What is Quantitative Reasoning (QR)?
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) tests your ability to use numerical skills to solve problems. As future doctors and dentists, you’ll often review data quickly and apply it to your practice, so universities use this subtest to see how skilled you would be to cope in such situations.
What can I expect to see on test day?
For this subtest, you’ll mostly get questions based on charts, tables, or graphs packed with data. Most of the time, you'll see sets of four questions related to the same set of data. You’ll have five possible answers for each question, but only one is correct—so no guessing multiple options!
You’ll have an on-screen calculator to help you out, but having a pen and notebook to hand is helpful for quickly working things out.
Need help smashing Quantitative Reasoning (QR) section? Our free resources and practice questions give you lots of helpful practice.
Still need more encouragement to smash Quantitative Reasoning (QR)? Check out the top 10 success tips below!
Practice under timed conditions
Treat your prep like the real deal! Set a timer and get used to the pressure with practice questions so you’re not thrown off on test day.
Get confident with mental maths
Strong number skills = less time wasted on the on-screen calculator. Make sure you practice those percentages, ratios, and quick calculations! While this subtest mainly focuses on your problem-solving skills, you’ll need maths at GCSE standard to be successful.
Get to know the on-screen calculator
It’s not the friendliest tool, but it’s what you’ve got. Learn the shortcuts before test day and avoid getting stuck clicking around when you're under time pressure.
Know when to estimate
Not every answer needs to be exact. If you can spot the right answer with a smart estimate, go for it and move on quickly.
Flag tricky questions – return later
Don’t let one hard question waste valuable time. Flag it, move on, and come back later if there’s time.
Understand units of measurement
Don’t get tripped up by switching between metres, centimetres, or hours to minutes. Check units carefully!
Learn the different question types
You’ll see patterns—percentages, graphs, tables, etc. Get familiar with each type to avoid surprises on test day.
Track your strengths and weaknesses
Don’t just practice—reflect. Where are you smashing it? What needs more work? Focus smart and get in as much practice as you can for those high scores.
Write down your working out
It helps avoid silly mistakes and keeps your thinking clear. Plus, it’s easier to double-check answers. Don't forget to take a notepad and pen with you test day!
Use reliable practice resources
Stick with sources that mirror the actual UCAT test and conditions. Quality practice makes all the difference.
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FAQs - Quantitative Reasoning in UCAT?
What is Quantitative Reasoning in UCAT?
QR is one of the four subtests in the UCAT, and it assesses your ability to solve problems using numbers. As future doctors and dentists, you’ll need to quickly review data and apply it to your practice—this subtest helps universities see how well you’d handle that in real-life situations.
Is UCAT Quantitative Reasoning hard?
Like the other subtests, Quantitative Reasoning is designed to challenge you. But don’t worry! You only need GCSE level maths, so even if you haven’t done A-Level maths, you’ll be fine! The key to success getting familiar with the question types through lots of practice. Check out the practice questions and our free UCAT question bank trial below to get started.
How to get a score of 900 in Quantitative Reasoning?
The average QR score for the UCAT in 2024 was 649, so a score of 900 is phenomenal! Alongside the above, key things to remember to land those high QR scores include:
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Strengthening your GCSE maths skills
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Knowing the on-screen calculator well to save time on test day
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Managing your time effectively