Wonderlic Sample Questions: Question Types and How to Solve Them
Updated October 27, 2026
The classic Wonderlic cognitive test has 50 questions and a 12-minute limit, about 14 seconds a question. Verbal, math and logic questions are mixed together. Knowing the common question types, and the quickest way to solve each, is the best way to raise your score. Here are the main types, with sample questions below.
The main question types
| Type | What it looks like | Fast approach |
|---|---|---|
| Number series | 3, 6, 12, 24, ? | Check the difference first, then the ratio |
| Word problems | Prices, rates, ages, work | Write the one equation the question needs |
| Percentages and fractions | Discounts, shares, ratios | Turn percents into decimals |
| Analogies and word meaning | Similar or opposite words | Say the relationship in a sentence |
| Logic | “If all A are B…” | Draw a quick picture or test an example |
| Comparisons and sorting | Which comes first, which is largest | Sort quickly in your head |
Time tips
- Don’t get stuck. If a question will take too long, make your best guess and move on.
- The questions get harder toward the end, so bank points early.
- Practise mental math, since there’s no time to work everything out on paper.
Free Wonderlic sample questions
Try to answer each in about 15 seconds.
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What number comes next in the series: 3, 6, 12, 24, ...?Answer: CEach number doubles: 24 × 2 = 48.
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A shirt costs $40 and is on sale for 25% off. What is the sale price?Answer: D25% of $40 is $10, so the sale price is $40 − $10 = $30.
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HAPPY is to SAD as GENEROUS is to:Answer: BHappy and sad are opposites, so the answer is the opposite of generous: selfish.
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If all managers are employees, and Dana is a manager, then Dana is:Answer: AEvery manager is an employee, and Dana is a manager, so Dana must be an employee.
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A car travels 120 miles in 2 hours. At the same speed, how far does it travel in 5 hours?Answer: CThe speed is 120 ÷ 2 = 60 miles per hour, so in 5 hours it travels 60 × 5 = 300 miles.
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Which word does NOT belong with the others?Answer: BApple, banana and grape are fruits. A carrot is a vegetable.
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What number comes next: 2, 5, 11, 23, ...?Answer: DEach number is doubled and then 1 is added: 2 × 2 + 1 = 5, 5 × 2 + 1 = 11, 11 × 2 + 1 = 23, and 23 × 2 + 1 = 47.
Score higher on your Wonderlic and get the job
- All 193 questions across verbal, math and logic
- A short explanation for every answer, with the fastest way to solve it
- Unlimited full 50-question practice exams with the question types mixed, as on the real test