When preparing for consulting interviews, one of the most powerful things you can do is recognize patterns. Case interviews may seem unpredictable at first, but most of them fall into a set of common types that follow consistent logic and structure.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common types of consulting case interviews, with examples and preparation tips for each one.
1. Market Sizing
What it tests: Logic, estimation skills, numerical thinking, structured problem-solving.
Typical prompt: “Estimate the market size for online grocery delivery in Spain.”
You’re expected to estimate a market size, usually in dollars, units, or users per year. There are two main approaches:
- Top-down: Start from population or macro data and narrow down.
- Bottom-up: Start from individual behavior and scale up.
Example framework:
Total market = Population × % users × Frequency × Avg. spend
2. Profitability Analysis
What it tests: Analytical thinking, data interpretation, problem breakdown.
Typical prompt: “Our client, a hotel chain, has seen a 20% drop in profits. What’s causing it and how can we fix it?”
Use the formula: Profit = Revenue – Costs. Break it into:
- Revenue = Price × Volume
- Costs = Fixed + Variable
3. Market Entry
What it tests: Strategic thinking, market evaluation, risk assessment.
Typical prompt: “A mobile phone company is considering launching in Brazil. Should they do it?”
Analyze:
- Market attractiveness
- Competitive landscape
- Client capabilities
- Financials and risks
4. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
What it tests: Strategic fit, synergy analysis, integration risks.
Typical prompt: “Our client is a food retailer considering acquiring a logistics company. Should they proceed?”
Focus on:
- Strategic rationale
- Revenue and cost synergies
- Risks and culture fit
- Valuation and integration
5. Pricing Strategy
What it tests: Creativity, customer insight, revenue optimization.
Typical prompt: “What price should our client charge for a new wearable device?”
Explore:
- Cost-based pricing
- Value-based pricing
- Competitive pricing
6. Growth Strategy
What it tests: Strategic thinking, prioritization, revenue levers.
Typical prompt: “Our client wants to grow revenue by 25%. How can they do it?”
Framework:
- Sell more to existing customers
- Acquire new customers
- Launch new products
- Partnerships or acquisitions
7. Operations / Cost Reduction
What it tests: Efficiency analysis, cost structure understanding.
Typical prompt: “How can we reduce supply chain costs by 15%?”
Analyze:
- Sourcing and procurement
- Manufacturing process
- Logistics and warehousing
- Labor and overhead
8. New Product Launch
What it tests: Go-to-market strategy, market fit, risk evaluation.
Typical prompt: “Our client wants to launch a plant-based burger. What should they consider?”
Cover:
- Customer needs
- Product differentiation
- Market size and competition
- Marketing and distribution strategy
9. Non-Profit / Public Sector Cases
What it tests: Mission-driven logic, stakeholder alignment, resource constraints.
Typical prompt: “How can a public hospital reduce patient wait times?”
Include:
- Stakeholder priorities
- Budget and operational limitations
- Scalability and implementation
10. Creative or Unusual Cases
What it tests: Mental agility, creativity, calm under pressure.
Typical prompt: “Why are manhole covers round?” or “What would you do as CEO of Uber for one day?”
Approach:
- Think aloud
- Stay structured
- Balance creativity with logic
Summary Table of Common Case Types
| Case Type | Key Focus | Typical Framework |
|---|---|---|
| Market Sizing | Estimation & logic | Top-down / Bottom-up |
| Profitability | Diagnosing losses | Revenue – Cost |
| Market Entry | Expansion decision | Attractiveness / Fit / Risk |
| M&A | Strategic & financial fit | Synergies + Risks |
| Pricing | Revenue optimization | Cost / Value / Competition |
| Growth Strategy | Strategic priorities | Customer × Product levers |
| Cost Reduction | Operational efficiency | Value Chain / Cost Tree |
| Product Launch | Market fit & GTM | 4Ps / Launch checklist |
| Non-Profit | Impact & feasibility | Stakeholder + Metrics |
| Creative | Logic + communication | Think aloud, stay structured |
Mastering these case types will give you a strong foundation for any consulting interview—and help you walk in with confidence, clarity, and structure.