The Figure Weights task asks you to combine relationships from balanced scales
The task presents several balanced scales and asks you to infer the weight relationships among the figures, then choose the figure that will balance the final scale.
Figures with the same shape and color have the same weight, and a balanced scale means that the two sides have equal weight. The unknown relationship must be derived logically from these conditions.
The task requires working out how many of one figure are equivalent to another, substituting that relationship into the next scale, and connecting equivalences across several scales to find the weight needed in the blank. This is a logical-reasoning task built around combining equivalences in sequence.
What the Figure Weights task measures
Figure Weights is one of the BrainTypeIQ tasks used to measure Gf, or fluid reasoning.
Fluid reasoning includes inductive reasoning, which discovers patterns, and deriving an answer from given conditions. Matrix Reasoning focuses on the first, while Figure Weights focuses on the second.
As more scales are added, several relationships must be held in mind and combined. This also increases the working-memory demand.
WAIS Figure Weights also requires an answer to be derived from equivalences shown on scales. BrainTypeIQ’s task has its own items and scoring.
Fluid reasoning (Gf) explains the broader ability.
What a higher Figure Weights score can show
A higher Figure Weights score indicates that equivalences can be derived from each condition and combined in sequence across the scales.
The necessary substitutions can be made one at a time without breaking the logical chain. Keeping intermediate relationships available supports this process when several constraints must be combined.
The core is deriving a new relationship by combining the given equivalences. Although the task uses figures, it also draws on quantitative relationships and logical connections.
Why a Figure Weights score may be lower
Several demands can make the Figure Weights task more difficult.
- Substituting one relationship into another is demanding — an equivalence found on one scale must be transferred to another
- Holding several conditions is demanding — as the number of scales grows, intermediate relationships must remain available
- Figures are miscounted or a matching shape is overlooked — the equal-weight rule for identical shapes and colors must be remembered throughout
Pattern discovery is more visible in Matrix Reasoning, while holding information during another operation is also reflected in Computation Span and Visual Reversal.
BrainTypeIQ uses nine online tasks, including Figure Weights, to show overall IQ and a five-domain cognitive profile. How to read the report explains how the task and domain scores fit together.