Loading...CAT4 Number Analogies Practice Tests: Free Samples and Expert Strategies
Learn how CAT4 Number Analogies questions work, identify the numerical relationship connecting each pair, avoid common traps and use free practice to improve quantitative reasoning.
What is CAT4 Number Analogies?
Number Analogies presents one or more pairs of numbers connected by a numerical relationship. The pupil must identify that relationship and apply it to complete another pair.
What the subtest measures
- Recognition of numerical relationships
- Flexible use of arithmetic operations
- Testing of a rule across several pairs
- Quantitative reasoning rather than rote calculation
- Accurate application of a discovered transformation
What pupils must do
- Compare the first number pair
- Identify the simplest plausible operation
- Check whether the rule works for every given pair
- Apply the same rule to the incomplete pair
- Reject answer options based on a partial rule
Free CAT4 Number Analogies sample
The February supporting page’s most useful unique resource is its direct Number Analogies PDF. Use it first without timing and ask the pupil to explain the relationship before choosing an answer.
Free Number Analogies sample
Open the existing School Entrance Tests sample questions.
CAT4 video guidance
The supporting page also directs parents to the existing PassedPapers CAT4 video channel.
How to use the sample
- Start without timing
- Ask for the rule before the answer
- Check every given pair
- Discuss why distractors fail
- Repeat the method on a fresh item
How to solve CAT4 Number Analogies questions
A disciplined sequence prevents pupils from accepting the first operation that happens to work for one pair.
Read the number pairs in the correct direction
Establish whether the relationship moves from left to right, top to bottom or through another layout shown in the question.
Try the simplest operation first
Check addition, subtraction, multiplication or division before assuming a more complicated rule.
Test the rule on every complete pair
A valid analogy rule must explain all the numerical relationships provided, not merely the first one.
Look for a two-step rule if needed
Harder items may multiply and then add, divide and then subtract, or use a changing value derived from the pair.
Apply the rule exactly
Use the same order of operations and the same direction when completing the missing pair.
Check the answer backwards
Substitute the chosen answer into the analogy and confirm that the complete relationship remains consistent.
Simple Number Analogies examples
Example 1: one-step relationship
Rule: multiply by 3.
Answer: 21, because 7 × 3 = 21.
Example 2: two-step relationship
Rule: multiply by 2, then add 2.
Answer: 18, because 8 × 2 + 2 = 18.
Common Number Analogies relationships
Pupils should recognise these operation families, but must still derive the rule from the actual numbers rather than selecting a familiar pattern automatically.
Addition
Add a constant number or a value determined by another part of the pair.
Subtraction
Subtract a constant or reverse the direction of an increase.
Multiplication
Multiply by a fixed factor such as 2, 3, 4 or a less obvious value.
Division
Divide by a consistent factor, often producing whole-number answers.
Two-step rules
Multiply or divide first, then add or subtract a second value.
Inverse relationships
Use an operation in one direction and its inverse when checking backwards.
Common Number Analogies mistakes
Accepting a rule after one pair
Several different operations can sometimes explain one relationship. The rule must work across every complete pair.
Applying the operation in the wrong direction
A pupil may identify the correct numbers but reverse the transformation when completing the analogy.
Ignoring the order of operations
Multiply then add is not the same as add then multiply. The sequence must be preserved exactly.
Overcomplicating a simple item
Pupils sometimes invent a two-step rule before checking whether a straightforward operation explains all pairs.
Rushing the arithmetic
The reasoning may be correct but the final calculation wrong. A short check prevents avoidable loss of marks.
Choosing an option that is nearly correct
Distractors may reflect the right operation applied to the wrong starting number or in the wrong order.
A practical Number Analogies practice plan
The February page correctly emphasised targeted subtest practice. The strongest version of that idea is to progress from rule identification to mixed, timed application.
Operation fluency
Check that the pupil can add, subtract, multiply and divide accurately at the appropriate age level.
One-step analogies
Practise identifying a single operation and explaining why it works for every pair.
Two-step analogies
Introduce multiply-then-add, divide-then-subtract and other structured combinations.
Distractor analysis
Discuss which incorrect operation produced each tempting answer option.
Mixed quantitative sets
Combine Number Analogies with Number Series so the pupil recognises the task before applying a method.
Timed independent practice
Add realistic pacing once the pupil can state, test and apply rules without prompting.
Benefits of focused Number Analogies practice
Format familiarity
Pupils understand immediately that they must transfer a relationship rather than continue a sequence.
Broader rule coverage
Practice can introduce one-step, two-step, inverse and less obvious quantitative relationships.
Worked explanations
Good materials explain why the intended rule works and why alternative operations fail.
Weakness diagnosis
Parents can distinguish arithmetic errors from failures to identify or transfer the rule.
Independent checking
Pupils learn to validate a proposed rule across every complete number pair.
Improved pacing
Repeated use of a consistent method reduces unproductive trial-and-error under time pressure.
Number Analogies compared with Number Series
| Subtest | Main task | Best starting question | Typical difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number Analogies | Transfer the same relationship from one number pair to another. | What operation connects each complete pair? | Finding a rule that works consistently rather than accidentally. |
| Number Series | Identify the rule governing a sequence and predict the next or missing number. | How does each term change into the next? | Alternating, changing or multi-step sequences. |
How Number Analogies contributes to CAT4 reports
The supporting February page uniquely highlighted parent reports and stanines. Number Analogies contributes to the quantitative reasoning battery, which should be interpreted alongside Number Series and the other three CAT4 batteries.
What parents may see
- A quantitative reasoning Standard Age Score
- A percentile or stanine
- Comparisons with verbal, non-verbal and spatial scores
- Comments on relative strengths and weaker areas
- An overall CAT4 profile rather than a single pass mark
How to interpret the result
- Do not infer a Number Analogies score from one practice sample
- Review Number Series alongside Number Analogies
- Consider attainment evidence and school context
- Look for meaningful battery differences
- Avoid treating one result as a fixed limit on potential
CAT4 Number Analogies levels by school year
The core relationship-transfer task remains stable, while the arithmetic demand, number size, multi-step complexity and distractors increase with age.
| School year | Typical level | Preparation emphasis | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 4 | Level A | Simple addition, subtraction and multiplication relationships. | Year 4 guide |
| Year 5 | Level B | Accurate one-step rules and early two-step examples. | Year 5 guide |
| Year 6 | Level C | Mixed operations and checking rules across several pairs. | Year 6 guide |
| Year 7 | Level D | More plausible distractors and consistent operation order. | Year 7 guide |
| Year 8 | Level E | Subtle two-step relationships and efficient elimination. | Year 8 guide |
| Year 9 | Level F | Advanced quantitative rules and closer numerical alternatives. | Year 9 guide |
| Year 10 | Level F | Complex transfer, speed and accurate arithmetic checking. | Year 10 guide |
| Year 11 | Level G | Advanced multi-step rules and disciplined pacing. | Year 11 guide |
Related CAT4 flagship guides
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CAT4 Scores & Reports
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CAT4 Levels
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CAT4 Number Analogies questions answered
What is CAT4 Number Analogies?
What skills does Number Analogies measure?
How should a pupil approach these questions?
What operations appear in Number Analogies?
Why do pupils get Number Analogies questions wrong?
Should Number Analogies practice be timed?
Is Number Analogies the same as Number Series?
Which CAT4 battery includes Number Analogies?
Can practice improve Number Analogies performance?
Where can I find a free Number Analogies sample?
Find the rule, test it, then apply it accurately
Begin with the free Number Analogies sample, require the pupil to explain the relationship, and move into age-appropriate mixed quantitative practice only after the method is secure.