UCAT Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative reasoning section is the highest-scoring section of UCAT - and you only need GCSE-level maths to be able to tackle the questions

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For the quantitative reasoning part of the UCAT test, you’ll need GCSE-level maths and the ability to solve problems with your numerical skills.

This type of UCAT question is less focused on mathematic skill and more centred on problem-solving – so you don’t need to be an A* student to score well.

What Is The Quantitative Reasoning Section?

The quantitative reasoning part of UCAT tests your numeracy skills. It involves critically evaluating various data sets and answering multiple-choice questions.

The quantitative reasoning section consists of 36 questions in total, which need to be answered in 24 minutes. This allows for roughly 40 seconds per question.

You’ll get access to a calculator for this section. Take a look at our top tips for using the UCAT calculator.

Quantitative Reasoning Questions

Quantitative reasoning consists of 36 multiple-choice questions. You’ll face scenarios with data to help to solve the problems and be asked to choose one of five answers. The data could be in various forms, including tables, graphs and two/three-dimensional shapes.

These questions are designed to assess your skills in analysing data and applying it on a practical level, just as Doctors do when they make drug calculations or undertake clinical research.

Average Quantitative Reasoning Scores

Quantitative Reasoning is usually the highest-scoring section of the UCAT.

Between 2015 and 2020, the average score was around 676. The average quantitative reasoning score last year (in 2020) was 664.

Average Quantitative Reasoning Scores	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
	685	690	695	658	662	664

Learn more about how scoring works on our UCAT Scores page.

UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Tips

Our tips for how to improve your quantitative reasoning score in the UCAT are:

Brush up on basic arithmetic. You need to practice basic maths skills. For example, you might be asked to work out the percentage of a profit made from a set of figures. GCSE Maths past papers are perfect for sourcing questions that test this and will help you get used to calculating in percentages and ratios.
Start By Reading The Question Carefully. Read the question first and then look at any data that is provided. Skimming the data will enable you to identify key information which you can then plug into your calculator if required.
Look out for extra information. Occasionally there is extra information in bullet points that candidates sometimes ignore. It’s vital to recognise all information, as it could be essential in answering at least one of the questions.

Watch this video for more quantitative reasoning tips from a Tutor:

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