IQ Test – Mensa-Style Visual Logic Puzzle #8
Disclaimer: This content is inspired by Mensa-style IQ tests and is an unofficial practice puzzle.
It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mensa International Ltd.All visual designs and explanations are original creations by the author.
commonly found in online Mensa-style IQ tests.
Pay close attention to the visual pattern variations.
commonly found in online Mensa-style IQ tests.
Pay close attention to the visual pattern variations.
Explanation #17 (click to expand)
The sky-blue X’s are added together from Columns 1 and 2, and for every two X’s remaining in Column 3, one red pentagon is created. If there is only one X left (an odd number), it does not convert into a red pentagon
The brown squares show the value obtained by subtracting Column 2 from Column 1 in Column 3.
4
Therefore, the correct answer is number 3.
Explanation #18 (click to expand)
he red shape moves counterclockwise through positions 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 6, 3, 2, and 5. Within each large square, the red shape shifts downward by one step following this same sequence (1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 6, 3, 2, 5)
The blue shape moves clockwise through positions 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 8, 7, 4, and 5. Inside each large square, the red shape rotates counterclockwise following the sequence (1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 6, 3, 2, 5)
Explanation #19 (click to expand)
The values in Row 2, Columns 1–3 are obtained by multiplying the corresponding values in Row 1 and Row 3.
The correct answer is 1.
Mensa-Style IQ Test Guide
In the mid-section of Mensa-style IQ tests, problems often involve shape-interaction rules where one figure transforms when it meets another. The 30th question in the online Norway Mensa-style test is a good example of this. To solve such problems efficiently, pay close attention to how each shape changes upon contact with another.
Mensa-style IQ tests tend to feature relatively intuitive questions up to the late 20s, but starting from the 30s, problems that require calculation and logical reasoning begin to appear. As the test moves into the 40s, the questions often involve more complex and mixed rules, and this stage becomes the key point for time management during the actual exam.
To solve these mid-to-late questions efficiently, it’s important to familiarize yourself with a wide variety of pattern and logic puzzles in advance. In particular, focusing on problems in the mid-30s to 40s range of online Mensa-style tests is very effective for developing real test intuition.
According to testimonies from successful Mensa members, the exact passing criteria or number of correct answers has not been publicly disclosed, but it’s generally said that those who make only one to three mistakes tend to pass. Therefore, rather than simply solving quickly, it’s far more important to prioritize accuracy and careful reasoning.
Problem 19, the puzzle is designed to make you think that the value in Column 3 is simply the sum of Columns 1 and 2 in each row. However, the actual rule is multiplication: the values in Row 2 are derived from multiplying the corresponding values in Rows 1 and 3. This type of misdirection occasionally appears in IQ-style puzzles.
Skilled test makers can easily combine two formulas—or even introduce patterns meant to mislead the solver—within a single problem. In exams where you must reach an answer quickly, developing the ability to view a problem from multiple angles will lead to significantly better results
🧠 How to Improve Your Mensa-Style Puzzle Solving Skills
Train Pattern Recognition
Practice identifying repeating rules across different shapes, colors, and directions.
Focus on noticing symmetry, rotation, reflection, overlap, and sequence progression — these five appear in over 80% of Mensa visual problems.
Think Like a Coder, Not an Artist
Try to “describe” each figure as a set of simple logical rules — for example, if A overlaps B, remove the edge, or rotate +90°.
The goal is to translate what you see into structured logic rather than rely on aesthetic intuition.
Use Dual Comparison Strategy
Don’t just compare horizontally (row-wise); always check columns as well.
Many puzzles hide their main rule diagonally, so practice scanning in multiple directions.
Slow Down at the Beginning
The first 10–15 seconds you spend decoding the pattern usually save more time later.
Rushing early often leads to misinterpretation of rules, especially when multiple transformations overlap.
Strengthen Visual Memory
Practice with short-term visual recall games — for example, memorize a 3×3 or 4×4 grid of colors for a few seconds,
then recreate it mentally. This helps you retain intermediate shapes and patterns without re-examining the puzzle every time.
Learn Common Rule Archetypes
Most Mensa-style puzzles are built on a few core transformation rules:
Addition / Subtraction of shapes (parts appear or vanish when combined)
Rotation + Reflection hybrids (mirror + turn effects)
Alternating color dominance (color inversion or cyclic order)
Positional shifts (movement along x/y or diagonal axes)
Logical “XOR” patterns — shapes overlap only when one is filled and the other is empty.
Knowing these archetypes helps you predict the rule type almost instantly.
Review Your Mistakes Intentionally
When you miss a question, don’t just look at the solution — reconstruct the logic yourself until the transformation feels intuitive.
This reflective step trains your mind to detect subtle rule combinations and prevents repeating the same error in future puzzles.
Maintain Calm Focus
Mensa tests measure not just reasoning but also emotional control under pressure.
A relaxed mind perceives spatial relationships faster and more accurately.
Practicing slow breathing or brief visualization before starting the test can noticeably improve clarity and consistency.
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