Free Non-Verbal Reasoning Test for Children
Pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and abstract thinking — language-independent
What is assessed
By age group
International benchmarks
Scores are mapped against the following frameworks:
- GL Assessment 11+
- Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4)
- ISEB Common Pre-Test
- Cognitive Abilities Test (NFER)
Read the full methodology on the Methodology page.
Sample questions
Click any question to reveal the answer.
Figure seriesA sequence shows a square containing 1 dot, then 2 dots, then 3 dots. What comes next?
- A) A square with 4 dots
- B) A circle with 3 dots
- C) A square with 5 dots
- D) An empty square
A — The pattern adds one dot per step, and the shape (square) stays constant.
Matrix reasoningA 3×3 grid shows large shapes in row 1, medium shapes in row 2, and small shapes in row 3. Columns show circle, triangle, square. The bottom-right cell is missing. What goes there?
- A) A large square
- B) A small triangle
- C) A small square
- D) A medium circle
C — Row 3 = small shapes. Column 3 = squares. Therefore: small square.
Spatial reasoningA flat cross-shaped net is folded into a cube. Which face will be opposite the top face?
- A) The face directly below it in the net
- B) The face directly above it in the net
- C) The face two positions below it
- D) Any face — it is random
C — On a standard cross net, the face opposite the top is found two positions below in the vertical column.
How scores work
Eduentry uses a standardised scale with a mean of 100 and standard deviation of 15 — the same scale used by Wechsler, NFER, and most UK standardised assessments.
| Score range | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 120+ | Exceptional | Top 9% |
| 110–119 | Above Average | 75th–91st |
| 95–109 | Average | 37th–63rd |
| 85–94 | Below Average | 16th–36th |
| <85 | Needs Support | Below 16th |
Other subjects
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Is the Non-Verbal Reasoning assessment free?
Yes, completely free for all families. The full adaptive test and standardised score report are included at no cost.
What is non-verbal reasoning and why does it matter?
Non-verbal reasoning tests pattern recognition and abstract thinking using shapes — no reading required. It is included in most 11+ exams, the CAT4, and gifted identification tests because it measures cognitive ability independently of language background, making it fair for multilingual children.
How long does the Non-Verbal Reasoning assessment take?
The Non-Verbal Reasoning section contains 15 adaptive questions with a 30-minute total section time limit. Most children complete it in 15–25 minutes.
Which exams test non-verbal reasoning?
Non-verbal reasoning appears in GL Assessment 11+ papers, the CEM 11+, CAT4, ISEB Common Pre-Test, and US gifted tests including the NNAT and CogAT Nonverbal battery. It is also a significant component of independent school entrance exams.
How to prepare
- 1
Non-verbal reasoning is highly practice-responsive — unlike verbal or maths, children often show rapid improvement after targeted practice because the question types are finite.
- 2
Bond Non-Verbal Reasoning Assessment Papers and CGP NVR books are the most widely used. Start with the 9–10 age bracket regardless of your child's actual age to build confidence.
- 3
Practise paper folding physically: take a piece of A4, fold it, and predict where holes will appear when unfolded. This builds the spatial intuition that matrix and rotation questions require.
- 4
For matrix questions: always check both the row pattern AND the column pattern. The correct answer must satisfy both simultaneously.
- 5
Timed practice is critical — aim for 45–50 seconds per question. Many children know the answer but run out of time because they are not accustomed to the pace.
Try the free Non-Verbal Reasoning assessment
Takes 5–8 minutes per subject. Instant standardised score and percentile ranking.
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