Alphanumeric Series and Alphabet Position Notes

An alphanumeric series mixes letters and numbers in a pattern. To solve it you must know the position of each letter in the alphabet and the common patterns. This note gives them in a short form.

Alphabet Positions

• Opposite letters: the position from the right = 27 − position from the left. So A and Z, B and Y, F and U are opposite pairs.
• Letters in EJOTY have positions 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 (difference of 5).
• Memorise EJOTY (5, 10, 15, 20, 25) and the opposite pairs such as A-Z, B-Y, C-X.

Common Patterns

Counting Tips

• Number of letters between two letters = difference of positions − 1.
• Moving right to a later letter adds the number. Moving left subtracts.
• The sum of positions of CAB = 3 + 1 + 2 = 6.

Quick Tips

• Write the alphabet with positions on the paper first.
• Use 27 − n for opposite letters.
• Separate letters and numbers into two series.
• Check for alternating patterns.

Quick Revision Points

• A = 1 and Z = 26.
• Opposite letter position = 27 − n.
• EJOTY gives 5, 10, 15, 20, 25.
• Letters between = difference − 1.
• Separate letters and numbers.
• Check for alternate patterns.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. What is the position of M from the left?
   Answer: 13
2. What is the opposite letter of F?
   Answer: U
3. What comes next in A1, C3, E5, ...?
   Answer: G7
4. What comes next in 2, B, 4, D, 6, F, ...?
   Answer: 8, H
5. How many letters lie between D and J?
   Answer: 5
6. Find the sum of the positions of C, A and B.
   Answer: 6
7. What comes next in E, J, O, T, ...?
   Answer: Y
8. Which letter is 5 places to the right of R?
   Answer: W

How to Practise This Chapter

Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Verbal Reasoning notes page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the position of Z?

26.

How do I find the opposite letter?

Subtract the position from 27.

What is EJOTY?

A code for letters at positions 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25.

How do I count letters between two letters?

Find the difference of positions and subtract 1.

What is an alternating series?

A series in which two patterns alternate.

Which letter is in the middle of the alphabet?

M and N are the two middle letters.

Should I write the alphabet?

Yes, at the start of the section.

What is an increasing difference?

The gap grows by one each step.

How is this different from letter series?

Here numbers and letters are mixed.

How to practise?

Solve 10 series every day.