Numeracy Test
Based on research from Tilburg University
Research has demonstrated that the ability to understand numbers has important consequences for decision-making. All else being equal, individuals who are good with numbers also consistently make better decisions overall.
The following numeracy test was developed by scientists at Tilburg University. It will allow you to gauge your skill with numbers relative to the general population.
Instructions: To take the numeracy test, DO NOT USE A CALCULATOR, PEN, OR PAPER. Indicate your answers to each of the following questions below, using numbers (not letters).
Question 1 of 17
Which of the following numbers represents the biggest risk of getting a disease, 1 in 12 or 1 in 37?
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The IDR-NUM17 was compiled on the basis of peer-reviewed research, using metrics and data available to researchers.
Numeric ability is a total score derived from several standardized measurements designed to assess the test taker’s facility and aptitude with numbers. The raw scores of a population sample were calculated using a measure that ranges from 0% to 99% (or greater), where up or down was determined by the number of correct answers the user achieved. By this definition, approximately 50% of the population had 11 correct answers.
Numeric ability has been shown to be associated with great decision-making capabilities and career success, as well as career opportunities and a facility to assess risks. In contemporary society, numeric ability is required for a wide range of white-collar jobs, and evaluation of job applicants’ numeric ability is standard practice at many workplaces. Along with IQ, numeric ability is generally considered to be more accurate and to hold greater predictive power than alternative personality measurements such as MBTI, Belbin, or DISC profiles.
Although numeric ability correlates with IQ, numeracy tests should not be confused with IQ tests such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence, Scale Wechsler IQ Test, WAIS Test, or the Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM, or RAVEN IQ). However, all of these measures (or inventories) do in some sense measure the general intelligence and intellectual ability of the test takers. The IDR-NUM17 was compiled on the basis of data from the research projects at Tilburg University. The specific expression of the IDR-NUM17 source code and graphic design is the property of IDRlabs International. The authors of this online numeracy quiz are certified in the use of numerous personality tests and have worked professionally with recruitment, typology, and personality testing. The results of our online numeracy test are provided "as-is" and should not be construed as providing professional or certified advice of any kind. For more on our online numeracy test, please consult our Terms of Service.
Why Use This Test?
1. High validity and reliability. There is strong scientific evidence that this abbreviated numeracy test, developed by scientists at Tilburg University, is solid and measures the test taker’s numeric ability with high validity.
2. Free. This online 17-item Numeracy Test is delivered to you free of charge and will allow you to obtain your numeracy score as calculated against internationally validated items and population statistics.
3. Brief. Using findings from peer-reviewed university research, this short version of the Numeracy Test will give you a measure of your numeric ability by using just 17 items, while retaining good reliability.
4. Statistical controls. Test scores are logged into an anonymized database. Statistical analysis of the test is conducted to ensure maximum accuracy and validity of the test scores.
5. Made by professionals. The authors of this free online personality test are certified in the use of numerous personality tests and have worked professionally with typology and personality testing.