Spatial reasoning Test

This spatial reasoning test evaluates your ability to analyze 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional objects and space.

Available in

  • English

6 Skills measured

  • Mental Rotation
  • Spatial Working Memory
  • Mental Folding
  • Spatial Visualization
  • Pattern Recognition & Completion
  • Embedded Figures (Hidden Shapes)

Test Type

Cognitive Ability

Duration

20 mins

Level

Intermediate

Questions

25

Use of Spatial reasoning Test

The spatial reasoning test measures a candidate's understanding, reasoning, and remembering of the spatial relationships among objects or space. These skills are useful in STEM careers and show a candidate’s ability to think about objects and space.

There are four types of spatial reasoning abilities. Spatial visualization is the complex and multi-step manipulation of information presented in spatial form. Mental rotation is the ability to imagine different ways two- or three-dimensional objects might be rotated in space. Spatial working memory allows you to temporarily store visual-spatial memories under attentional control so you can complete a task.

Skills measured

Mental rotation is the ability to accurately imagine how a 3D object would look if rotated in space. This skill is crucial for fields requiring spatial manipulation, such as engineering, architecture, and various forms of art and design. It enables individuals to understand and predict spatial relationships without the need for physical manipulation, facilitating problem-solving and creativity. Including mental rotation in assessments helps identify those with strong spatial capabilities, crucial for success in STEM fields, and supports the development of interventions to enhance spatial reasoning skills.

Spatial working memory allows individuals to temporarily hold and manipulate spatial information. This skill is fundamental for everyday tasks such as navigation, understanding geometric relationships, and planning movements. It plays a vital role in academic success, especially in mathematics and science, where understanding spatial relationships is key. Assessing spatial working memory helps in identifying individuals who might benefit from targeted support, enhancing their cognitive abilities and academic performance, and is essential for tasks requiring multitasking and complex planning.

Mental folding involves the ability to predict how a flat surface can be folded into a three-dimensional object. It is pivotal in fields like origami, architecture, and packaging design, where visualizing the end product from a flat blueprint is essential. This skill aids in understanding and solving complex spatial problems, enhancing one's ability to conceptualize and execute tasks that require an understanding of how objects interact in three dimensions. Including mental folding in assessments can reveal innate spatial abilities and potential for success in professions requiring advanced spatial manipulation.

Spatial visualization is the capacity to mentally manipulate, rotate, twist, or invert pictorially presented stimuli. This skill is critical for interpreting and appreciating the spatial aspects of real-world objects and scenarios, such as reading maps, understanding diagrams, and assembling furniture. It supports academic and professional tasks requiring the visualization of complex structures from simple representations. Assessing spatial visualization abilities can highlight strengths and weaknesses in spatial reasoning, guiding educational and vocational direction, and is instrumental for success in STEM fields, technical drawing, and visual arts.

Pattern Recognition & Completion is the ability to detect recurring arrangements, sequences, or logical progressions in visual or structural data. In spatial reasoning, it helps individuals anticipate what comes next in a sequence or identify missing elements within a design. This skill is critical for solving problems in engineering, architecture, and quality control, where recognizing systematic structures ensures accuracy and efficiency. Strong pattern recognition supports predictive thinking, enhances problem-solving under time constraints, and forms the foundation for data interpretation in technical and analytical fields.

Embedded Figures (Hidden Shapes) refers to the capacity to identify simple shapes or structures hidden within complex or overlapping designs. This skill tests attention to detail, visual discrimination, and the ability to filter relevant from irrelevant visual information. It is especially important in disciplines like design, architecture, and interface analysis, where accuracy depends on spotting hidden relationships and overlaps. Mastery of this skill reduces oversight errors, improves analytical clarity, and strengthens one’s ability to simplify complex visuals into their fundamental components for accurate interpretation and problem-solving.

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Subject Matter Expert Test

The Spatial reasoning Subject Matter Expert

Testlify’s skill tests are designed by experienced SMEs (subject matter experts). We evaluate these experts based on specific metrics such as expertise, capability, and their market reputation. Prior to being published, each skill test is peer-reviewed by other experts and then calibrated based on insights derived from a significant number of test-takers who are well-versed in that skill area. Our inherent feedback systems and built-in algorithms enable our SMEs to refine our tests continually.

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Related tests

Top five hard skills interview questions for Spatial reasoning

Here are the top five hard-skill interview questions tailored specifically for Spatial reasoning. These questions are designed to assess candidates’ expertise and suitability for the role, along with skill assessments.

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Why this matters?

Tests real-world application of spatial reasoning, especially in design, engineering, or problem-solving contexts.

What to listen for?

Clear ability to mentally model the solution, anticipate challenges, and communicate visual thinking logically

Why this matters?

Evaluates systematic thinking and the ability to break down unfamiliar spatial information.

What to listen for?

Structured approach (e.g., scanning patterns, identifying key features, cross-checking details) rather than random trial-and-error.

Why this matters?

Pattern recognition is a core part of spatial reasoning and directly links to efficiency and accuracy.

What to listen for?

Examples where the candidate identified trends, avoided errors, or optimized processes through pattern-based insights.

Why this matters?

Many roles depend on transforming abstract or flat information into practical, real-world spatial models.

What to listen for?

Mention of visualization techniques, use of tools, or mental strategies to maintain precision and reduce mistakes.

Why this matters?

Mental rotation is a key indicator of strong spatial reasoning ability, useful in technical and operational roles.

What to listen for?

Step-by-step explanation, use of logical visualization, and confidence in manipulating spatial elements without relying on trial only.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for Spatial reasoning Test

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A Spatial Reasoning Assessment is a test designed to evaluate an individual's ability to think about objects in three dimensions and draw conclusions about those objects from limited information. It measures skills such as mental rotation, spatial visualization, spatial working memory, and mental folding. These assessments are used to identify individuals with strong spatial abilities, which are crucial in fields like architecture, engineering, design, and many STEM-related professions.

The Spatial Reasoning Assessment can be integrated into the hiring process to identify candidates with strong spatial reasoning capabilities. It's particularly useful for roles that require the ability to visualize and manipulate objects in space. Employers can use the assessment results to complement interviews and other evaluation methods, ensuring candidates possess the necessary spatial skills for the position. It helps in making more informed hiring decisions by objectively assessing a candidate's spatial abilities.

This test is highly relevant for roles in engineering, architecture, data analysis, design, manufacturing, logistics, and technical problem-solving. It is also valuable in technology-driven positions such as robotics, game design, and UX/UI development, where visual accuracy and structural reasoning are critical.

The Spatial Reasoning test typically covers skills such as Mental Rotation, Spatial Working Memory, Mental Folding, Spatial Visualization, Pattern Recognition & Completion, and Embedded Figures (Hidden Shapes). Together, these skills measure a candidate’s ability to interpret and manipulate visual-spatial data in real-world scenarios.

A Spatial Reasoning Assessment is important because it helps identify individuals with high spatial intelligence, which is crucial for success in many professions. Spatial reasoning skills are fundamental in solving complex problems, innovating, and understanding spatial relationships, which are essential in fields such as architecture, engineering, and design. By assessing these skills during the hiring process, organizations can ensure they select candidates best suited to roles requiring advanced spatial abilities, ultimately contributing to more effective and innovative problem-solving within the team.

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