What each level covers
Every question is generated from one rule and checked twice before you see it: the answer is re-derived from the rule, and the visible terms are tested against a library of other common patterns. If a second pattern also fits and predicts a different next term, the question is thrown away, so there is only one defensible answer. This is the same engine as our IMC 24 in 18 replica.
| Level | Patterns | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | Constant or growing steps, ratios of 2, 3 and 1.5, gaps that are squares, primes or Fibonacci numbers, two sequences braided together | 5, 6, 10, 19, 35, ? → 60 (gaps 1, 4, 9, 16, then 25) |
| Medium | Interleaved sequences, each term the sum of the two before, repeating cycles of operations, the first fraction sequences | 20, 26, 23, 29, 26, ? → 32 (+6, −3 repeating) |
| Hard | Operation cycles of two or three steps, fractions whose tops and bottoms follow separate rules, two-term recurrences, power towers | 318, 516, 714, 912, ? → 1110 |
Endless or timed
Endless has no clock. After each answer you see the worked explanation, for example “the gaps are 2, 4, 6, 8, growing by 2, so the next gap is 10.” Use it to learn the patterns. Timed gives you 5 minutes to answer as many as you can, with no feedback until the end, then the explanation for every question. IMC allows about 45 seconds a sequence and Optiver about a minute, so 5 minutes is roughly six or seven real-test questions.
Where number sequence tests show up
- IMC: about 24 sequences in 18 minutes, getting harder as you go. Candidates report needing roughly 60 to 70% correct.
- Optiver Number Logic: 26 sequences on one 25-minute clock, five options each, +1 / −1 / 0 for a skip.
- Flow Traders: a sequences section of about 25 minutes after the arithmetic sprint; a wrong answer costs a point.
- Maven Securities: about 30 number and letter sequences in 6 minutes as part of the numerical test.
- Akuna Capital: the Junior Trader math block mixes number and letter sequence puzzles with mental maths and bet sizing.
For the eight pattern types with a fully worked example and a checklist to run on every sequence, read our guide to number sequence tests.
Frequently asked questions
How do I practise for a number sequence test?
Learn the eight common pattern types, then drill them against a clock. Check in a fixed order: differences, then ratios, then two sequences braided together, then square, prime and Fibonacci gaps. Use endless mode until the order is automatic, then timed mode.
Which firms use number sequence tests?
IMC (the 24 in 18), Optiver (Number Logic), Flow Traders and Maven Securities report sequence sections in their online assessments, and Akuna Capital candidates report sequence puzzles in the Junior Trader math block.
Is this number sequence practice free?
Yes. Every level and both modes are free and need no account. Questions are generated fresh, so you will not run out.
Can a question have two right answers?
Not here. Before a question is shown, its visible terms are tested against the other common patterns, and any question that a second pattern also explains with a different next term is discarded.