HSPT Quantitative Skills: 52 questions in 30 minutes
Quantitative Skills is the second HSPT section: 52 questions in 30 minutes, about 35 seconds each, with no calculator. It tests reasoning with numbers in four kinds of questions: number series, number manipulation, geometric comparison and non-geometric comparison.
Updated October 23, 2026 · by AdmitTest
STS describes the section as number series, number manipulations, and geometric and non-geometric quantitative comparisons (HSPT manual; 30 minutes per diocese pages). Counts are from the manual's one sample form. Every sample below is a practice question written by us.
| Kind of question | On the sample form |
|---|---|
| Number series | 15 |
| Number manipulation | 15 |
| Non-geometric comparison | 12 |
| Geometric comparison | 10 |
Number series
Write the step between each pair of numbers under the series. If the steps are equal, add one more. If not, check whether the steps form their own pattern (+2, +4, +6), whether the numbers multiply, or whether two series take turns (every other number).
Sample · Number series · written by AdmitTest
What number should come next in the series? 142, 122, 102, 82, 62, ...
- 22
- 40
- 41
- 42
Answer: D. Each number goes down by 20, so 62 − 20 = 42.
Number manipulation
A sentence that is really a small calculation. Work from the end of the sentence backward in plain steps, write each one down, and answer exactly what is asked (a number, not "half of" it).
Sample · Number manipulation · written by AdmitTest
What number is 6 more than 3/10 of 60?
- 12
- 18
- 24
- 66
Answer: C. 3/10 of 60 is 60 ÷ 10 × 3 = 18. 6 more than 18 is 18 + 6 = 24.
Geometric comparison
Figures with shaded parts or marked lengths, and quantities to compare. Turn each one into a number or a fraction first (two of four squares shaded = 1/2), then compare. Check each answer choice against every quantity.
Sample · Geometric comparison · written by AdmitTest
Examine (a), (b), and (c) and find the best answer.
- (a) is more shaded than (b)
- (a) and (b) are equally shaded, and (c) is more shaded
- (a) is less shaded than (b)
- (a) is more shaded than both (b) and (c)
Answer: B. Each figure has 4 equal parts: (a) has 1 of 4 parts shaded, (b) 1 of 4, and (c) 3 of 4. So (a) and (b) are equally shaded, and (c) is more shaded.
Non-geometric comparison
Expressions to compare, such as a percent, a fraction and a product. Work out each to a plain number, write them side by side, then read the choices. Most mistakes come from comparing before every value is worked out.
Sample · Non-geometric comparison · written by AdmitTest
Examine (a), (b), and (c) and find the best answer. (a) 6 + 6 × 9 (b) (6 + 6) × 9 (c) 6 × 9 + 6
- (c) is greater than (a)
- (c) is greater than both (a) and (b)
- (a) is equal to (b)
- (a) and (c) are equal and less than (b)
Answer: D. (a) 6 + 6 × 9 = 60; (b) (6 + 6) × 9 = 108; (c) 6 × 9 + 6 = 60. So the true statement is “(a) and (c) are equal and less than (b).” Remember to work inside parentheses first, then multiply or divide before you add or subtract.
Pacing: about 35 seconds a question
More time per question than Verbal Skills, but these questions reward a method, not speed of reading. If a series shows no rule after two passes, mark a best guess and move on: there is no penalty for a wrong answer, and a stuck question costs the easier ones after it. Scratch paper or the test booklet can be used.
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What is on HSPT Quantitative Skills?
Number series (what comes next), number manipulation (short puzzles such as 'what number is 5 more than half of 18?'), geometric comparisons (compare quantities shown in figures) and non-geometric comparisons (compare quantities such as 30% of 50 and 1/4 of 60). On the sample form in STS's manual: 15, 15, 10 and 12 questions.
Is Quantitative Skills the same as the HSPT math section?
No. Mathematics is a separate section (64 questions in 45 minutes) on school math. Quantitative Skills is about reasoning with numbers and patterns, and STS counts it with Verbal Skills as a cognitive skill.
Can you use a calculator on HSPT Quantitative Skills?
No. STS's manual says calculators are not permitted on the Quantitative and Mathematics subtests under standard conditions.