Formulas for Seating Arrangement

Seating Arrangement Formulas

Seating arrangements are a common puzzle-solving component in logical reasoning tests, competitive exams, and various assessments. This page is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of the essential formulas and techniques required to solve seating arrangement puzzles effectively and efficiently.

Seating Arrangement

Types of seating arrangements

1. Linear seating arrangement

In linear arrangement questions the arrangement of person is in linear, which means the student have to arrange them in a line. In these questions generally a single row of arrangement is formed.

2. Double row seating arrangement

Double row arrangement questions includes two group of persons. The students need to arrange one group in first row and another group in second row. The persons sitting in these rows generally faces each other. Usually, one row faces the North direction and other row faces the South direction.

3. Circular seating arrangement

In Circular arrangement questions the arrangement of people is done around a circular table. There are primarily three types of questions under circular seating arrangement.

  • Circular arrangement with people facing center of the table.
  • Circular arrangement with people facing outward of the table.
  • Circular arrangement with people facing center of the table whereas some facing outward the table.

4. Square/Rectangular seating arrangement

In square/rectangular arrangement questions the arrangement of people is done around a square/rectangular table. These types of questions are similar to circular seating arrangement questions and it also includes inward, outward or both side facing questions.

Formulas for Seating Arrangement:

  1. Linear Seating Arrangement:

    • Adjacent Seats: If two individuals are sitting next to each other, you can treat them as a single unit for arrangement purposes.
  2. Circular Seating Arrangement:

    • Clockwise and Counterclockwise: When arranging individuals in a circular pattern, keep track of both clockwise and counterclockwise positions.
  3. Rectangular Table Seating:

    • Rows and Columns: In a rectangular table, identify rows and columns for better organization.
    • Facing Each Other: When individuals are facing each other, they occupy opposite corners of the rectangle.
  4. Grouping and Arrangement:

    • Clusters or Groups: If the arrangement involves grouping, consider forming clusters based on related conditions.
    • Group Arrangements: Arrange individuals within the group as per their specific conditions.
  5. Fixed Positions and Constraints:

    • Fixed Elements: If any elements have fixed positions, place them first. They act as reference points for arranging others.
    • Using Constraints: Utilize given constraints to eliminate invalid positions and refine the arrangement.
Formulas for Seating Arrangement Left and right

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Questions on Seating Arrangements :

Question 1:

Five friends – Alice, Bob, Carol, David, and Eve – are sitting in a row facing north. If Carol is sitting two places to the left of Eve, who is sitting at one of the ends?

A) Alice

B) Bob

C) Carol

D) David

Answer : B) 

Explanation: If Carol is two places to the left of Eve, the arrangement could be: David, Carol, Alice, Eve, Bob. Bob is sitting at one of the ends.

Question 2:

In a circular seating arrangement, six students – Alex, Ben, Chris, David, Eve, and Frank – are sitting equidistant from each other. If David is sitting between Ben and Chris, who is sitting directly opposite to Alex?

A) Ben

B) Chris

C) Eve

D) Frank

Answer : D)

Explanation: Since David is sitting between Ben and Chris, the arrangement could be: Eve, Alex, Chris, David, Ben, Frank. Frank is sitting directly opposite to Alex.

Question 3:

Seven people – Alice, Bob, Carol, David, Eve, Frank, and Grace – are sitting in a circle for a discussion. If Alice is sitting two seats to the right of Bob, who is sitting next to Carol?

A) Alice

B) Bob

C) David

D) Frank

Answer : C) 

Explanation:  If Alice is two seats to the right of Bob, the arrangement could be: David, Grace, Carol, Bob, Alice, Frank, Eve. David is sitting next to Carol.

Question 4:

A rectangular table has six seats on each of its longer sides and four seats on each of its shorter sides. If Alice is sitting in one of the corners and Bob is sitting two seats to the right of Alice, who is sitting diagonally opposite to Alice?

A) Carol

B) David

C) Eve

D) Frank

Answer : C)

Explanation:  If Bob is two seats to the right of Alice, the arrangement could be: David, Eve, Bob, …, …, …, …, Alice. Eve is sitting diagonally opposite to Alice.

Question 5:

Ten students – Alex, Ben, Carol, David, Eve, Frank, Grace, Harry, Ivy, and Jack – are sitting in a row facing north. If Alex is sitting two places to the left of Frank, who is sitting exactly in the middle?

A) Ben

B) Carol

C) David

D) Eve

Answer : B)

Explanation:  If Alex is two places to the left of Frank, the arrangement could be: Grace, Harry, Ivy, Alex, Frank, Eve, David, Carol, Ben, Jack. Carol is sitting exactly in the middle.

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One comment on “Formulas for Seating Arrangement”


  • Shaziya

    Thank you PrepInsta for updating the logical part of the course so quickly. You people are super helpful. Thank you for the support.