Optiver 80-in-8 Test: Your Path to Trading Success
Optiver's 80-in-8 test stands as one of finance's toughest mental math challenges. You get 8 minutes to solve 80 arithmetic problems—roughly 6 seconds per question. No calculators, no scratch paper, just pure mental speed.
This assessment separates future traders from everyone else. Based on actual candidate reports and insider information, here's how to master it.
Practice the real format: Try our Optiver 80-in-8 simulator here.
Test Format: 80 questions in 8 minutes. European notation (5:2 means 5÷2). Points gained for correct answers, lost for wrong ones.
Scoring That Actually Matters
Optiver 80-in-8 Scoring
Here's what really happens with scoring: correct answers gain a point, incorrect answers lose a point, and unanswered questions don't hurt you. The passing score varies, but most sources report 55-56 points minimum. To actually get hired though, aim for 70+.
If you finish 72 questions with 5 mistakes, your score is 67 (correct) - 5 (wrong) = 62 points. This would likely pass the initial screen.
Question Types You'll Face
Basic Arithmetic
Addition & Subtraction: 47 + 38, 92 - 57, 156 + 279 Quick trick: Use complement math. 67 + 33 = 100, so 67 + 34 = 101.
Multiplication: 23 × 17, 45 × 34, 78 × 26 Speed hack: Near-squares work best. 23×17 = (20+3)(20-3) = 400-9 = 391.
Division: 168 ÷ 12, 294 ÷ 21, 455 ÷ 35 Method: Factor first. 168 ÷ 12 = 168 ÷ (4×3) = 42 ÷ 3 = 14.
Decimal Calculations
Problems include 12.75 + 8.46, 4.5 × 7.2, and 84.6 ÷ 3.5. The key is converting to fractions when possible. 0.25 = 1/4, 0.125 = 1/8, 0.75 = 3/4.
Fraction Operations
The hardest section by far. You'll see 3/4 + 5/8, 2/3 × 9/4, and simplification problems. Master common fraction-decimal conversions before test day.
European Notation: Remember that 5:2 means 5÷2, not a ratio. This trips up many candidates.
Training Methods That Work
Memorize multiplication tables up to 25×25. Learn squares of numbers 1-30. Know fraction-decimal conversions cold.
Use complement arithmetic (67+33=100). Apply FOIL shortcuts. Break complex problems into simple parts.
Skip hard questions initially. Use multiple choice elimination. Manage time with the 6-second rule.
30 minutes daily for 2-4 weeks minimum. Focus on weak areas. Time yourself on full 80-question sets.
Why This Test Exists
Optiver tests mental math because traders need instant calculations under pressure. When markets move, you calculate option prices, hedge ratios, and risk exposures in real-time. A trader who computes a 15% move on a $50 strike in 3 seconds beats one who needs 30 seconds.
Trading applications:
- Probability calculations for bet sizing
- Risk management and position sizing
- Market making and spread pricing
- Expected value computations
The Interview Process
Timeline: The 80-in-8 test usually comes after application screening but before phone interviews. It's often the first major filter.
Interview Steps
- Online application screening
- Optiver 80-in-8 mental math test ← Critical hurdle
- Phone interview with recruiter
- Technical interviews with traders
- Final round (on-site or virtual)
Success Tips
Preparation: Start 2-3 weeks early. Practice 30 minutes daily rather than cramming.
Test day: Get good sleep, eat breakfast, arrive early. The test measures performance under pressure.
Strategy: Focus on accuracy first, build speed gradually. Stay calm when facing difficult problems.
Mistakes That Kill Your Score
Rushing easy problems: Careless errors on simple addition cost the same as missing complex fractions.
Getting stuck: If you can't solve it in 10 seconds, skip it. Come back if time allows.
Random guessing: Wrong answers cost points. Use elimination when possible.
Poor pacing: Track your time. Aim for 40 questions by the 4-minute mark.
Ready to practice? Try our Optiver 80-in-8 simulator here with realistic questions and scoring.