Wonderlic number series

How to solve a number series

Work through these checks in order and stop as soon as one fits:

• Differences between neighbors (2, 5, 8, 11)
• Differences that themselves grow (1, 2, 4, 7, 11)
• Multiplying by a constant (3, 6, 12, 24)
• Two interleaved series (1, 10, 2, 20, 3, 30)
• Squares or doubling (1, 4, 9, 16)

Do not over-think it

Series on this kind of test are short and the rules are simple. If you are three steps into a complicated rule, it is probably the wrong rule.

When nothing fits in ten seconds

Skip it and come back if time allows. A series you cannot see quickly is rarely one you will see by staring. See when to skip.

Worked examples

Original practice questions written by us in the style of the real test. Try each in about 14 seconds, then check.

1. 2, 5, 8, 11, ?
   A 12B 13C 14D 15E 16
   Show the answer

   C. 14. Each number is 3 more than the one before.

2. 3, 6, 12, 24, ?
   A 30B 36C 42D 48E 60
   Show the answer

   D. 48. Each number is double the one before.

3. 1, 4, 9, 16, ?
   A 20B 23C 25D 27E 32
   Show the answer

   C. 25. These are square numbers: 1², 2², 3², 4², so the next is 5² = 25.

4. 1, 10, 2, 20, 3, ?
   A 4B 25C 30D 33E 40
   Show the answer

   C. 30. Two series are interleaved: 1, 2, 3 and 10, 20, 30.

5. 5, 6, 8, 11, 15, ?
   A 18B 19C 20D 21E 22
   Show the answer

   C. 20. The gaps grow by one each time: +1, +2, +3, +4, so the next gap is +5 and 15 + 5 = 20.

Frequently asked questions