Counting Figure Reasoning Question Types, Concepts and Trick

Count Figure Reasoning is a common and scoring topic in competitive exams like SSC, Banking, and RRB. It involves analyzing visual figures and counting specific elements or shapes based on given conditions. In this blog, we will cover what count figure reasoning is, why it is important in exams, short notes and formulas, question types, useful tricks, and tips for bank exams.

What Is Count Figure in Reasoning?

Count Figure reasoning requires you to carefully observe diagrams or figures and count the number of certain shapes, lines, or patterns within them. These questions test your visual accuracy and logical thinking.

This topic frequently appears because it evaluates a candidate’s ability to decode visual information quickly and correctly.

Key skills required include:

  • Keen observation
  • Attention to detail
  • Logical visualization
  • Pattern recognition

Why Is Count Figure Important in Competitive Exams?

Count Figure questions are usually straightforward yet time-saving scoring questions if you know the tricks. They appear across various exams with a predictable difficulty level and question count.

ExamNo. of QuestionsDifficulty
SSC CGL / CHSL1–2Easy
IBPS PO / SBI PO1–2Moderate
RRB NTPC / Group D1Easy
State PSC / Police1–2Moderate

These questions can quickly boost your score and reduce stress during the exam if practiced well.

Count Figure Reasoning Short Notes

Understanding key terms and notation simplifies count figure reasoning.

TermExplanation
Overlapping FiguresFigures that share common regions
IntersectionArea common to two or more figures
UnionAll areas covered by the given figures combined
Nested FiguresFigures placed inside each other
Shaded RegionHighlighted or marked part of the figure
Counting ErrorsMissing or double counting overlapping parts

Logical patterns often involve counting circles, triangles, squares, or lines in combined shapes or Venn diagram-type problems.

Count Figure Reasoning Concepts

Below are core concepts to remember for quick revision:

ConceptExplanation
Overlapping RegionsCount common and exclusive parts separately
Use Venn Diagram LogicVisualize intersections and unions
Avoid Double CountingCarefully exclude repeated counts
Count One Shape at a TimeBreak complex figures into simple shapes
Practice VisualizationMentally imagine cutting shapes apart
Check All ConditionsAlways verify question-specific instructions

What Are the Types of Count Figure Questions in Reasoning?

Count Figure questions can be broadly classified as:

  • Direct: Count the number of specific shapes in a figure.
  • Puzzle-based: Involve multi-step counting using clues.
  • Coded (symbol-based): Shapes represent codes or symbols to decode first.
  • Mixed-concept reasoning: Combine count figure logic with other reasoning topics like blood relations or directions.

Count Figure Formulas for Reasoning

While there are no numerical formulas like math, the following logical templates work as “formulas”:

  • Total Count = Sum of individual shapes – Intersection count
  • Visual decomposition: Break complex figures into simpler identifiable shapes
  • Use elimination: Remove counted regions from total carefully

Count Figure Tricks for SSC CGL and Other Exams

To solve count figure questions faster and more accurately:

  1. Use family tree or Venn diagram charts to visualize overlaps.
  2. Start counting from simpler or non-overlapping parts.
  3. Reverse map complex shapes back to simple ones.
  4. Mark counted parts to avoid double counting.
  5. Use pencil to shade or circle counted regions if on paper.
  6. Look for symmetry to reduce counting time.
  7. Carefully read instructions—some count only shaded or unshaded parts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving Count Figure

While solving Count Figure reasoning questions candidates must keep in mind:

  1. Double counting overlapping regions: Always subtract intersections.
  2. Ignoring instructions: Some questions count only shaded or specific parts.
  3. Rushing through figures: Leads to missed shapes or miscounts.
  4. Not breaking down complex figures: Decompose into smaller units first.
  5. Not practicing enough: Familiarity with common figure types improves accuracy.

FAQs

Q1: How to solve Count Figure questions fast?

A: Use Venn diagram logic, start with non-overlapping parts, and avoid double counting by marking counted areas.

Q2: Are Count Figure questions asked in SBI PO Mains?

A: Yes, but usually 1–2 questions with moderate difficulty appear in the reasoning section.

Q3: Can I skip Count Figure in SSC CGL reasoning?

A: It’s not advisable as these questions are easy and scoring, especially when you are short on time.

Q4: What are symbol-based Count Figure questions?

A: These involve shapes representing codes or numbers, requiring decoding before counting specific elements.


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