Skip to content
QuantReadySign In
All Firms

Optiver

Speed and accuracy in mental math and probability

Trading

Source confidence: Official + candidate reports · Last reviewed: 4 Jun 2026. Exact process varies by role, office, and year.

Optiver interviews are known for a strong emphasis on mental-math speed. Candidate reports frequently mention a fast arithmetic screen (often called "80 in 8"). Beyond that, expect probability, market intuition, and trading-game scenarios. Exact formats vary by office and year.

Interview Rounds

Interview processes vary by role, office, seniority, and year. We separate official company information from candidate-reported details where possible.

Round 1:Mental Math Screen

~8 min (reported)Candidate-reported

Fast arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). Candidate reports describe a heavily speed-weighted, negatively-marked format; thresholds vary.

Round 2:Numerical Reasoning

30 minCandidate-reported

Sequence identification and pattern recognition (NumberLogic test).

Round 3:HR Interview

30 minOfficial

Cultural fit, motivation, and behavioral questions.

Round 4:Technical Interview

60 minMixed

Probability theory, expected value, Bayes theorem, market dynamics, and risk management.

Focus Areas

Mental arithmetic (speed-critical)Probability & Bayes theoremMarket intuitionRisk managementSequence recognition

Start here — free

Free warm-ups in Optiver's focus areas. No account required.

Bid-Ask Spread and Market MakingeasyForward Price No-ArbitrageeasyPortfolio Delta Calculationeasy

51 Optiver interview problems

Real questions tagged from Optiver interviews, with full editorials and hidden tests.

Unlock with Premium

Your Optiver prep path

The guide above is firm-wide. This checklist is role-specific where sourced.

Sign in to track your progress through this path.

Suggested pace: about 7 days. This is a guide, not a firm-prescribed schedule. Every step below is tied to public sources for Optiver.

1

Train quick problem solving and mental math

Complete timed sessions, prioritizing clean accuracy before pushing your pace.

Official + reportsOptiver Glassdoor techinterview

Supported by official sources plus candidate-reported details; exact formats can vary by role, office, and year.

Unlock with Premium
2

Practice strategy games under time pressure

Run market-making rounds and write down the assumptions behind each quote.

Official + reportsOptiver Glassdoor Glassdoor

Supported by official sources plus candidate-reported details; exact formats can vary by role, office, and year.

Start
3

Take a timed mock interview

Take a timed mock interview and use the score report as a diagnostic.

Official + reportsOptiver Optiver Glassdoor

Supported by official sources plus candidate-reported details; exact formats can vary by role, office, and year.

Unlock with Premium

Optiver insider tips

Premium unlocks the full Optiver path: all 51 tagged interview problems, what makes Optiver different, preparation tips, and recommended learning paths.

Upgrade to Premium

Based on publicly available candidate interview reports and curated problem patterns; interview processes vary by role, office, and year. Last reviewed June 2026. QuantReady is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Optiver. All company names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.