Size Progression

Size Progression problems involve figures that increase or decrease in size following a consistent pattern (arithmetic or geometric progression). You must identify the next figure in the sequence based on the size progression rule.

10Worksheets
200+Practice Questions
BeginnerDifficulty
1-2 hoursHours to Master

Introduction to Size Progression

Size Progression problems involve figures that increase or decrease in size following a consistent pattern (arithmetic or geometric progression). You must identify the next figure in the sequence based on the size progression rule.

Prerequisites

Understanding of arithmetic progression (constant addition) Understanding of geometric progression (constant multiplication) Concept of size measurement (area, side length, radius) Basic pattern recognition
Why This Matters: Size Progression problems appear in 1-2 questions in SSC CGL and Banking PO exams. They test understanding of arithmetic and geometric progressions in visual contexts.

How to Solve Size Progression Problems

1

Step 1: Identify the size measurement (radius, side length, area, diameter)

2

Step 2: Calculate the difference between consecutive sizes

3

Step 3: If differences are constant → arithmetic progression

4

Step 4: If ratios between consecutive sizes are constant → geometric progression

5

Step 5: For arithmetic progression: next size = last size + constant difference

6

Step 6: For geometric progression: next size = last size × constant ratio

7

Step 7: Select the figure with the calculated size

Pro Strategy: Determine whether the progression is arithmetic (adding constant) or geometric (multiplying by constant). Use the appropriate formula to find the next size.

Example Problem

Example: Circle sizes: tiny (⚪), small (◯), medium (○), large (●). What size comes next? Solution: Step 1: Size order: tiny → small → medium → large Step 2: Each step increases size Step 3: The progression is from smallest to largest Step 4: Next size would be extra large Answer: Extra large circle

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Common size symbols: ⚪ (tiny), ◯ (small), ○ (medium), ● (large)
  • Arithmetic progression example: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (add 1 each time)
  • Geometric progression example: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 (multiply by 2 each time)
  • Size can refer to radius, diameter, side length, or area
  • The shape type usually remains constant; only size changes
  • Some patterns alternate between increasing and decreasing sizes

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

Arithmetic next size = Last size + (Size₂ - Size₁)
Geometric next size = Last size × (Size₂ ÷ Size₁)
If sizes double each time, ratio = 2
If sizes halve each time, ratio = 0.5
The smallest size is often first, largest last

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing arithmetic with geometric progression
Using area when side length is the intended measurement
Forgetting that size progression may reset or cycle
Not verifying the pattern with all given figures

Exam Importance

Size Progression is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

SSC CGL
1-2 questions
BANKING PO
1-2 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
1-2 questions
INSURANCE
1-2 questions

Ready to Master Size Progression?

Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes:

20 practice questions
Detailed solutions
Step-by-step explanations
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