What is Odd One Out?
Odd one out questions show you five shapes. Four of them share a common feature or rule, and one is different. You need to find the shape that does not belong.
The shared feature could be anything: the same number of sides, the same shading pattern, the same rotation, or a more subtle rule like “all have exactly two right angles”.
Step-by-Step Method
Study all five shapes
Look at each shape carefully. Note the type of shape, its size, shading, rotation, and any internal elements.
Look for what most have in common
Try to find a feature that four shapes share. Test different features: number of sides, shading, symmetry, etc.
Identify the odd one
The shape that does not share the common feature is the odd one out.
Verify
Double-check that exactly four shapes share the feature and exactly one does not.
Worked Examples
Five shapes: a white triangle, a white square, a black circle, a white pentagon, a white hexagon. Which is the odd one out?
Working
- Four shapes are white, one is black.
- The black circle is the odd one out (different shading).
- Alternative: four shapes have straight sides, circle has curved sides. This also makes the circle odd.
- Both features point to the circle.
Five shapes all look like arrows pointing in different directions, but one arrow has a curved line instead of a straight one. Which is the odd one out?
Working
- Four arrows have straight lines.
- One arrow has a curved line.
- The curved arrow is the odd one out.
Five shapes: each has a large shape with a small shape inside. Four have the small shape in the top-right corner. One has it in the centre. Which is the odd one out?
Working
- Four shapes have the small shape positioned in the top-right corner.
- One has the small shape in the centre.
- The one with the centred small shape is the odd one out.
Common Mistakes
Finding a feature that only three shapes share instead of four.
The correct rule must work for exactly four shapes. If your rule excludes two, it is the wrong rule.
Choosing the most visually different shape without checking if it actually breaks a rule.
The odd one out is defined by a specific rule, not just by looking different. Identify the rule first.
Top Tips
- Check these features in order: shape type, shading, size, rotation, number of elements, position of elements, line style (thick/thin/dashed).
- If the first feature you check works for all five, move on to the next.
- Sometimes the rule is about relationships between parts of the shape (e.g. inner shape same colour as outer shape).
- The odd one out is sometimes the simplest or most complex shape – do not make assumptions.
Ready to practise?
Put these techniques into action with our free practice papers.
Practise Non-Verbal Reasoning Questions