10 Quant Shortcuts Every Banking Aspirant Must Know

In banking exams, speed wins. These calculation shortcuts can shave seconds off every question — and seconds add up to marks. Master them, then drill them in mocks until they're automatic.

1. Percentage ↔ Fraction table

Memorise: 12.5% = 1/8, 16.66% = 1/6, 14.28% = 1/7, 9.09% = 1/11. Converting percentages to fractions makes calculations instant.

2. Multiplication by 11

For a 2-digit number, add the digits and place the sum in the middle. 35 × 11 → 3_(8)_5 → 385.

3. Squares of numbers ending in 5

For n5², take n × (n+1) and append 25. 45² → 4×5 = 20 → 2025.

4. Approximation

Round to convenient numbers — in approximation questions exact values aren't needed. 48.9% of 199 ≈ 50% of 200 = 100.

5. Successive percentage change

Net change of a% then b% = a + b + (ab/100). A 20% rise then 10% fall = 20 − 10 − 2 = +8%.

6. Profit & Loss with fractions

25% profit means CP:SP = 4:5 — far faster than decimal math.

7. Number series patterns

Check differences first, then ratios, then squares/cubes, then alternating patterns. 90% of series fall into these four.

8. DI — calculate only what's asked

Don't compute the whole table. Find the two values you need and calculate just those.

9. Comparing fractions fast

Cross-multiply: to compare 5/8 and 7/11, compare 5×11 (55) vs 7×8 (56). 7/11 is bigger.

10. Average via deviation

Use deviation from an assumed mean for large data sets instead of summing everything.

The catch: shortcuts only help if they're automatic under pressure. Drill them in timed mocks and topic tests until your hands move before your brain finishes reading. That's how toppers solve 35 quant questions in 20 minutes.