Figure Analogy Reasoning – Master Reasoning for Competitive Exams
Boost your understanding of figure analogy reasoning with proven strategies designed for competitive exams like SSC, UPSC, and Banking.
📚 Topic-Wise Practice Worksheets
Master Figure Analogy with our structured practice materials
Each worksheet includes detailed solutions and explanations
Rotation 90° Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
90° Rotation Figure Analogy problems involve figures that are rotated by a quarter turn (90 degrees) either clockwise or anticlockwise. You must identify the rotation direction and apply the same transformation to a new figure. These problems test your ability to visualize spatial rotations and understand how shapes change orientation.
Size Scaling Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Size Scaling Figure Analogy problems involve figures that are enlarged or reduced by a specific scale factor. You must identify the scaling factor and apply it to a new figure. These problems test your understanding of proportional size changes and your ability to identify scale factors from visual comparison.
Element Addition Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Element Addition Figure Analogy problems involve adding a specific number of elements (dots, lines, shapes) to a figure. You must identify how many elements are added and apply the same addition to a new figure. These problems test your quantitative reasoning and pattern recognition in visual contexts.
Mirror Reflection Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Mirror Reflection Figure Analogy problems involve figures that are reflected across a vertical or horizontal axis. You must identify the reflection axis and apply the same mirror transformation to a new figure. These problems test your understanding of symmetry and your ability to visualize mirror images.
Shape Transformation Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Shape Transformation Figure Analogy problems involve figures where the inner shape transforms to match the outer shape's type. For example, a square inside a circle becomes a circle inside a circle. You must identify the transformation rule and apply it to a new figure. These problems test pattern recognition and shape matching skills.
Rotation 180° Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
180° Rotation Figure Analogy problems involve figures rotated by a half turn (180 degrees). This transformation turns the figure upside down, with top becoming bottom and left becoming right. These problems test your ability to visualize point reflection and understand rotational symmetry.
Element Count Progression Free
10 worksheets available
Element Count Progression problems involve figures where the number of elements (dots, lines, shapes) increases by a fixed amount. You must identify the increment and apply it to a new figure. These problems test quantitative reasoning and pattern extension skills in visual contexts.
Combined Rotation Scaling Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Combined Rotation-Scaling Figure Analogy problems involve two or more transformations applied in sequence. Common combinations include rotation followed by scaling, or scaling followed by rotation. You must identify both transformations and apply them to a new figure. These problems test advanced spatial reasoning and multi-step transformation skills.
Pattern Inversion Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Pattern Inversion Figure Analogy problems involve figures where shading or fill patterns are inverted (light becomes dark, dark becomes light). You must identify the inversion rule and apply it to a new figure. These problems test your understanding of negative images and contrast reversal.
Positional Shift Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Positional Shift Figure Analogy problems involve figures where elements swap positions or move to new locations within the figure. You must identify the movement rule and apply it to a new figure. These problems test your understanding of spatial relationships and element rearrangement.
Geometric Operation Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Geometric Operation Figure Analogy problems involve figures that combine shapes using set operations like union (combination) or intersection (overlap). You must identify the operation and apply it to new shapes. These problems test your understanding of geometric set logic and shape combination rules.
Multi Step Transformation Free
10 worksheets available
Multi-Step Transformation Figure Analogy problems involve three or more transformations applied in sequence (e.g., rotate, then scale, then invert colors). You must identify all transformations and apply them to a new figure. These problems test advanced multi-step reasoning and transformation chaining skills.
Conditional Transformation Free
10 worksheets available
Conditional Transformation Figure Analogy problems involve transformations that depend on properties of the figure (e.g., number of sides, presence of dots, orientation). The transformation is applied only if certain conditions are met. These problems test logical rule application and property-based reasoning.
Abstract Relationship Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Abstract Relationship Figure Analogy problems involve complex, progressive relationships between outer and inner shapes based on properties like number of sides. For example, the outer shape's side count determines the inner shape, and the inner shape's side count determines the next outer shape. These problems test advanced pattern recognition and multi-level reasoning.
📖 Mixed Practice Worksheets
Comprehensive worksheets combining all problem types for Figure Analogy
Perfect for exam simulation and revision
Each worksheet contains 20 mixed questions covering all problem types of Figure Analogy, with detailed solutions and answer keys.
Figure Analogy
Figure Analogy is a crucial component of non-verbal reasoning that tests your ability to identify relationships between pairs of figures and apply the same logical relationship to find a missing figure. It evaluates your visual reasoning, pattern recognition, and logical deduction skills.
In competitive exams, Figure Analogy questions typically present two figures with a specific relationship, followed by a third figure and four options. You must identify the relationship between the first two figures and select the option that bears the same relationship to the third figure.
Exam Importance
Figure Analogy appears frequently in these Indian competitive exams:
- SSC: CGL, CHSL, CPO, Stenographer
- Banking: IBPS PO/Clerk, SBI PO, RBI Grade B
- UPSC: CSAT (Prelims)
- Railways: RRB NTPC, Group D
- State Exams: UPPSC, MPPSC, BPSC, WBCS
- Others: CAT, MAT, CMAT, Defence Exams
Scoring Potential
Mastering Figure Analogy can help you secure 2-5 marks in most exams with 100% accuracy if practiced properly. These questions typically take 30-60 seconds to solve once you recognize the pattern.
Types of Figure Analogy
In these analogies, the relationship involves rotation (clockwise or anti-clockwise) of the figure by a specific angle (45°, 90°, 180° etc.). The second figure is a rotated version of the first figure.
Solved Example 1:
Problem: Figure A is to Figure B as Figure C is to ?
Figure A: ◢ | Figure B: ◣ | Figure C: ◥
Options: 1) ◤ 2) ◢ 3) ◣ 4) ◥
Solution:
- 1. Observe Figure A (◢) and Figure B (◣)
- 2. The triangle is rotated 90° clockwise
- 3. Apply same rotation to Figure C (◥)
- 4. 90° clockwise rotation of ◥ gives ◤
- 5. Correct answer is Option 1) ◤
Solved Example 2:
Problem: If is to , then is to ?
First pair shows arrow rotating 135° clockwise
Options show four different arrow positions
Solution:
- 1. First arrow points North-East (↗)
- 2. Second arrow points South (↓) after 135° clockwise rotation
- 3. Given arrow points West (←)
- 4. 135° clockwise rotation of West gives South-East (↘)
- 5. Correct answer is Option showing ↘
First pair shows pentagon rotating 72° clockwise
Options show four rotated pentagon positions
Solution:
- Original pentagon has one vertex pointing upwards
- Second pentagon is rotated 72° clockwise (360°/5 sides)
- Given pentagon has vertex at top-right position
- 72° clockwise rotation moves vertex to bottom-right position
- Correct answer is Option showing this rotation
These analogies involve mirror images - either horizontal or vertical reflection of the original figure. The second figure is the mirror image of the first figure across a specified axis.
Solved Example 1:
Problem: Figure A is to Figure B as Figure C is to ?
Figure A: p | Figure B: q | Figure C: b
Options: 1) p 2) d 3) q 4) b
Solution:
- 1. Figure B (q) is vertical mirror image of Figure A (p)
- 2. We need vertical mirror image of Figure C (b)
- 3. Vertical mirror image of 'b' is 'd'
- 4. Correct answer is Option 2) d
First pair shows horizontal mirror image relationship
Options show four possible mirror images
Solution:
- First figure shows a right-pointing arrow with a dot on top
- Second figure is its perfect horizontal mirror image
- Given figure shows a house shape with door on left side
- Its horizontal mirror image will have door on right side
- Correct answer is Option showing this mirror image
In these analogies, the relationship involves an increase or decrease in the number of elements (lines, shapes, dots etc.) in the figure. The change follows a specific numerical pattern.
Solved Example 1:
Problem: Figure A is to Figure B as Figure C is to ?
Figure A: △ | Figure B: △△△ | Figure C: □
Options: 1) □□ 2) □□□ 3) □□□□ 4) □
Solution:
- 1. Figure A has 1 triangle, Figure B has 3 triangles
- 2. The relationship is "number of elements × 3"
- 3. Figure C has 1 square
- 4. Applying same relationship: 1 × 3 = 3 squares
- 5. Correct answer is Option 2) □□□
First figure has 4 lines, second has 6 lines
Given figure has 5 circles, options show 7, 8, 9 or 10 circles
Solution:
- First figure has 4 lines, second has 6 lines (+2)
- Given figure has 5 circles
- Applying same relationship: 5 + 2 = 7 circles
- Correct answer is Option showing 7 circles
These analogies involve figures changing in size - either increasing or decreasing proportionally. The shape remains the same but the dimensions change by a specific ratio.
Solved Example 1:
Problem: Figure A is to Figure B as Figure C is to ?
Figure A: Small circle | Figure B: Large circle | Figure C: Small square
Options: 1) Medium square 2) Large square 3) Small rectangle 4) Large circle
Solution:
- 1. Figure B is an enlarged version of Figure A (same shape, larger size)
- 2. We need similarly enlarged version of Figure C (small square)
- 3. Correct answer is Option 2) Large square
First figure is small triangle, second is half-sized triangle
Given figure is medium hexagon, options show various sized hexagons
Solution:
- First figure is reduced to half size in second figure
- Given figure is medium hexagon
- Applying same relationship: half-sized hexagon
- Correct answer is Option showing smallest hexagon
These are advanced analogies where multiple changes occur simultaneously - combination of rotation, mirror image, size change, element addition/removal etc. These are frequently asked in higher level exams like CAT, UPSC CSAT.
Solved Example 1:
Problem: Figure A is to Figure B as Figure C is to ?
Figure A: ▲ with dot at top | Figure B: ▼ with dot at right
Figure C: ▶ with dot at bottom | Options show four variations
Solution:
- 1. Figure A to B involves two changes:
- a) 180° rotation (▲ becomes ▼)
- b) Dot position moves 90° clockwise (top → right)
- 2. Apply same to Figure C (▶ with bottom dot):
- a) 180° rotation makes ◀
- b) Dot moves 90° clockwise (bottom → left)
- 3. Correct answer is Option showing ◀ with left dot
First pair shows square becoming circle with arrow rotating 45° and doubling in number
Given figure shows triangle with single line, options show various transformations
Solution:
- First figure (square) changes shape to circle
- Arrow inside rotates 45° clockwise
- Number of arrows doubles (1→2)
- Given figure has triangle with one line
- Applying same transformations:
- a) Shape changes to quadrilateral
- b) Line rotates 45° clockwise
- c) Number of lines doubles (1→2)
- Correct answer is Option showing quadrilateral with two lines at 45°
Step-by-Step Solving Techniques
Systematic Observation
Develop a methodical approach to observe all aspects of the figures before identifying the relationship.
- First examine the overall shape (triangle, square, circle etc.)
- Note the number of elements (lines, dots, shapes)
- Check orientation/rotation angles
- Look for mirror image relationships
- Identify size changes if any
- Check for addition/removal of elements
Rotation Analysis
When dealing with rotational changes, follow these steps to accurately determine the angle and direction of rotation.
- Identify a reference point (like a corner or marked side)
- Determine if rotation is clockwise or anti-clockwise
- Calculate exact rotation angle (common: 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°)
- For complex figures, track multiple elements' movement
- Verify by mentally rotating the original figure
Mirror Image Verification
To confirm mirror image relationships, use these verification methods.
- Determine if reflection is horizontal or vertical
- For letters/numbers: recall their mirror forms (b→d, p→q etc.)
- For complex figures: identify left-right or top-bottom swaps
- Use mental visualization or imaginary mirror line
- Check if all elements maintain their relative positions
Element Counting Method
When figures change in number of elements, use systematic counting and pattern recognition.
- Count all distinct elements in first figure (lines, shapes, dots)
- Count same in second figure
- Determine numerical relationship (+2, ×2, -1 etc.)
- Check if relationship applies consistently
- Verify by applying to given figure
Size Transformation
For size-based changes, accurately determine the scaling factor and apply it consistently.
- Compare dimensions (height/width) of both figures
- Determine scaling factor (2×, 1/2×, 1.5× etc.)
- Check if all elements scale proportionally
- Verify internal elements also follow same scaling
- Apply same scaling to given figure
Complex Pattern Breakdown
For multi-layered changes, break down the problem into simpler, manageable parts.
- List all observable changes between figures
- Categorize them (rotation, size, elements etc.)
- Determine sequence of changes if dependent
- Apply each change systematically to given figure
- Verify final transformed figure matches one option
Tips & Tricks for Figure Analogy
💡 Speed & Time Management Hacks:
- Scan for obvious patterns first - Rotation and mirror images are quicker to identify than complex changes
- Use elimination method - Rule out options that clearly don't fit before deep analysis
- Set time limits - Spend max 45 seconds per question in exams; mark difficult ones for review
- Practice mental rotation - Improves speed in identifying rotational relationships
- Develop shortcuts - For common patterns like 90° rotation or vertical flip
⚠️ Avoid These Common Traps:
- Partial analysis - Missing secondary changes in complex analogies (e.g., noticing rotation but not size change)
- Assumption errors - Assuming all problems use same type of relationship as previous questions
- Overcomplicating - Most exam questions test 1-2 basic relationships; don't look for non-existent complexity
- Direction confusion - Mixing up clockwise vs anti-clockwise rotation or horizontal vs vertical flip
- Size illusion - Mistaking zoomed-in portions for actual size changes
✅ Strategies for Success:
- Master basic transformations - Be fluent in recognizing 90°, 180° rotations and mirror images
- Develop observation checklist - Shape, size, number, orientation, position - examine systematically
- Practice with time pressure - Simulate exam conditions during preparation
- Analyze mistakes thoroughly - Understand why wrong options seemed plausible
- Build visual library - Remember how common shapes transform under different operations
🛑 Crucial Reminders:
- Relationships are consistent - Same transformation applies between both figure pairs
- Order matters - Figure A → Figure B establishes direction of relationship
- All elements transform - Don't ignore small dots/lines as insignificant
- Exam patterns differ - SSC questions often test single transformations while CAT combines multiple
- Perfect practice matters - Quality of practice (with verification) beats quantity
📚 Frequently Asked Questions About Figure Analogy
Figure Analogy involves identifying relationships between pairs of figures and applying the same relationship to find a missing figure. It's crucial for exams as it tests visual reasoning, pattern recognition, and logical deduction skills - all essential for aptitude tests.
In Indian competitive exams, Figure Analogy questions typically carry 1-2 marks each and appear in sections testing non-verbal reasoning. Mastering this topic can significantly improve your overall reasoning score with relatively little memorization required, as it's based on developing observational and analytical skills.
To prepare effectively for Figure Analogy questions:
- Master basic geometric transformations: Become fluent in recognizing rotations (45°, 90°, 180°), mirror images (horizontal/vertical), and size changes
- Practice identifying multiple relationships: Many exam questions combine 2-3 transformations
- Develop systematic analysis: Create a mental checklist (shape, size, number, orientation, position)
- Solve previous year questions: This reveals actual exam patterns and difficulty levels
- Time yourself: Gradually reduce solving time to build speed without sacrificing accuracy
Regular practice with verification of answers is key. Analyze mistakes thoroughly to understand why wrong options seemed plausible.
Figure Analogy questions appear in numerous Indian competitive exams across sectors:
- Government Job Exams: SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO, Stenographer; UPSC CSAT (Prelims); State PSCs (UPPSC, MPPSC, BPSC etc.)
- Banking Exams: IBPS PO/Clerk, SBI PO, RBI Grade B, NABARD
- Railway Exams: RRB NTPC, Group D, ALP
- Defence Exams: CDS, AFCAT, CAPF
- Management Exams: CAT (in logical reasoning section), MAT, CMAT
The difficulty level varies - banking and SSC questions tend to be simpler (single transformations) while CAT and UPSC CSAT often feature complex multi-step changes.
Figure Analogy is typically considered moderate difficulty but can become challenging when:
- Multiple transformations are combined (rotation + size change + element addition)
- Figures are abstract or complex with many elements
- Options are designed to be deliberately confusing
- Time pressure leads to rushed analysis
Common pitfalls include:
- Overlooking subtle changes (small dots, slight rotations)
- Misidentifying the primary relationship among multiple possible ones
- Rushing without proper analysis due to time constraints
- Confusing similar-looking options
With systematic practice, most students can achieve 80-90% accuracy in this topic, making it a high-value area for score improvement.
To truly master Figure Analogy and maximize your exam scores:
- Understand all transformation types thoroughly: Create a mental catalog of rotation angles, mirror image types, size change patterns, and element addition/removal relationships
- Solve quality problems systematically: Aim for at least 50 problems of each major type (rotation, mirror, size, element change, and combinations)
- Analyze mistakes religiously: For every error, identify exactly which aspect of the relationship you misidentified and why
- Develop pattern recognition speed: With practice, you'll start recognizing common transformations instantly
- Take timed practice tests: Simulate exam pressure to improve both accuracy and speed
- Review fundamentals regularly: Revisit basic geometric properties and transformations periodically
Remember that Figure Analogy skills are cumulative - each problem solved makes you better at recognizing patterns in future questions. Consistent, focused practice over 2-3 weeks can lead to near-perfect accuracy in this section.
Sandeep Nehra
B.Tech (Mech) | MBA (HRM & IB) | Lead Developer & Reasoning Expert (16+ Yrs)
Sandeep is a Mechanical Engineer and dual MBA (HR & International Business) with over 16 years of experience as a Senior Web Architect and Tech Lead. Combining his engineering precision with deep behavioral insights, he founded ReasoningAbility.com to revolutionize competitive exam preparation. His unique methodology — blending logical structuring from engineering with psychological clarity from HRM — helps aspirants crack BITSAT, SSC, and Banking exams faster. His mission remains simple: provide high-quality, free practice resources that turn complex logic into accessible, high-speed solving techniques for students worldwide.