SSC CHSL 2027 Figure Counting Questions: Tricks & Systematic Method

Figure Counting is an important topic in non-verbal reasoning. These questions test your ability to identify and count triangles, squares, rectangles and other shapes hidden in complex diagrams.

For SSC CHSL 2027 preparation, a systematic counting method can help you avoid missing small figures or counting the same shape more than once. This guide covers common figure types, useful techniques, solved examples and practice questions.

1. What Are Figure Counting Questions?

In figure counting questions, candidates are given a diagram containing multiple connected or overlapping lines. They must count the total number of specific shapes, such as triangles, squares or rectangles.

Some figures are easy to identify, while others are formed by combining smaller shapes. Careful observation and organised counting are essential.

2. Important Types of Figure Counting

A. Triangle Counting

Count all triangles formed by the available line segments. Include both small triangles and larger triangles created by combining smaller ones.

B. Square Counting

Identify squares of different sizes. Check both individual squares and larger squares formed by combining smaller squares.

C. Rectangle Counting

Look for closed four-sided figures with four right angles. Remember that every square is also a rectangle in mathematical geometry, unless the question specifically asks for non-square rectangles.

D. Overlapping Figures

Multiple lines may intersect and create shapes of different sizes. Count each distinct closed shape only once.

E. Mixed Figure Counting

Some questions ask you to count more than one type of shape in the same diagram. Read the instruction carefully and count only the required figures.

3. Systematic Method to Count Figures

1. Identify the required shape: Check whether the question asks for triangles, squares, rectangles or another figure.
2. Start with the smallest figures: Count all basic shapes first.
3. Move to larger combinations: Look for shapes formed by joining smaller sections.
4. Follow a fixed direction: Scan from left to right or top to bottom to avoid repetition.
5. Check overlapping lines: Identify additional shapes formed by intersecting line segments.
6. Verify the total: Repeat the scan systematically before selecting an answer.

4. Solved Figure Counting Examples

Example 1: Counting Squares

A square is divided into four equal smaller squares by one vertical and one horizontal line.

Solution: There are 4 small squares and 1 large square.

Answer: 5 squares

Example 2: Counting Rectangles

A rectangular grid has 2 rows and 2 columns.

Solution: Count the 4 small rectangles, 2 horizontal combinations, 2 vertical combinations and 1 complete rectangle.

Answer: 9 rectangles

Example 3: Counting Triangles

A large triangle is divided into 4 equal smaller triangles using lines joining the midpoints of its sides.

Solution: Count the 4 small triangles and the 1 complete outer triangle.

Answer: 5 triangles

5. Useful Tricks for Figure Counting

• Count smaller shapes before looking for larger combinations.
• Use a fixed scanning direction to avoid double counting.
• Check whether overlapping lines create additional closed shapes.
• For grids, count combinations of adjacent rows and columns.
• For triangles, check different sizes and orientations.
• Keep a written tally of each category while counting.

6. SSC CHSL 2027 Figure Counting Practice Questions

Choose the correct option for each question.

Q1. A square is divided into 4 equal smaller squares by one vertical and one horizontal line. What is the total number of squares?

A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 8

Q2. A rectangle is divided into 2 equal columns by one vertical line. How many rectangles are present, including the complete rectangle?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5

Q3. A square grid contains 3 rows and 3 columns of equal small squares. How many squares of all sizes are present?

A. 9
B. 12
C. 14
D. 16

Q4. A rectangle is divided into 2 rows and 2 columns. How many rectangles are present, including the smaller squares?

A. 8
B. 9
C. 10
D. 12

Q5. A large triangle is divided into 4 equal smaller triangles by joining the midpoints of its three sides. How many triangles are present in total?

A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 8

Q6. A straight line is drawn from the top vertex of a triangle to the midpoint of its base. How many triangles are formed?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5

Q7. A rectangle is divided into 3 equal columns by two vertical lines. How many rectangles are present in total?

A. 3
B. 5
C. 6
D. 9

Q8. A square grid contains 2 rows and 3 columns of equal small squares. How many squares of all sizes are present?

A. 6
B. 7
C. 8
D. 9

Q9. What is the most reliable way to avoid counting the same figure twice?

A. Count randomly
B. Follow a fixed scanning direction
C. Ignore larger figures
D. Count only visible small shapes

Q10. In a complex diagram, what should you do after counting all the smallest figures?

A. Stop counting
B. Count larger figures formed by combining smaller sections
C. Ignore intersecting lines
D. Repeat only the smallest figures

Answer Key with Explanations

7. Preparation Tips for SSC CHSL 2027

• Practise triangle, square and rectangle counting separately.
• Start with simple diagrams before attempting complex patterns.
• Use systematic scanning instead of random observation.
• Learn grid-based counting patterns.
• Maintain accuracy while improving calculation speed.
• Review missed figures to understand why they were overlooked.

Prepare for SSC CHSL 2027 with Katara Academy

Figure Counting questions become easier when you follow an organised method and check every possible combination. Practise different shapes regularly to improve your visual reasoning skills.

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