Common Matrix Reasoning Patterns

A shape rotates by a fixed increment (typically 45°, 90°, or 180°) across the cells. The rotation may proceed left-to-right or continue across rows. This is the most commonly tested pattern type.

Shapes are reflected across a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal axis. Harder variants combine reflection with additional changes such as colour inversion or element addition.

A shape changes incrementally across the grid — growing larger, gaining sides, or transitioning from one shape to another. The rate and type of change must be identified.

One or more elements move between defined positions within each cell according to a consistent rule. Common rules include clockwise position cycling or bouncing between corners.

Two alternating rules apply to the grid — for example, odd-numbered cells follow rule A and even-numbered cells follow rule B. Identifying which cells belong to which rule is the key challenge.

Each row or column contains a specific quantity of an element (shape, colour, or size). The missing cell must supply the correct quantity to maintain the count across all rows and columns.

Two or more independent rules operate simultaneously — for example, one shape rotates while another changes size. These are the most difficult question types because both rules must be identified and applied correctly.

Elements are progressively added to or removed from cells across the grid. A union or intersection operation between cells in the same row or column produces the third cell.

An element moves in a specific direction and changes direction at a defined point — for example, bouncing off the boundary of the cell or reversing after a set number of steps.

Shapes are contained within other shapes, and the inner and outer elements follow separate rules. The challenge is tracking two layers of change simultaneously.