Logical Reasoning Test: Free Practice Questions, Answers and Tips

A logical reasoning test measures your ability to interpret information, apply rules and reach valid conclusions.

Logical reasoning questions may use words, numbers, shapes, symbols, statements, diagrams or workplace rules. The goal is to test whether you can think clearly and methodically under time pressure.

Logical reasoning is common in:

• cognitive ability tests;
• aptitude tests;
• psychometric tests;
• SHL-style assessments;
• Aon / cut-e assessments;
• Korn Ferry assessments;
• CCAT-style cognitive tests;
• PI Cognitive Assessment practice-style assessments;
• Wonderlic-style tests;
• graduate, analyst, consulting, finance, legal and management assessments.

For free mixed aptitude drills, aptitude test practice can complement employer-specific logical prep.

These are original practice questions for study purposes. They are not official questions from SHL, Aon, Korn Ferry, Criteria, Predictive Index, Wonderlic or any other test provider.

What Is a Logical Reasoning Test?

A logical reasoning test assesses how well you can use information to reach a valid answer.

You may need to:

• apply a rule;
• identify what must be true;
• find the next item in a pattern;
• evaluate a statement;
• complete a sequence;
• spot a contradiction;
• classify items into groups;
• solve a symbolic or diagrammatic rule;
• determine whether a conclusion follows.

Some logical reasoning tests are verbal. Others are nonverbal and use shapes or symbols.

Logical reasoning practice can help candidates rehearse syllogisms, if/then logic and rule application under timed conditions.

What Does Logical Reasoning Measure?

Logical reasoning tests may measure:

• deductive reasoning;
• inductive reasoning;
• abstract reasoning;
• rule application;
• pattern recognition;
• problem solving;
• critical thinking;
• decision-making under constraints;
• ability to reason with unfamiliar information;
• speed and accuracy.

The exact format depends on the test provider and employer.

Logical Reasoning vs Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning is one type of logical reasoning.

Skill	Main Focus	Example
Logical reasoning	Broad reasoning with rules, patterns and conclusions	“Which answer follows logically?”
Deductive reasoning	Applying a rule to reach a certain conclusion	“All managers are employees. Sarah is a manager. What follows?”

Deductive reasoning is about what must be true.

Related guide:

• Deductive Reasoning

Logical Reasoning vs Inductive Reasoning

Inductive reasoning is another type of logical reasoning.

Skill	Main Focus	Example
Logical reasoning	Broad category of reasoning tests	Rules, patterns, statements and conclusions
Inductive reasoning	Inferring a rule from examples	“2, 4, 8, 16, what comes next?”

Inductive reasoning is about finding the rule from examples.

Related guide:

• Inductive Reasoning

Logical Reasoning vs Critical Thinking

Critical thinking overlaps with logical reasoning, but it focuses more on evaluating arguments and evidence.

Logical Reasoning	Critical Thinking
Applies rules and identifies valid conclusions	Evaluates assumptions, arguments and evidence
Often uses formal structures	Often uses real-world claims or passages
Looks for what follows logically	Looks for what is best supported
Example: syllogism	Example: argument strength

Related guide:

• Critical Thinking Test

Logical Reasoning vs Abstract Reasoning

Abstract reasoning is usually visual and nonverbal.

Logical Reasoning	Abstract Reasoning
Can be verbal, numerical, symbolic or visual	Usually shape, symbol or pattern-based
Broad reasoning category	Specific visual reasoning format
May include rules and statements	Usually involves visual pattern rules
Example: if/then statement	Example: shape matrix

Many abstract reasoning questions are also logical reasoning questions because you must infer and apply a rule.

Related guide:

• Abstract Reasoning

When logic questions use shape matrices or visual rules, abstract reasoning practice can support nonverbal logical items.

Common Logical Reasoning Question Types

Question Type	What You Need to Do
Syllogisms	Decide what follows from all / some / none statements
If/then logic	Apply conditional rules
Must-be-true questions	Choose the conclusion that is guaranteed
Cannot-say questions	Decide whether information is insufficient
Rule application	Apply a workplace rule or policy
Number logic	Find the next number or missing value
Shape logic	Identify a visual pattern
Diagrammatic reasoning	Apply symbol or operator rules
Odd one out	Find the item that breaks the rule
A/B sets	Decide which group a new item belongs to
Critical reasoning	Evaluate assumptions, arguments or conclusions

Free Logical Reasoning Practice Questions

Answer each question before reading the explanation.

Question 1: Basic Syllogism

All analysts are employees. Maria is an analyst.

What must be true?

• A. Maria is an employee
• B. Maria is a manager
• C. All employees are analysts
• D. Maria works remotely

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Maria is an employee

The rule says:

All analysts are employees.

Maria is an analyst.

Therefore:

Maria is an employee.

The other answers are not guaranteed.

Question 2: All vs Some

All supervisors are employees. Some employees work remotely.

Which statement must be true?

• A. All supervisors work remotely
• B. Some supervisors work remotely
• C. All supervisors are employees
• D. No supervisors work remotely

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. All supervisors are employees

The first sentence directly states that all supervisors are employees.

The second sentence says some employees work remotely, but it does not say whether any supervisors work remotely.

Only option C must be true.

Question 3: If/Then Logic

If a request is marked urgent, it must be reviewed today. Request A is marked urgent.

What must be true?

• A. Request A must be reviewed today
• B. Request A must be reviewed next week
• C. Request A must be rejected
• D. Request A is missing information

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Request A must be reviewed today

The rule is:

urgent → reviewed today

Request A is urgent, so the rule applies.

Question 4: If/Then Trap

If an employee works the night shift, the employee receives a shift premium. Dana receives a shift premium.

What must be true?

• A. Dana works the night shift
• B. Dana does not work the night shift
• C. Dana receives a shift premium
• D. All employees receive a shift premium

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. Dana receives a shift premium

The statement already tells us that Dana receives a shift premium.

You cannot conclude that Dana works the night shift. The rule says:

night shift → premium

It does not say:

premium → night shift

Dana may receive a premium for another reason.

Question 5: None Statement

No temporary employees can approve invoices. Liam is a temporary employee.

What must be true?

• A. Liam can approve invoices
• B. Liam cannot approve invoices
• C. Liam is a manager
• D. Liam works in finance

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Liam cannot approve invoices

The rule says no temporary employees can approve invoices.

Liam is temporary.

Therefore, Liam cannot approve invoices.

Question 6: Some Statement

Some project coordinators are certified trainers. All certified trainers completed the training program.

Which statement must be true?

• A. All project coordinators completed the training program
• B. Some project coordinators completed the training program
• C. No project coordinators completed the training program
• D. All certified trainers are project coordinators

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Some project coordinators completed the training program

Some project coordinators are certified trainers.

All certified trainers completed the training program.

Therefore, those project coordinators who are certified trainers completed the training program.

So, some project coordinators completed the training program.

Question 7: Number Logic

Find the next number:

4, 8, 16, 32, ?

• A. 40
• B. 48
• C. 60
• D. 64

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: D. 64

Each number doubles:

4 × 2 = 8
8 × 2 = 16
16 × 2 = 32
32 × 2 = 64

The next number is 64.

Question 8: Shape Logic

Find the next item:

Circle, square, circle, square, circle, ?

• A. Circle
• B. Square
• C. Triangle
• D. Star

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Square

The pattern alternates:

circle → square → circle → square → circle → square

The next item is square.

Question 9: Rotation Logic

A black arrow points up, then right, then down, then left. What comes next?

• A. Up
• B. Right
• C. Down
• D. Left

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Up

The arrow rotates 90 degrees clockwise each step:

up → right → down → left → up

The next direction is up.

Question 10: Rule Application

Company policy says:

• If a request is urgent, it must be reviewed today.
• If a request contains missing information, it must be returned to the sender.
• Request B is not urgent and contains missing information.

What must happen to Request B?

• A. It must be reviewed today
• B. It must be returned to the sender
• C. It must be approved automatically
• D. It must be deleted

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. It must be returned to the sender

Request B contains missing information.

The rule says requests with missing information must be returned to the sender.

The urgent rule does not apply because Request B is not urgent.

Logical Reasoning Answer Key

Question	Skill Tested	Correct Answer
1	Basic syllogism	A
2	All vs some	C
3	If/then logic	A
4	If/then trap	C
5	None statement	B
6	Some statement	B
7	Number logic	D
8	Shape logic	B
9	Rotation logic	A
10	Rule application	B

How to Solve Logical Reasoning Questions

Use this process.

Step 1: Identify the Question Type

Ask:

Is this a statement question, rule question, number pattern, shape pattern or argument question?

The question type determines the method.

Question Type	Best Method
Syllogism	Track all / some / none relationships
If/then logic	Apply the condition exactly
Must-be-true	Choose only guaranteed conclusions
Number logic	Test arithmetic patterns
Shape logic	Check visual rule changes
Rule application	Apply the stated policy
Critical reasoning	Evaluate evidence and assumptions

Step 2: Identify the Rule

Look for words such as:

• all;
• some;
• none;
• if;
• then;
• only if;
• unless;
• must;
• cannot;
• except;
• not.

These words control the logic.

Step 3: Apply the Rule Exactly

Do not reverse the rule.

If A, then B

does not mean:

If B, then A

This is one of the most common logical reasoning traps.

Step 4: Choose What Follows

For must-be-true questions, the correct answer must be guaranteed.

Do not choose an answer just because it sounds likely or realistic.

Step 5: Eliminate Unsupported Answers

Eliminate answers that:

• add new information;
• reverse the rule;
• overgeneralize;
• contradict the facts;
• confuse some with all;
• choose possibility instead of certainty.

Logical Reasoning Rules to Know

All Statements

All A are B.
X is A.
Therefore, X is B.

Example:

All analysts are employees.
Maria is an analyst.
Maria is an employee.

Do not reverse it:

Maria is an employee.
Therefore, Maria is an analyst.

That does not follow.

Some Statements

Some A are B.

This means at least one A is B.

It does not mean all A are B.

No Statements

No A are B.
X is A.
Therefore, X is not B.

Example:

No interns can approve invoices.
Liam is an intern.
Liam cannot approve invoices.

If/Then Statements

If A, then B.

This means A is enough to guarantee B.

It does not mean B guarantees A.

Example:

If someone works night shift, they receive a premium.

You can conclude:

Night shift → premium.

You cannot conclude:

Premium → night shift.

Only If Statements

A only if B

means:

If A, then B.

Example:

A refund is issued only if the request is approved.

This means:

refund issued → request approved

It does not mean every approved request gets a refund.

Unless Statements

“Unless” introduces an exception.

Example:

Employees may enter the lab unless their badge is expired.

This means:

If the badge is expired, they may not enter.

When possible, rewrite “unless” statements in simpler language.

Logical Reasoning With Numbers

Number logic questions often use:

• addition;
• subtraction;
• multiplication;
• division;
• alternating rules;
• increasing differences;
• doubling or halving;
• squares or cubes;
• mixed operations.

Example:

5, 9, 17, 33, ?

Differences:

+4, +8, +16, +32

Answer:

65

Related guide:

• Numerical Reasoning

When number logic appears alongside formal rules, cognitive ability test practice can support mixed timed review.

Logical Reasoning With Shapes

Shape logic questions may use:

• alternation;
• rotation;
• reflection;
• number of shapes;
• number of sides;
• position changes;
• shading changes;
• size changes;
• symmetry;
• row and column rules.

Use this checklist:

count → shape → size → position → rotation → reflection → shading → sequence

Related guides:

• Abstract Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning

Logical Reasoning Strategy

Use these strategies:

• read the question stem first;
• identify whether it asks for must-be-true, cannot-say, next item or rule application;
• underline or mentally mark key logic words;
• avoid outside assumptions;
• do not reverse if/then rules;
• treat “some” carefully;
• test simple number or shape rules first;
• eliminate unsupported answers;
• move on if a question becomes a time trap;
• review explanations after practice.

Logical Reasoning Time Management

Logical reasoning questions can become slow if you reread too much.

Use this pacing approach:

1. Identify the question type.
2. Find the rule.
3. Apply the rule.
4. Eliminate unsupported answers.
5. Choose and move on.

If the question takes too long, skip and return if allowed.

Related guide:

• Time Management

Common Logical Reasoning Mistakes

Mistake 1: Adding Outside Assumptions

Use only the information given.

If the question says all managers submit reports, do not use your real workplace experience to challenge the rule.

Mistake 2: Choosing What Could Be True

A must-be-true answer must be guaranteed.

Possible is not enough.

Mistake 3: Reversing If/Then Logic

Wrong:

If A, then B.
B happened.
Therefore, A happened.

This is not guaranteed.

Mistake 4: Confusing Some With All

Some employees are remote.

does not mean:

All employees are remote.

Mistake 5: Missing Negative Words

Watch for:

• no;
• not;
• none;
• never;
• cannot;
• except;
• unless.

These words change the logic.

Mistake 6: Overcomplicating Patterns

For number and shape logic, test simple rules before complex rules.

Start with:

• alternation;
• doubling;
• rotation;
• count;
• position;
• shading.

Logical Reasoning in Major Test Providers

Logical reasoning may appear under different labels depending on the provider.

Provider / Test	How Logical Reasoning May Appear
SHL	Inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning or general ability
Aon / cut-e	Logical, numerical, verbal or special-format reasoning
Korn Ferry	Cognitive reasoning depending on role
CCAT	Math/logic and spatial pattern questions
PI Cognitive	Numerical, verbal and abstract reasoning
Wonderlic	General reasoning, logic, comparisons and problem solving
AssessmentDay-style tests	Logical, inductive, deductive or diagrammatic reasoning
JobTestPrep	Logical reasoning, cognitive ability and aptitude test prep

If your invitation names a provider, use provider-specific practice.

Before test day, pre-employment assessment practice can help you rehearse provider-style logical formats under realistic time limits.

Best Logical Reasoning Test Prep

For employment logical reasoning and cognitive aptitude tests, JobTestPrep is a strong option because it offers practice across major reasoning formats and test providers.

Use JobTestPrep for:

• logical reasoning;
• deductive reasoning;
• inductive reasoning;
• abstract reasoning;
• cognitive ability tests;
• SHL-style reasoning;
• Aon-style reasoning;
• Korn Ferry-style assessments;
• CCAT;
• PI Cognitive;
• Wonderlic;
• answer explanations;
• timed simulations.

Logical reasoning practice can highlight how syllogisms, if/then rules and must-be-true items behave under timed conditions. Verify product fit on the vendor site before purchasing.

Free vs Paid Logical Reasoning Practice

Prep Type	Best Use
Free logical reasoning questions	Learn the format
Free cognitive test questions	Practice mixed reasoning
Official provider samples	Confirm assessment style
Answer explanations	Learn reasoning methods
Paid JobTestPrep	More practice volume and simulations
Timed mixed drills	Build speed
Provider-specific prep	Best if your invitation names SHL, Aon, Korn Ferry or another provider

Free practice is useful for basics. Paid prep is more useful if the assessment is high-stakes or provider-specific.

7-Day Logical Reasoning Study Plan

Day	Study Focus
Day 1	Learn question types and take a diagnostic set
Day 2	Syllogisms and all / some / none rules
Day 3	If/then logic and rule application
Day 4	Number logic and sequence rules
Day 5	Shape logic and abstract reasoning; add numerical reasoning test practice if your test is mixed
Day 6	Timed mixed logical reasoning practice
Day 7	Review mistakes and repeat weak formats

24-Hour Logical Reasoning Study Plan

If your test is tomorrow:

1. Learn all / some / none rules.
2. Review if/then logic.
3. Practice 10 verbal logic questions.
4. Practice 10 number or shape logic questions.
5. Review every explanation.
6. Memorize common traps.
7. Complete one timed mixed set.
8. Prepare your testing environment.

If your invitation also includes language-based reasoning, verbal reasoning practice can round out last-minute mixed review.

Related Cognitive Aptitude Test Guides

Use these related pages to continue preparing:

Guide	Best For
Deductive Reasoning	Must-be-true logic
Inductive Reasoning	Pattern-rule inference
Critical Thinking Test	Arguments and assumptions
Abstract Reasoning	Shape patterns
Pattern Recognition Test	Sequences and visual rules
Cognitive Test Sample Questions	Mixed examples
Cognitive Test Answers Explained	Step-by-step explanations
Free Cognitive Test With Answers	Free practice
Cognitive Ability Test	Main cognitive test guide
Best Cognitive Test Prep	Prep resources
Time Management	Pacing strategy
Common Mistakes	Mistakes to avoid

Sources / Information to Verify Before Publication

Before publication, verify logical reasoning and provider-specific assessment details with current sources.

Use sources such as:

• JobTestPrep logical reasoning test page;
• JobTestPrep cognitive ability test page;
• JobTestPrep free cognitive test page;
• JobTestPrep free aptitude test page;
• JobTestPrep free psychometric test page;
• SHL inductive reasoning example questions;
• SHL practice tests page;
• AssessmentDay logical, inductive or diagrammatic reasoning resources;
• Korn Ferry candidate assessment guide;
• Aon talent assessment products and tools;
• Criteria CCAT official pages;
• Predictive Index Cognitive Assessment resources;
• Wonderlic official cognitive assessment resources;
• employer assessment invitation.

Verify:

• exact assessment name;
• exact test provider;
• whether logical reasoning is tested directly;
• whether the provider calls it logical, deductive, inductive, abstract or diagrammatic reasoning;
• question types;
• current time limit;
• number of questions;
• whether the test is proctored;
• whether guessing is penalized;
• score report format;
• whether full simulations are included;
• whether explanations are included;
• current JobTestPrep product contents;
• current JobTestPrep affiliate URL;
• access duration;
• refund or guarantee terms.

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