Multi-step calculations in EPSO numerical reasoning
The question chains two to four operations: a total, then a share, then a change. No step is hard on its own. Points are lost by stopping one step early, by adding a category the question excludes, or by rounding too soon.
7,859 answers, last 60 days · The test gives you 2 minutes per question (10 questions in 20 minutes).
How to recognise it
- In 2022, what percentage of all registrations were battery electric only?
- Questions that combine several rows ("combined", "in total", "excluding")
- Long wording with a condition at the end of the sentence
The method
- Write the target in one line on the notepad, for example "battery electric 2022 ÷ total 2022".
- List the cells each part needs, by row and column.
- Compute the intermediate results and keep three or four significant digits: do not round too early.
- Reread the question before choosing: "only", "excluding", "combined" change the answer.
Worked example
A question from our bank, in EPSO format.
| Fuel type | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 4,120 | 3,860 | 3,540 |
| Diesel | 2,180 | 1,790 | 1,420 |
| Battery electric | 870 | 1,150 | 1,540 |
| Plug-in hybrid | 1,040 | 940 | 780 |
| Full hybrid | 1,620 | 1,890 | 2,150 |
Unit: thousands
In 2022, what percentage of total EU new vehicle registrations were zero-emission vehicles (battery electric only)?
Choose an answer to see the solution.
The traps
Stopping one step early
The intermediate result (a total, a per capita figure) is often an option. Before choosing, check that the number answers the question, not just the first step.
A category too many or too few
In the example, adding plug-in hybrids gives 21.7%. Words like "only", "excluding" and "combined" are there to separate candidates.
The wrong year
With three years side by side, each year's share is an option. Keep the cursor on the year column.
Rounding too early
Rounding an intermediate result to the nearest whole number can move the answer by 0.1 or 0.2 points, which is the gap between two options.
With the EPSO calculator
Add the column first and write the total down, then divide. If you re-enter intermediate results, keep the decimals the screen shows.
Practise this calculation
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Frequently asked questions
How should I approach long EPSO numerical questions?
Write the target as one line ("part ÷ total"), list the cells each part needs, compute, then reread the question for words like "only" or "excluding" before choosing.
Should I round intermediate results?
No. Keep three or four significant digits until the end: early rounding can move the answer onto a neighbouring option.