How to Practice Math Skills

When preparing for a case interview in consulting, you will quickly realize that math is an essential component. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a math genius – it’s enough to handle numbers in a structured and confident manner.
 

Important Calculations and Computations in Case Interviews

Let's take a look at the types of calculations required and how you can best prepare for them. Typically, math in case interviews is usually tested in the following ways:
 

1. Basic Arithmetic Operations

The foundation of any mathematical task is basic arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Quick and error-free calculation, either mentally or on paper, is crucial.

2. Percentages and Fractions

Percentage calculations and working with fractions are often part of case interviews. You should be confident in calculating percentages and converting fractions to decimals and vice versa. This is especially relevant for tasks such as capacity change or profitability analysis.

3. Estimation Questions

Estimation questions test your sense of magnitude and your ability to quickly provide plausible numbers. Practice making rough estimates for various scenarios, such as the size of a market or the number of customers in a store.

4. Charts, Data, and Tables

In many interviews, you will be presented with data in the form of charts and tables. Your task is to quickly analyze this data and draw the correct conclusions. Practice recognizing data patterns and filtering out relevant information. Here, you can practice with Numerical Reasoning Drills!

5. Word Problems

Word problems test your ability to understand and solve mathematical problems from a written scenario. It’s important to handle these types of tasks confidently and quickly. In our Brainteaser Library, you will find many word problems that require mathematical skills. Solve them now!

Tips to Handle Math in Case Interviews

Involve your interviewer: During your calculations, engage with your interviewer. Ask for any missing data, read their reactions, and communicate your thought process as you calculate. This interaction demonstrates your analytical skills and can clarify uncertainties.

Keep your work sorted and simple: Maintain a clear and organized approach to your calculations. This not only helps you avoid errors but also makes it easier for your interviewer to follow your reasoning.

Follow a four-step process: To tackle math questions effectively, follow this structured approach:

1. Explain your approach.
2. Perform the calculations.
3. Check your results clearly.
4. State and interpret your findings.

Practice with realistic cases: The best way to prepare for mathematical challenges in case interviews is through practice. Utilize our Case Library, featuring over 200 different cases on various topics like restructuring, market entry, or new product launches. Practice these cases with other candidates by scheduling peer-to-peer meetings through our Meeting Board. Ensure you cover different types of mathematical problems to gain a broad perspective.

Get feedback: Finally, seek feedback. Work with case partners or a coach experienced in case interviews. Their insights can help you identify and improve upon your weaknesses.
 

Pro Tip: Practice All Basic Arithmetic Operations With Our Mental Math Tool! 

Are you planning to enter consulting and need to prepare for your upcoming case interview? Then you surely know that companies like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG have high standards. To excel in these interviews, solid math skills in all basic arithmetic operations (e.g. addition, multiplication, percentage) are essential. Quick and accurate mental math is often required.

With our interactive Mental Math Tool, you can easily practice exactly that! Take your mental math skills to the next level and prepare optimally for case interviews. You can choose from 24 different tests, practice all arithmetic operations, select from various difficulty levels, monitor your own progress and compare your performance with other candidates in a ranking.

Try out the Mental Math Tool now and get ready for your case interview! 💙💚

Conclusion

By engaging in structured preparation and focused practice, you can greatly enhance your math skills for case interviews. Be sure to review fundamental arithmetic, percentages, fractions, and the interpretation of charts and tables. Additionally, complement your study with case training and seek regular feedback. 

And always remember, practice makes perfect—the more you prepare, the more confident you will be during the interview. Good luck!