SATs Reasoning Papers — Think, Solve, Succeed
1,600+ curriculum-aligned reasoning questions across Paper 2 and Paper 3. Word problems, geometry, algebra, statistics and more — with step-by-step explanations for every answer.
1,600+
Questions
2
Papers
40 Min
Each
Two Reasoning Papers, Two Chances to Shine
Both papers test the same skills but with different questions. Children sit them on separate days during SATs week.
Paper 2
35 questions · 40 minutes
Mixed question types including multi-step word problems, geometry, and data interpretation. Questions are worth 1 to 3 marks — showing working can earn partial credit on higher-mark questions.
Paper 3
35 questions · 40 minutes
Same format as Paper 2 with entirely different questions. Covers the full range of reasoning topics including algebra, ratio, measurement and statistics. Taken on a separate day.
Reasoning Topics Covered
Every topic that appears on the real SATs reasoning papers, practised through hundreds of questions.
Word Problems
Money, time, measures and everyday contexts
Geometry
Angles, shapes, symmetry, coordinates
Statistics
Tables, charts, graphs, mean
Algebra
Missing number problems, sequences, formulae
Ratio & Proportion
Scaling, comparing quantities, recipes
Fractions, Decimals & Percentages
Applied in real-world contexts
Measurement
Converting units, perimeter, area, volume
Try Sample Reasoning Questions
Have a go — type your answer and press Check. No sign-up needed.
A book costs £4.75 and a pen costs £1.25. How much do they cost altogether?
Emma has 48 stickers. She shares them equally among 6 friends. How many stickers does each friend get?
A film starts at 2:45 pm and lasts 1 hour 30 minutes. What time does it finish?
Reasoning vs Arithmetic — What's the Difference?
Arithmetic Paper
Pure calculation — no words, no context. Children are given number sentences to solve: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals and percentages. Speed and accuracy matter most.
Practise arithmetic →Reasoning Papers
Applying maths to real-world problems. Children must read carefully, decide which operation to use, and often work through multiple steps. It tests mathematical thinking and reading comprehension together.
You are hereBoth papers are equally important — together they make up the full KS2 maths SATs score. The best preparation covers both arithmetic drills and reasoning practice.
See all maths practice →Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Paper 2 and Paper 3?+
They are separate papers taken on different days during SATs week. Both contain 35 questions and last 40 minutes. The format is identical — only the questions differ. Children must sit both papers.
How long are the reasoning papers?+
40 minutes each for 35 questions. That works out to just over a minute per question, though some multi-mark questions will take longer. Time management is a key skill to practise.
What types of questions appear?+
Word problems, multi-step problems, geometry (angles, shapes, symmetry, coordinates), statistics (tables, charts, graphs), algebra (sequences, missing numbers), ratio and proportion, and measurement conversions.
How should I prepare for reasoning?+
Practice reading questions carefully and identifying what operation is needed. Many children lose marks not because they cannot do the maths, but because they misread the question. Work through plenty of word problems and always show your working.
Ready to tackle reasoning with confidence?
1,600+ reasoning questions with worked solutions. Start with a free trial — no card required.