How to Calculate Logical Reasoning Test Scores
What Is a Logical Reasoning Test Score?
A logical reasoning test measures how well you can analyze patterns, draw conclusions, and solve problems using abstract information. Most employers use these tests during hiring, especially for roles requiring analytical thinking.
Your score tells you two things: how many questions you got right, and how that compares to other test-takers. That's it. There's no secret formula beyond that.
Understanding Raw Scores vs. Scaled Scores
Raw score is the simplest calculation. Count your correct answers. That's your raw score.
Most tests don't report raw scores directly. They convert them to scaled scores instead. Scaled scores account for differences between test versions. If one version is harder, the scaling adjusts so scores remain comparable across different test dates.
Here's the basic conversion:
- Raw Score = Correct Answers
- Scaled Score = Raw Score adjusted for test difficulty
- Percentile = Your position relative to other test-takers
The Percentile System Explained
Percentiles confuse people. A 60th percentile doesn't mean you got 60% correct. It means you scored higher than 60% of everyone who took the test.
If you're in the 75th percentile, you performed better than 75 out of 100 test-takers. You're not perfect—you missed 25% of questions—but you outranked most people in the room.
How Scoring Works Across Different Test Providers
Each test publisher calculates scores differently. Here's how the major ones work:
| Provider | Score Type | Typical Range | Percentile Reported? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHL | Scaled (1-100) | 20-80 | Yes |
| Cut-e/Aon | Sten Scale (1-10) | 1-10 | Limited |
| Korn Ferry | Percentile | 1-99 | Yes |
| Talent Q | Percentile | 1-99 | Yes |
| CEB/Gartner | Stanine (1-9) | 1-9 | Limited |
How to Calculate Your Logical Reasoning Score
You can't fully calculate your score after taking a test—the provider controls the scaling. But you can estimate your raw score and get a rough idea of where you stand.
Step 1: Count Your Correct Answers
Go through your answers. Write down how many you got right. This is your starting point.
Step 2: Calculate the Percentage
Divide correct answers by total questions, then multiply by 100.
Example: 18 correct out of 24 questions = (18/24) Ă— 100 = 75%
Step 3: Estimate Your Percentile
This is the hard part without normative data. Most logical reasoning tests have a median around the 50th percentile. A raw score of 70-80% typically lands you around the 70th-85th percentile. Higher than that puts you in the top tier.
Step 4: Adjust for Test Difficulty
If you know the test was particularly hard or easy, mentally shift your percentile estimate up or down by 5-10 points. Hard tests push scores down; easy tests inflate them.
What Employers Actually Look For
Recruiters don't care about your exact scaled score. They care about whether you cross a cut-off threshold or rank higher than other candidates.
Most companies set minimum scores—often around the 50th or 70th percentile depending on the role. Technical positions usually require higher scores.
Some employers use tests purely for comparison. They rank all candidates and interview the top performers. Your score matters only relative to everyone else who applied.
Improving Your Score
Logical reasoning skills improve with practice. Here's what actually works:
- Practice pattern recognition — Deductive and inductive reasoning follow identifiable structures. The more you see, the faster you recognize them.
- Time management — Most people fail because they run out of time, not because they can't solve problems. Skip hard questions and return if possible.
- Learn the test format — Different publishers use different question types. Familiarity reduces surprises.
- Eliminate wrong answers — You don't need to find the right answer. You need to eliminate wrong ones.
Getting Your Official Score
If an employer sent you a link to take a test, you likely won't see your score. Most providers report results only to the employer, not the candidate. Some platforms show your percentile in a feedback report—check the results page after completion.
For practice tests you take on your own, check whether the platform provides a detailed score breakdown. Many free tests don't include percentile data.
The Bottom Line
Logical reasoning test scores are calculated as correct answers, then converted to scaled scores or percentiles for comparison. You can estimate your raw score, but the percentile only becomes clear when you know how others performed.
If you're job hunting, focus on practice and speed. Most candidates lose points on time, not ability. Get faster, and your score will climb.