple (LCM) of 5 and 7?
Answer:
35
Explanation: 5 × 7 = 35, and no smaller number is divisible by both.

4. Is 97 a prime number?
Answer:
Yes
Explanation: 97 is only divisible by 1 and itself.

5. What is the sum of the first five natural numbers?
Answer:
15
Explanation: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15.

Aptitude Questions on Arithmetic Operations

6. What is 25% of 200?
Answer:
50
Explanation: 200 × 0.25 = 50.

7. What is the square root of 121?
Answer:
11
Explanation: 11 × 11 = 121.

8. Subtract 87 from 150.
Answer:
63
Explanation: 150 − 87 = 63.

9. If you divide 45 by 9, what is the quotient?
Answer:
5
Explanation: 45 ÷ 9 = 5.

10. What is the product of 12 and 8?
Answer:
96
Explanation: 12 × 8 = 96.

Aptitude Questions on Percentages

11. What is 10% of 350?
Answer:
35
Explanation: 350 × 0.10 = 35.

12. If a number increases from 60 to 75, what is the percentage increase?
Answer:
25%
Explanation: ((75 − 60)/60) × 100 = 25%.

13. Decrease 200 by 15%.
Answer:
170
Explanation: 15% of 200 = 30; 200 − 30 = 170.

14. What is 80% of 90?
Answer:
72
Explanation: 90 × 0.8 = 72.

15. If a product costs $50 and is sold for $60, what is the percentage profit?
Answer:
20%
Explanation: ((60 − 50)/50) × 100 = 20%.

Aptitude Questions on Ratio and Proportion

16. Divide $1000 in the ratio 3:2.
Answer:
$600 and $400
Explanation: 3+2=5; $1000 × 3/5 = $600, $1000 × 2/5 = $400.

17. If 5 pencils cost $10, how much do 8 pencils cost?
Answer:
$16
Explanation: $10/5 = $2 per pencil; 8 × $2 = $16.

18. Simplify the ratio 18:24.
Answer:
3:4
Explanation: Divide both by 6.

19. If A:B = 2:3 and B:C = 4:5, find A:B:C.
Answer:
8:12:15
Explanation: Express B as 12 in both: A=8, B=12, C=15.

20. If 7x = 21y, what is the ratio x:y?
Answer:
3:1
Explanation: x/y = 21/7 = 3/1.

Aptitude Questions on Average

21. Find the average of 10, 20, and 30.
Answer:
20
Explanation: (10 + 20 + 30)/3 = 60/3 = 20.

22. What is the average of the first four even numbers?
Answer:
5
Explanation: (2 + 4 + 6 + 8)/4 = 20/4 = 5.

23. If the average of five numbers is 12, what is their total sum?
Answer:
60
Explanation: 12 × 5 = 60.

24. Find the average of 7, 14, 21, and 28.
Answer:
17.5
Explanation: (7+14+21+28)/4 = 70/4 = 17.5.

25. If the average of x, 8, and 10 is 12, find x.
Answer:
18
Explanation: (x + 8 + 10)/3 = 12 ⇒ x + 18 = 36 ⇒ x = 18.

Aptitude Questions on Profit and Loss

26. A man buys an article for $80 and sells it for $100. Find the profit percentage.
Answer:
25%
Explanation: (20/80) × 100 = 25%.

27. If a product is sold at a loss of 10% for $90, what was the cost price?
Answer:
$100
Explanation: $90 = 90% of CP ⇒ CP = $90/0.9 = $100.

28. A shopkeeper sells a pen for $24 with a profit of 20%. What was the cost price?
Answer:
$20
Explanation: $24 = 120% of CP ⇒ CP = $24/1.2 = $20.

29. If the cost price is $50 and the profit is $15, what is the selling price?
Answer:
$65
Explanation: $50 + $15 = $65.

30. A loss of $8 is incurred on selling an item for $32. What was the cost price?
Answer:
$40
Explanation: $32 + $8 = $40.

Aptitude Questions on Time, Speed, and Distance

31. If a car travels 120 km in 3 hours, what is its speed?
Answer:
40 km/hr
Explanation: 120/3 = 40.

32. How long does it take to travel 150 km at 50 km/hr?
Answer:
3 hours
Explanation: 150/50 = 3.

33. If a train covers 90 km in 2 hours, what is its average speed?
Answer:
45 km/hr
Explanation: 90/2 = 45.

34. A runner covers 400 meters in 50 seconds. What is the speed in m/s?
Answer:
8 m/s
Explanation: 400/50 = 8.

35. If a car travels at 60 km/hr for 2.5 hours, how far does it go?
Answer:
150 km
Explanation: 60 × 2.5 = 150.

Aptitude Questions on Time and Work

36. If A can do a job in 6 days, how much work does A do in 1 day?
Answer:
1/6
Explanation: 1/6 of the work per day.

37. If A can do a job in 10 days and B in 15 days, how long will it take both together?
Answer:
6 days
Explanation: 1/10 + 1/15 = 1/6.

38. If 4 workers can finish a task in 8 days, how many days for 8 workers?
Answer:
4 days
Explanation: Double the workers, half the time.

39. A and B can do a job in 5 days. B alone takes 15 days. How long for A alone?
Answer:
7.5 days
Explanation: 1/5 − 1/15 = 2/15 ⇒ 15/2 = 7.5.

40. If 12 men complete a work in 18 days, how many men for 9 days?
Answer:
24
Explanation: (12 × 18) / 9 = 24.

Aptitude Questions on Simple and Compound Interest

41. Find the simple interest on $1000 at 5% per annum for 2 years.
Answer:
$100
Explanation: SI = (1000 × 5 × 2)/100 = $100.

42. Calculate the compound interest on $2000 at 10% p.a. for 2 years.
Answer:
$420
Explanation: Amount = 2000 × (1.1)^2 = $2420; CI = 2420 − 2000 = $420.

43. What is the amount after 3 years if the principal is $1500 at 8% simple interest?
Answer:
$1860
Explanation: SI = 1500 × 8 × 3 / 100 = $360; Amount = 1500 + 360 = $1860.

44. Find the simple interest on $500 at 12% per annum for 4 years.
Answer:
$240
Explanation: 500 × 12 × 4 / 100 = $240.

45. If $1200 becomes $1440 in 2 years at simple interest, what is the rate?
Answer:
10%
Explanation: SI = 240; 240 = 1200 × r × 2/100 ⇒ r = 10%.

Aptitude Questions on Algebra

46. Solve for x: 2x + 3 = 11.
Answer:
4
Explanation: 2x = 8 ⇒ x = 4.

47. If x^2 = 49, what is x?
Answer:
7 or -7
Explanation: Square root of 49.

48. If 3x − 5 = 16, what is x?
Answer:
7
Explanation: 3x = 21 ⇒ x = 7.

49. If x/2 + 6 = 10, find x.
Answer:
8
Explanation: x/2 = 4 ⇒ x = 8.

50. Solve for y: 4y + 12 = 28.
Answer:
4
Explanation: 4y = 16 ⇒ y = 4.

Aptitude Questions on Geometry

51. Find the area of a rectangle with length 8 cm and width 5 cm.
Answer:
40 cm²
Explanation: 8 × 5 = 40.

52. What is the perimeter of a square with side 6 cm?
Answer:
24 cm
Explanation: 4 × 6 = 24.

53. Find the area of a circle with radius 7 cm (π = 22/7).
Answer:
154 cm²
Explanation: πr² = 22/7 × 7 × 7 = 154.

54. What is the volume of a cube with side 3 cm?
Answer:
27 cm³
Explanation: 3 × 3 × 3 = 27.

55. Find the circumference of a circle with diameter 10 cm (π = 3.14).
Answer:
31.4 cm
Explanation: πd = 3.14 × 10 = 31.4.

Aptitude Questions on Mensuration

56. Find the area of a triangle with base 10 cm and height 6 cm.
Answer:
30 cm²
Explanation: (1/2) × base × height = (1/2) × 10 × 6 = 30.

57. What is the area of a parallelogram with base 12 cm and height 5 cm?
Answer:
60 cm²
Explanation: Base × height = 12 × 5 = 60.

58. Find the area of a square with diagonal 8 cm.
Answer:
32 cm²
Explanation: Area = (diagonal²)/2 = 64/2 = 32.

59. Find the volume of a cylinder with radius 4 cm and height 10 cm (π = 3.14).
Answer:
502.4 cm³
Explanation: πr²h = 3.14 × 16 × 10 = 502.4.

60. What is the surface area of a cube with side 5 cm?
Answer:
150 cm²
Explanation: 6 × (side)² = 6 × 25 = 150.

Aptitude Questions on Trigonometry

61. What is sin 30°?
Answer:
0.5
Explanation: Standard value.

62. What is cos 60°?
Answer:
0.5
Explanation: Standard value.

63. What is tan 45°?
Answer:
1
Explanation: Standard value.

64. If sin θ = 0.6, what is cos θ (θ in first quadrant)?
Answer:
0.8
Explanation: cos²θ = 1 − sin²θ = 1 − 0.36 = 0.64 ⇒ cos θ = 0.8.

65. If tan θ = 1, what is θ?
Answer:
45°
Explanation: Standard value.

Aptitude Questions on Data Interpretation

66. A pie chart shows 25% for product A. What fraction is this?
Answer:
1/4
Explanation: 25/100 = 1/4.

67. If a bar graph shows sales of $200, $300, $250, what is the total?
Answer:
$750
Explanation: 200 + 300 + 250 = 750.

68. If a table shows expenses of $500, $600, and $700, what is the average?
Answer:
$600
Explanation: (500 + 600 + 700)/3 = 1800/3 = 600.

69. If a line graph shows a 10% increase each month from 100, what is the value after 2 months?
Answer:
121
Explanation: 100 × 1.1 × 1.1 = 121.

70. If a histogram shows frequencies of 5, 10, 15, what is the total frequency?
Answer:
30
Explanation: 5 + 10 + 15 = 30.

Aptitude Questions on Sequences and Series

71. Find the next number: 2, 4, 8, 16, ?
Answer:
32
Explanation: Each number ×2.

72. Find the next number: 3, 6, 12, 24, ?
Answer:
48
Explanation: Each number ×2.

73. Find the 5th term of the sequence: 5, 10, 15, 20, ?
Answer:
25
Explanation: Each term increases by 5.

74. Find the sum of the first 4 terms: 1, 3, 5, 7.
Answer:
16
Explanation: 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 = 16.

75. Find the nth term of the sequence: 4, 8, 12, 16, …
Answer:
4n
Explanation: Each term increases by 4.

Aptitude Questions on Permutations and Combinations

76. How many ways can you arrange the letters in "DOG"?
Answer:
6
Explanation: 3! = 6.

77. How many ways can 4 books be arranged on a shelf?
Answer:
24
Explanation: 4! = 24.

78. How many combinations of 2 items from 5?
Answer:
10
Explanation: 5C2 = 10.

79. How many permutations of 3 items from 6?
Answer:
120
Explanation: 6P3 = 120.

80. In how many ways can a committee of 2 be formed from 7 people?
Answer:
21
Explanation: 7C2 = 21.

Aptitude Questions on Probability

81. Probability of rolling a 3 on a die?
Answer:
1/6
Explanation: One favorable outcome out of 6.

82. Probability of flipping heads on a coin?
Answer:
1/2
Explanation: Standard.

83. Probability of drawing an ace from a standard deck?
Answer:
1/13
Explanation: 4 aces out of 52 cards.

84. Probability of rolling an even number on a die?
Answer:
1/2
Explanation: 3 even numbers out of 6.

85. Probability of picking a red card from a deck?
Answer:
1/2
Explanation: 26 red cards out of 52.

Aptitude Questions on Mixtures and Alligation

86. If 3 liters of 20% solution is mixed with 2 liters of 30% solution, what is the concentration?
Answer:
24%
Explanation: (3×20 + 2×30)/5 = (60+60)/5 = 120/5 = 24%.

87. If 2 kg of sugar at $5/kg is mixed with 3 kg at $6/kg, what is the cost per kg?
Answer:
$5.6/kg
Explanation: (2×5 + 3×6)/5 = (10+18)/5 = 28/5 = 5.6.

88. If 4 liters of water is added to 1 liter of 50% alcohol, what is the new concentration?
Answer:
10%
Explanation: 0.5 liters alcohol in 5 liters = 10%.

89. If 2 kg of rice at $10/kg is mixed with 3 kg at $15/kg, what is the mixture cost per kg?
Answer:
$13/kg
Explanation: (2×10 + 3×15)/5 = (20+45)/5 = 65/5 = 13.

90. If 3 liters of 25% solution is mixed with 2 liters of 35% solution, what is the concentration?
Answer:
28%
Explanation: (3×25 + 2×35)/5 = (75+70)/5 = 145/5 = 29.

Aptitude Questions on Logical Reasoning

91. If all cats are animals, and some animals are pets, can some cats be pets?
Answer:
Yes
Explanation: Some overlap is possible.

92. If A is taller than B, and B is taller than C, who is the tallest?
Answer:
A
Explanation: By order.

93. If the sequence is ABC, DEF, GHI, what comes next?
Answer:
JKL
Explanation: Next three letters.

94. If all squares are rectangles, and all rectangles have four sides, do all squares have four sides?
Answer:
Yes
Explanation: Logical conclusion.

95. If every person in a room shakes hands with every other person exactly once, how many handshakes in a room of 4?
Answer:
6
Explanation: 4C2 = 6.

Aptitude Questions on Word Problems

96. If a car travels 100 km in 2 hours, what is its speed?
Answer:
50 km/hr
Explanation: 100/2 = 50.

97. A person bought 3 apples at $1 each and 2 oranges at $1.5 each. Total cost?
Answer:
$6
Explanation: 3×1 + 2×1.5 = 3 + 3 = 6.

98. If a train leaves at 9 AM, travels 200 km at 50 km/hr, what time does it arrive?
Answer:
1 PM
Explanation: 200/50 = 4 hours; 9 + 4 = 13:00.

99. If a piece of cloth costs $5/meter, how much does 20 meters cost?
Answer:
$100
Explanation: 5 × 20 = 100.

100. If a job takes 12 hours for one person, how long for 3 people?
Answer:
4 hours
Explanation: 12/3 = 4.

Quick Recap: Focusing on high-yield topics like number systems, percentages, and data interpretation ensures you’re well-prepared for the most common questions in exams and placements.

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude?

Success in quantitative aptitude comes from a blend of strong fundamentals, consistent practice, and smart exam strategies. Whether you’re targeting placements or competitive exams, a structured approach will help you maximize your score and confidence. Here are some effective ways to prepare:

  1. Understand the Syllabus: Review the specific quantitative aptitude topics relevant to your exam or placement test. Prioritize areas that carry more weight or where you feel less confident.
  2. Master the Basics: Build a solid foundation by learning key concepts, formulas, and problem-solving techniques for each topic.
  3. Create a Study Plan: Allocate dedicated time for each topic and stick to a regular schedule to ensure balanced coverage.
  4. Practice Regularly: Solve a variety of maths aptitude questions, previous years’ papers, and quantitative aptitude mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
  5. Review and Revise: Go over your mistakes, clarify doubts, and revise important formulas and shortcuts frequently.
  6. Take Mock Tests: Attempt full-length quantitative aptitude tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam environment and build confidence.
  7. Analyze Performance: After each test, analyze your results to identify strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Quick Note: By following these steps, you’ll develop the quantitative ability and test-taking skills needed to excel in any quantitative aptitude exam or placement process.

Tips for Solving Quantitative Aptitude Questions

Mastering quantitative aptitude isn’t just about knowing formulas—it’s about applying them efficiently under pressure. With the right strategies, you can boost both your speed and accuracy, making a real difference in competitive exams and placements. Here are some essential tips to help you excel:

  1. Understand the Basics: Build a strong foundation by mastering key formulas, concepts, and calculation methods for each quantitative aptitude topic.
  2. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is crucial. Use maths aptitude question and answer sets, attempt quantitative aptitude tests online, and solve previous years’ papers to improve speed and accuracy.
  3. Use Shortcuts and Tricks: Learn and apply shortcut techniques for calculations, especially for percentage in quantitative aptitude, profit and loss quantitative aptitude, and simplification problems.
  4. Attempt Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests for quantitative aptitude under timed conditions. This will help you build exam temperament and manage time effectively.
  5. Analyze Your Mistakes: After each mock test or practice session, review your errors. Understand why you went wrong and focus on those weak areas in your next study session.
  6. Prioritize Easy Questions First: In exams, solve the questions you find easiest first. This builds confidence and ensures you don’t miss out on scoring easy marks due to time constraints.
  7. Read Questions Carefully: Pay close attention to what is being asked, especially in data interpretation and word problems, to avoid careless mistakes.
  8. Memorize Important Data: Keep multiplication tables, squares, cubes, and common percentage-to-fraction conversions at your fingertips for faster calculations.
  9. Stay Calm and Positive: Maintain a positive mindset during preparation and in the exam hall. Calmness helps you think clearly and avoid silly mistakes.

Downloadable Resources and Study Materials

Preparing for quantitative aptitude exams is easier than ever with the wealth of downloadable resources and online study materials available today. Whether you’re looking for aptitude quiz questions and answers as PDF files, comprehensive books, or interactive mobile apps, there are many options to support your learning.

Popular Books and Guides:

  • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal – A classic reference covering all major topics with solved examples.
  • Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma – Great for quick revision and shortcut techniques.
  • Kiran’s SSC and bank exam-focused quantitative aptitude guides – Targeted practice for government job aspirants.

Websites and Online Platforms:

  • Testbook – Offers a quantitative aptitude MCQ quiz, objective question with answer for quantitative aptitude (download free PDF), and detailed solutions.
  • Careerride – Provides practice sets, topic-wise quizzes, and preparation tips.
  • Current Affairs Funda (Aptitude & LR) – YouTube channel with video tutorials for quantitative aptitude and logical reasoning.
  • AKAgrawalAptitude – Another popular YouTube channel for aptitude concepts and tricks.

Mobile Apps:

  • Many mobile apps are available for both Android and iOS that offer daily aptitude quiz questions, topic-wise practice, and mock tests. Search for “Quantitative Aptitude” in your app store for top-rated options.

Downloadable PDFs:

Most leading websites, including Testbook and Careerride, provide aptitude quiz questions and answers as PDF files for offline practice.

Extra Tip:
For focused government exam or placement preparation, use guides like “Kiran’s SSC and Bank Exam-Focused Quantitative Aptitude Guides” and regularly attempt quizzes on platforms like Testbook.

Conclusion

Quantitative aptitude questions are a vital part of most exams and job selection processes. With the right preparation, consistent practice, and strategic approach, you can master this section and achieve your academic or career goals. Start early, practice smart, and remember: every question solved is a step closer to success!

Why It Matters?

Quantitative aptitude is more than a test section—it’s a life skill that reflects your ability to think logically, make decisions, and solve problems efficiently in real-world scenarios.

Practical Advice for Learners

  • Start early and stick to a consistent practice schedule.
  • Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing formulas.
  • Use a mix of books, PDFs, and online quizzes for well-rounded preparation.
  • Take regular mock tests to build speed and exam confidence.
  • Analyze your mistakes and revise weak areas frequently.
  • Stay positive and persistent—progress comes with practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I improve my quantitative aptitude skills?

Focus on understanding concepts, practice regularly, solve previous years’ papers, and take mock tests.

2. What are the best books for quantitative aptitude preparation?

Popular choices include “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal and “Fast Track Objective Arithmetic” by Rajesh Verma.

3. How much time should I spend on quant preparation daily?

Aim for at least 1-2 hours of focused practice each day, increasing as exam dates approach.

4. Are online resources and courses helpful?

Yes, online courses, practice apps, and free question banks can supplement your preparation.

5. What is the best way to approach data interpretation questions?

Practice reading a variety of charts and tables, improve calculation speed, and focus on extracting key information quickly.

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