Shape Codes
A shape codes question in 11+ non-verbal reasoning gives three or four worked examples pairing a two-part code, such as a number and a letter, with a figure, then asks the pupil to work out what each part of the code means so they can identify the figure matching a new, unseen code. It rewards comparing examples that differ in only one place.
Method
- Find two examples whose codes differ in only one position - the feature that changes between them tells you what that position controls.
- Repeat this comparison for every position in the code until you have confirmed what each letter or number represents.
- Write down your confirmed meanings as a simple key, for example digit equals number of shapes, letter equals shading.
- Build the target figure feature by feature using your key and the new code.
- Check your built-up figure against each option and choose the exact match.
Worked example
Example 1: code 4T shows a small square. Example 2: code 6T shows a large square. Example 3: code 4P shows a small pentagon. What figure does the code 6P show?
- Compare Example 1 (4T, small square) with Example 2 (6T, large square): the digit changes from 4 to 6 and the size changes from small to large, so the digit controls size.
- Compare Example 1 (4T, small square) with Example 3 (4P, small pentagon): the letter changes from T to P and the shape changes from square to pentagon, so the letter controls shape.
- Apply the confirmed key to code 6P: digit 6 means large, letter P means pentagon.
- Final answer: The code 6P shows a large pentagon.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Example 1: code 7B shows 7 dots, unshaded. Example 2: code 9B shows 9 dots, unshaded. Example 3: code 7C shows 7 dots, shaded grey. What does code 9C show, and how do you know?
Example 1: code DM shows a triangle rotated 0 degrees. Example 2: code EM shows a triangle rotated 90 degrees clockwise. Example 3: code DN shows a square rotated 0 degrees. What does code EN show?
Example 1: code 1RX shows 1 shape, shaded red, cross-shaped outline. Example 2: code 2RX shows 2 shapes, shaded red, cross-shaped outline. Example 3: code 1BX shows 1 shape, shaded blue, cross-shaped outline. Example 4: code 1RY shows 1 shape, shaded red, dashed outline. What does code 2BY show?
Free printable worksheet
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