Spatial reasoning ability involves visualizing and manipulating
two-dimensional or three-dimensional shapes or patterns. A high
level of spatial reasoning ability is essential in subjects such
as architecture and in some branches of science and mathematics.
Spatial reasoning ability is thought to be largely inherited
although research suggests that many people can improve their
ability to visualise transformations in shapes and patterns.
The selection process for many jobs in design, illustration,
architecture, publishing and technology include spatial reasoning
tests. These tests may also be used to select applicants in
certain technical and craft jobs.
Spatial reasoning ability questions cover: shape matching, shape
rotation, combining shapes, cube views in 3-dimensions, and the
manipulation of other solid shapes in 2 and 3 dimensions.
You may also find some questions which use maps and plans, these
questions often appear in tests for emergency services, military
and law enforcement jobs where the ability to give or follow
directions based on a map or street plan is essential.
Spatial Reasoning - Combining Shapes
These questions show you a series of 2-dimensional shapes. One of
the shapes has been ‘cut up’ into pieces. The questions presents
you with the pieces and you are asked to work out which of the
shapes has been ‘cut up’.
Spatial Reasoning – Cubes in
3-Dimensions
These questions show you views of a 3-dimensional cube with unique
figures, markings or symbols on each face. You are then asked to
say which symbol is on the opposite face.
Spatial Reasoning – Matching
2-Dimensional Shapes
These are speed questions and you will need to work quickly and
attempt to answer as many as possible in the given time. In these
types of question you will be presented with a number of objects
only two of which are identical. You will need to identify the
identical shapes, one of which may have been rotated.
Spatial Reasoning – Matching Rotated
Groups
This is slightly more complex than the rotations in the
two-dimensional shape matching question. In these types of
question you will be presented with a series of groups of objects,
only two of the groups are identical. You will need to identify
the identical groups, one of which will have been rotated.
Spatial Reasoning - Solids in 2 and
3-Dimensions
These questions use solid shapes which may be irregular. In some
respects, these questions are easier than the cube questions as
there are more relationships to work with. In other words, each
face of the solid shape has a shape of its own rather than just
being square.
Spatial Reasoning - Maps and Plans
These questions often appear in tests for emergency services,
military and law enforcement jobs where the ability to give or
follow directions based on a map or street plan is essential.
Spatial reasoning questions may form part of a general aptitude
test or may be presented a separate test. You can download
practice
spatial reasoning ability
questions here. You should ensure that you do not confuse them
with abstract reasoning tests which look superficially similar,
but do not test you ability to manipulate the shapes used.
Mechanical
Reasoning Tests >
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