The 16 Types of Consulting Cases You Should Know

You are prepping for consulting interviews and face a stack of case types: market entry, profitability, pricing, mergers and acquisitions, operations, market sizing, and cost reduction. Knowing how Consulting Case Frameworks, such as Porter's five forces, the four Ps, value chain, the three Cs, and the profitability framework, apply to each scenario can reduce confusion and accelerate your analysis.

This guide breaks down the most common types of consulting cases, from competitive response and due diligence to growth strategy and organizational design, and shows the right frameworks and question sequences so you can answer clearly and confidently. Ready to sharpen your approach and reduce interview stress?If you want to sharpen your approach and reduce interview stress, CaseTutor's solution, land your dream job, provides structured practice on each case type, teaches frameworks in context, and fosters clear thinking and confidence that interviewers value.

The 16 Types of Consulting Cases

Types of Consulting Cases

1. Market Sizing Case Interview

Market sizing cases gauge a candidate’s ability to estimate the size or value of a specific market using logical problem breakdown and quick mental math. These cases usually focus on estimating quantities or market revenues, such as determining the annual sales of electric vehicles in the U.S. or the total revenue generated by coffee shops in a metropolitan area.

Successful candidates are expected to segment the problem into manageable components, make justified assumptions, and perform basic arithmetic to arrive at an estimate. The emphasis is on logical structure and clarity rather than the exact number. For example, a candidate might break down a market by population segments or product pricing tiers to estimate total market size systematically.

Typical example questions include estimating the number of smartphones sold in a country annually or the potential market for a new streaming service in an emerging economy. The goal is to demonstrate an analytical mindset that can simplify complex problems efficiently — a crucial consulting skill.

2. Profitability Case Interview

Profitability cases are among the most common and fundamental types of consulting cases. They test a candidate’s ability to diagnose why a company’s profits are declining and to develop actionable solutions to address the issue. These cases require an analytical approach to dissect a company’s revenues and costs, then identify key drivers affecting profitability.

The typical profitability case follows a structured path: first, quantify whether the problem lies in revenue, costs, or both. Next, break down revenue factors such as price per unit, sales volume, and product mix, alongside cost factors including fixed versus variable costs and operational efficiencies. Then explore qualitative causes like market competition shifts or internal inefficiencies. Finally, propose pragmatic recommendations that balance business impact, feasibility, and risk.

Examples include analyzing declining profits in a restaurant chain despite rising sales, determining why a luxury hotel’s margins are shrinking, or assessing a manufacturing firm's profitability challenges despite stable sales figures. Mastery of profitability cases is prized because they closely mirror real consulting work and reveal core business understanding and problem-solving capabilities.

3. Growth Strategy Case Interview

Growth strategy cases challenge candidates to devise plans that enable a company to expand its business, whether through increased market share, product diversification, or entering new markets. These interviews assess one’s ability to pinpoint growth opportunities, evaluate risks, and formulate actionable strategies tailored to the specific business context.

The process usually begins with understanding the company’s current position and growth goals. Candidates then explore organic growth options such as boosting sales of existing products or launching new ones. Inorganic growth through mergers, acquisitions, or strategic partnerships is also examined. A strong framework evaluates market dynamics, financial impacts, and feasibility before recommending the best growth path.

For example, candidates may be asked to develop expansion plans for a retailer entering new regions or recommend how a tech startup could rapidly increase its user base. Successful candidates exhibit a strategic mindset, thorough analysis, and clear communication in presenting solutions that drive sustainable growth.

4. Pricing Case Interview

Pricing cases challenge candidates to determine the best price point for a product or service to maximize revenue, balancing costs, competition, and customer value perception. These cases test strategic thinking about pricing models and understanding market demand elasticity.

Central to these cases are three primary pricing approaches: cost-based, where price is set by adding a margin over production costs; market-based, which benchmarks the price against competitors; and value-based, which prices according to the product’s perceived value to customers. Candidates must assess which method fits the specific scenario best and consider financial impacts alongside market positioning.

A typical pricing case scenario might ask for an optimal price for a new tech gadget, a subscription service, or a luxury car model. Candidates are expected to structure the problem, analyze data on costs and demand, brainstorm pricing tactics, and ultimately recommend a price with clear justification. Success depends on blending quantitative analysis with insights into customer behavior and competitive strategy.

5. Operations Case Interview

Operations case interviews evaluate a candidate's ability to analyze and enhance a company’s internal processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness. These cases require breaking down operational challenges to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or cost-saving opportunities within manufacturing, supply chains, or service delivery.

Typically, candidates are tasked with diagnosing issues in processes such as production lines, inventory management, or customer service operations. They must propose practical improvements by examining key drivers like capacity utilization, throughput, and quality control. Operations cases often include cost-cutting measures, process optimization, capacity planning, or workflow improvement.

For example, a candidate might be asked to design a strategy to reduce wait times in a call center or improve supply chain efficiency for a retail company. Success in these cases hinges on blending analytical thinking with operational knowledge and clear communication of recommended process changes.

6. Human Resources (HR) Case Interview

HR cases center on workforce management challenges, such as hiring, employee retention, training, and organisational development. These cases evaluate a candidate’s capacity to diagnose human capital issues and create strategic solutions that improve workforce performance and satisfaction.

Common themes include devising tactics to reduce high employee turnover, enhancing training programs, or implementing performance management systems. Candidates also explore talent acquisition strategies and ways to boost employee engagement or organisational culture.

For instance, a case might ask for a strategy to decrease staff attrition in a customer service centre or methods to improve employee satisfaction in a retail chain. Success requires understanding people-centric business factors alongside analytical thinking to produce practical HR solutions that support broader business goals.

7. Technology Case Interview

Technology consulting cases focus on how companies can leverage technology to transform their businesses or solve problems related to digital innovation, IT infrastructure, or market disruption. Candidates are assessed on their ability to understand technical concepts, evaluate new technologies, and create business strategies that harness technology effectively.

These cases often require analyzing a company’s existing technology landscape and identifying areas for improvement, innovation, or cost reduction. Examples include advising a tech startup on launching an AI-powered product, helping a retail company migrate data to the cloud, or developing IT integration strategies post-merger. The ability to frame the problem, structure a solution, and communicate technology’s business impact clearly is crucial.

Technology case interviews might delve into technical details for candidates with expertise in IT, software, or data science. In contrast, others focus on high-level strategic decisions in tech adoption and innovation. Strong candidates balance technical understanding with a pragmatic business viewpoint to deliver solutions that drive competitive advantage.

8. Market Entry Case Interview

Market entry cases involve advising a company on whether and how to enter a new geographic or product market. This type of consulting case tests a candidate's ability to evaluate the attractiveness of a market, understand competitive dynamics, and identify potential challenges such as regulatory hurdles or local customer preferences.

Candidates need to assess market size, growth potential, and barriers to entry before recommending an approach such as organic expansion, partnerships, or acquisitions. They should also evaluate how the entry might impact the company’s existing operations and financial health.

Examples include helping a European car manufacturer enter the US market, assisting a food company expanding into Asia, or assessing the feasibility of a tech company’s entry into Africa. A strong market entry recommendation weighs risks and rewards thoughtfully with strategic insights.

9. Private Equity Case Interview

Private equity cases focus on evaluating investment opportunities in private companies. Candidates must assess the financial health, growth potential, and strategic fit of target companies to advise whether a private equity firm should invest, acquire, or divest assets.

The analysis involves scrutinizing cash flow, profitability, market position, and exit strategies. Candidates often consider industry trends, company valuation methods, and potential operational improvements that could increase value post-investment. The goal is to propose sound investment decisions supported by rigorous financial and strategic analysis.

Typical examples include assessing the investment potential of a family-owned hospitality business, evaluating a healthcare startup for private equity investment, or determining whether to invest in a renewable energy firm. Mastery of private equity cases requires blend of financial acumen and strategic foresight.

10. Valuation Case Interview

Valuation cases require candidates to estimate the worth of a company, asset, or investment opportunity. These cases test financial modeling skills, analytical thinking, and proficiency in valuation methods such as discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis or comparable company benchmarking.

The process typically involves understanding the valuation objective, gathering relevant financial and market data, selecting appropriate valuation techniques, and performing sensitivity analyses to factor in risks and uncertainties. Candidates then check the reasonableness of their valuation through comparisons and present their findings clearly with strategic implications.

For example, a valuation case might ask a candidate to determine the worth of a tech startup preparing for an IPO, assess a manufacturing company’s value in an acquisition offer, or evaluate a retail chain using comparable companies’ data. Being able to balance quantitative rigor with business insight is critical in valuation interviews.

11. Restructuring Case Interview

Restructuring cases focus on helping companies facing financial distress or operational decline by recommending changes that restore profitability and long-term viability. Candidates are expected to analyse cost structures, identify inefficiencies, and suggest organisational redesigns or strategic shifts.

These cases often involve evaluating the reasons behind declining performance, such as outdated processes, high costs, or poor market positioning. Popular frameworks include McKinsey’s 7-S for organisational alignment and Kotter’s Change Model for managing transformation. Candidates must balance analytical rigor with empathetic communication, considering the human and operational impacts of restructuring decisions.

For example, a case could involve recommending cost-driven restructuring for a manufacturing firm experiencing profit declines or advising on workforce realignment to improve productivity. Being able to communicate clear, actionable plans and anticipate risks is key to succeeding in restructuring cases.

12. Merger & Acquisition (M&A) Case Interview

M&A cases are complex and encompass elements such as market sizing, profitability analysis, and competitive landscape assessment. Candidates must evaluate whether acquiring or merging with another company aligns strategically and financially with the client’s goals.

The key is to analyze synergies between the companies, potential integration challenges, and the overall impact on market position. Candidates should differentiate between financial acquirers aiming for short-term gains and strategic acquirers focused on long-term value. Thorough due diligence of the target’s financials, operations, and market fit is vital.

Examples include a large corporation acquiring a smaller tech firm, evaluating a merger between retail companies, or a pharmaceutical company’s acquisition of a biotech startup. Success depends on balancing quantitative analysis with strategic foresight.

13. Marketing Case Interview

Marketing cases challenge candidates to develop strategies for promoting and selling products or services effectively. These cases test a candidate’s grasp of customer segmentation, market research, and the marketing mix—product, price, place, and promotion.

Candidates typically analyze target customer needs, competitor positioning, and marketing channels to craft comprehensive plans. Solutions include launching campaigns, rebranding, or enhancing digital marketing efforts. Understanding how marketing tactics align with broader business objectives is critical.

For example, candidates might be asked to create a marketing plan for a new smartphone launch, optimize customer acquisition for an online service, or evaluate the success of a luxury brand's digital campaign. Strong marketing cases blend creativity with data-driven decision-making.

14. New Product Case Interview

New product cases involve crafting strategies for launching and managing new products in the marketplace. These cases evaluate a candidate's ability to identify customer needs, define features, and create effective go-to-market plans.

Candidates must analyze market demand, competitive positioning, and distribution channels. They are also expected to consider production capabilities, pricing strategies, and marketing tactics to maximize the product’s success.

For instance, a case might involve planning the launch of a new tech gadget, introducing a novel beverage, or bringing a pharmaceutical drug to market. Successful candidates demonstrate holistic thinking that balances innovation with practical execution.

15. Economic Case Interview

Economic cases require candidates to analyze macroeconomic or microeconomic factors affecting a business or industry. These cases focus on understanding how economic trends, government policies, and regulatory changes shape market conditions and business strategies.

Candidates must apply economic concepts such as supply and demand, price elasticity, tariffs, and labor market dynamics to assess impacts on profitability and growth. These cases often involve quantitative analysis as well as evaluating qualitative factors like political risk or industry regulation.

For example, a case may ask candidates to assess how new trade tariffs impact a manufacturing company, the effects of minimum wage increases on retail, or the consequences of inflation on financial services. Success in economic cases hinges on sound economic reasoning and translating abstract concepts into actionable business insights.

16. Consulting Brain Teasers

Consulting brain teasers are short puzzles designed to test candidates’ logical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in unconventional ways. Unlike traditional cases that focus on structured analysis, brain teasers push candidates to think outside the box and approach problems from unique angles.

Examples include estimating how many golf balls fit inside a Boeing 747, calculating the total number of windows in a city like New York, or figuring out how many piano tuners work in Chicago. These puzzles often require breaking down the problem using numbers, assumptions, and usually lateral thinking.

Brain teasers measure adaptability and mental agility, traits valuable for navigating complex consulting challenges where straightforward approaches might not always apply.

Formats of Case Interviews

Traditional Case Interview

The interviewer presents a specific business challenge, which you then analyze live in a one-to-one setting. You must structure your thinking, test a hypothesis, run quick quantitative checks, and produce a client style recommendation. Interviewers assess analytical reasoning, problem structuring, communication, and how you handle pressure while using consulting case frameworks and issue trees to stay MECE and focused. Expect case types such as market entry, profitability, pricing, operations, M&A due diligence, and organizational strategy that demand both quantitative analysis and qualitative judgment.

Key Preparation Tips

•Clarify the objective and the decision the client needs so you can solve the right problem.
•Break the problem into component issues and build an issue tree to stay MECE.
•Use a hypothesis-driven approach to guide which analyses to prioritize.
•Run clean, fast math and always do a quick sanity check on assumptions and units.
•Consider stakeholders and implementation risks when you make recommendations.
•Practice a range of case formats: market sizing, revenue and cost drivers, pricing, operations, and competitive response.
•Communicate your thought process clearly and narrate each step like you would present to a client.

Unstructured Case Interview

This format removes a scripted problem and tests how you perform with ambiguity. Interviewers pose open ended prompts or scenarios and watch whether you create structure under uncertainty. Your creativity, adaptability, and judgment matter as much as your analytical skill. Use simple frameworks when helpful, but customize them to the problem instead of forcing a standard template. Interviewers look for strong qualitative analysis, stakeholder mapping, and an ability to surface testable assumptions in the absence of complete data.

Advice to Excel in Unstructured Settings

•Start with a summary of your initial view and the key assumptions you will test.
•Keep your approach structured and orient your thinking around a few high impact hypotheses.
•State and quantify assumptions so you can pivot quickly when the interviewer supplies new data.
•Ask targeted clarifying questions that reveal constraints or client priorities.
•Show flexibility: if the interviewer suggests a new angle, adjust your priorities and explain why.
•Practice open-ended prompts and strategy cases that require creative options and trade-off analysis.

Written Case Interview

You receive a packet of data, charts, and exhibits, then write a concise analysis under a strict time limit, often 60 to 90 minutes. This assesses data interpretation, synthesis, financial modeling basics, and written communication that a consultant would use in a client memo or slide. Structure your deliverable like an executive memo with a clear recommendation up front, supporting evidence, and practical next steps that include measurable KPIs and timelines.

Strategies for Strong Written Cases

Lead with a one-line recommendation and the key rationale so readers grasp your answer immediately.

•Use section headings or slide titles that state the main message for each part of your analysis.
•Keep each section focused on one idea and support it with a simple table or chart and one key number.
•Run quick sensitivity checks on the highest impact assumptions and show the implications.
•Use appendices for detailed math and assumptions so the main narrative stays crisp.
•Prioritize analyses that test your most critical hypotheses instead of trying to answer everything.

Group Case Interview

A small group solves a single case while multiple interviewers observe team dynamics, leadership, and communication. Evaluators watch how you collaborate, manage conflict, and drive the group toward a coherent recommendation. The case often requires role allocation, a clear facilitator, and someone to synthesize group output into an executable plan while capturing the client perspective.

Effective Group Interview Tactics

•Treat other candidates as teammates and encourage inclusive participation to surface the best ideas.
•Take on a clear role quickly, whether that is facilitator, analyst, or synthesizer, and state that role aloud.
•Contribute concisely and add value when you speak; avoid talking just to fill space.
•Use active listening, paraphrase others to validate understanding, and pull quieter members into the discussion.
•Summarize group progress at checkpoints so the team stays aligned on next steps and deliverables.
•Manage conflict by focusing on evidence and trade-offs instead of personalities, and keep the group moving toward a recommendation.

Styles of Traditional Case Interviews

Interviewer-Led Cases

Interviewer-led cases put the interviewer in charge of timing, data releases, and follow-ups. Firms that prefer this format hand you an exhibit or a prompt and then guide the next step. You respond to direct questions, interpret the charts and tables provided, and adapt as new facts arrive. This format rewards fast, clear thinking, precise mental math, and the ability to translate evidence into crisp answers while the interviewer nudges the process.

What The Interviewer Tests Here

The interviewer watches how you follow a line of inquiry, synthesize incremental data, and refine a recommendation under constraints. They assess structured problem-solving, the use of relevant frameworks, comfort with profitability trees, and the ability to analyze exhibits such as revenue breakdowns, cost structures, and market share trends.

Practical Moves That Help in Interviewer-Led Cases

•Listen and clarify: Confirm the objective and any hidden assumptions before you start working on numbers.
•Answer in structured chunks: State your short answer, show your logic, then walk through calculations or interpretations.
•Use hypothesis driven thinking: Propose a quick hypothesis and ask for data that would prove or disprove it.
•Read exhibits actively: Call out what the chart shows, note anomalies, and connect numbers to business implications.
•Synthesize often: Give interim takeaways as the interviewer supplies new facts so they can steer follow ups toward your strengths.

Candidate-Led Cases

Candidate-led cases place the candidate in the driver's seat to frame the problem, propose a framework, and control the following questions. Interviewers provide information upon request and evaluate your ability to prioritize issues, construct a MECE issue tree, and lead the analysis. This style mimics consulting work where you structure a client problem and run the investigation.

Core Skills Evaluated in Candidate-Led Cases

Interviewers look for clear structure, logical prioritization, hypothesis formation, and the ability to sequence analyses that drive toward an implementable recommendation. They also test stakeholder management instincts by watching how you involve the interviewer and adapt when new constraints appear.

How to Take Charge Effectively

•Open with a crisp problem statement and a one-page framework: Show the areas you will investigate and why they matter.
•Prioritize with impact in mind: Choose which branches of the framework to explore first and explain the trade-offs.
•Ask focused questions: Request the specific data you need for your highest priority hypotheses.
•Manage the clock: Allocate time and call out when you will run quick back of the envelope calculations versus deep dives.
•Synthesize to show progress: Periodically summarize what the evidence means for your recommendation and what still needs answering.

Practice Questions to Sharpen Both Formats

•How do you structure a market entry case when you have limited data?
•Which quick metrics reveal a profitability problem: revenue per customer, contribution margin, or fixed cost absorption?
•What clarifying question would you ask first in an M&A commercial due diligence scenario?
•Role play both formats with a partner: let one person act as the interviewer and switch control mid-case to simulate fundamental interview dynamics.

Tools to Help You Land Your Consulting Offer

Landing a consulting offer is a challenging yet achievable goal with the right tools and preparation. Drawing from top competitor insights and proven candidate experiences, here is a detailed guide on the best tools to help you secure a consulting offer.

1. Comprehensive Case Interview Course

A structured case interview course is essential for success in consulting interviews, especially for candidates from non-business backgrounds or those with rusty skills. The correct course breaks down complex cases into manageable steps, ensuring mastery of problem-solving frameworks, business intuition, and mental math. Many top performers have benefited from courses that include step-by-step guides, multiple practice cases, and expert solutions, transforming candidates into top 1% performers.

These courses also typically offer a range of difficulty levels and progression paths tailored to individual schedules and starting points. With thousands of positive reviews applauding their effectiveness, they provide critical drills in case of math, structuring, and real interview simulations. Investing in such a course can significantly boost confidence and increase the chances of receiving offers from elite firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain.

2. Targeted Fit Interview Preparation

Behavioral and fit questions often decide the final consulting offer. Specialized fit interview preparation courses focus on the most frequent behavioral questions, teaching candidates how to craft compelling narratives that highlight leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. These resources typically condense preparation into a few hours, making them efficient for busy candidates while covering 98% of the behavioral questions likely to arise.

A top-rated fit interview course guides candidates in using frameworks like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers, ensuring clarity and impact. Past participants have praised these courses for making them stand out during interviews by delivering polished, genuine responses that resonate with interviewers’ expectations.

3. Professional Resume Review Services

Your resume is your first impression and a crucial tool in landing interviews. Expert resume review services customize your CV to meet the high standards of top consulting firms. Reviewers focus on showcasing quantifiable achievements, leadership experience, and problem-solving capabilities, aligning the document with consulting firm expectations.

Candidates consistently report increased interview invitations after using professional review services that offer detailed feedback and revision suggestions. These services ensure your resume effectively demonstrates why you’re the ideal candidate, increasing visibility to recruiters at McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and other top firms.

4. Personalized Case Interview Coaching

One-on-one coaching with experienced former consultants provides bespoke guidance tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. Personalized coaching is the chance to practice challenging cases, receive immediate feedback, and develop interview confidence in a safe and supportive environment. Coaches share insider tips on how to handle curveball questions and develop a strategic mindset.

Coaching clients often describe significant improvements in their case performance and mindset, reporting increased self-assurance and preparedness. This direct mentorship from former consulting interviewers is invaluable in bridging the gap between practice and real interview pressures.

5. Ultimate Consulting Offer Package

For those seeking a comprehensive solution, the ultimate consulting package combines resume review, cover letter critique, comprehensive case and fit interview courses, and personalized coaching. This package creates a streamlined path to consulting success by covering every critical preparation area at once, often at a discounted rate compared to purchasing individually.

Candidates opting for this holistic approach benefit from synergy across study materials and personalized guidance, ensuring no aspect of the consulting interview process is overlooked. This integrated prep plan has been a go-to choice for many successful candidates aiming to maximize their chances of receiving multiple consulting offers.

Skip the $5,000 case coach and land your consulting offer anyway; CaseTutor gives you fully conversational AI interviews that mirror real McKinsey, BCG, and Bain sessions, with personalized feedback reports and a custom roadmap to fix your weak spots. While others spend thousands on human coaches or flip through static case books, you can master thinking out loud with 100 plus realistic cases and practice like the pros to land your dream job.

Get your Dream Job with the help of CaseTutor

CaseTutor gives fully conversational AI interviews that mirror real McKinsey, BCG, and Bain sessions. You speak out loud, build frameworks, run mental math, and respond to pushback. Each session ends with a personalized feedback report and a custom roadmap that targets your weak spots. You can work through 100-plus realistic cases focused on consulting skills, product sense, or business operations. Want to replace expensive hourly coaching with on-demand, repeatable practice?

How the AI Simulates Partner-level Pressure and Coaching

The system asks the questions partners ask. It challenges your structure, requests analyses, and tests your assumptions. You get interruptions, clarifying questions, and data drops that force you to pivot. Simulated time pressure and turn-taking train you to think out loud. Scores break down problem solving, math accuracy, chart reading, commercial judgment, and communication. Curious how one mock will feel compared with a real interview?

Detailed Feedback Reports and a Roadmap that Fixes Real Faults

After every session you receive granular feedback on issue identification, hypothesis driven structure, calculation speed, and client facing delivery. The roadmap lays out targeted drills, example frameworks, and a sequence of cases to close each gap. It recommends focused practice on market sizing drills, profitability decomposition, or operations improvement scenarios, depending on your weak spots. Which skill would you want to prioritize first?

Why This is Smarter Than Static Case Books or Pricier Human Coaches

Static case books give patterns. A one-time coach costs a lot but limits repetition. CaseTutor gives scale, immediate feedback, and repeatable scenarios that build muscle memory. You get varied case types, tracked progress, and targeted practice plans without scheduling conflicts. The platform also logs your sessions, allowing you to replay your reasoning and track improvement over time. How many practice hours would you rather log before interview day?

Who Benefits Most From This Approach

Students aiming for consulting internships, new grads prepping for first rounds, and early career professionals switching into consulting, product, or business operations get the most direct lift. Recruiters and hiring managers value clear articulation and structured problem solving as much as raw knowledge. Practicing out loud with realistic cases helps you deploy frameworks under pressure and deliver crisp recommendations. Which role are you preparing for?

The 16 Types of Consulting Cases You Should Know