What it is
What is Raven's Progressive Matrices?
Raven's Progressive Matrices is one of the best-known tests of abstract reasoning. Each question shows a grid of shapes that follow a hidden rule, with one cell left blank. Your job is to work out the rule and pick the option that belongs in the blank.
The questions use only shapes and patterns — no words and no numbers. This is why it is called a nonverbal test. It is used in schools, in clinical settings, and by employers to measure how well someone reasons through new problems.
The matrix format is the same one used across most matrix reasoning tests, so practising either one helps with the other.
The three versions
CPM, SPM and APM — what's the difference?
There are three main versions of the test. They share the same format but differ in who they are for and how hard they are.
Coloured Progressive Matrices
- Who it's for
- Children (roughly 5–11), older adults, and people with learning difficulties
- Length
- 36 questions, in three sets
- Difficulty
- Easiest
Printed in colour to hold attention and keep the task clear.
Standard Progressive Matrices
- Who it's for
- The general population, from school age to adult
- Length
- 60 questions, in five sets (A–E)
- Difficulty
- Moderate — gets harder as you go
The original version. Black-and-white patterns that rise in difficulty.
Advanced Progressive Matrices
- Who it's for
- High-ability teenagers and adults; used to hire graduates and managers
- Length
- A short warm-up set plus 36 harder questions
- Difficulty
- Hardest
Designed to tell apart people who all score near the top of the Standard test.
How to prepare
How to prepare for Raven's Progressive Matrices
You cannot revise the answers, but you can train the skill. A few things make the biggest difference:
- Learn the common patterns. Most questions use a small set of rules — rotation, movement, adding or removing shapes, and so on. Study the common patterns until you spot them fast.
- Work row by row, then column by column. Check what changes across each row and down each column before you look at the options.
- Practise under time pressure. If the test is for a job, it will be timed. Get used to moving on when a question is taking too long.
- Build up in difficulty. Start easy to lock in the method, then move to harder sets so the real test feels familiar.
Start practising
Practice the Raven's style now
Dedicated Coloured, Standard and Advanced practice tests are on the way. In the meantime, the free matrix reasoning test uses the same format — no account required.
FAQ
Common questions
- Is Raven's Progressive Matrices an IQ test?
- It is not a full IQ test on its own. It measures fluid intelligence — your ability to spot patterns and solve new problems without using words or maths. Psychologists often use it as part of a wider assessment, and it correlates strongly with general intelligence.
- Which version of the test will I take?
- It depends on who is testing you. Children, older adults, and people with learning difficulties usually take the Coloured version (CPM). The Standard version (SPM) is used for the general population. Employers hiring graduates or managers usually use the Advanced version (APM), which is the hardest.
- How many questions are there and how long does it take?
- It varies by version. The Standard test has 60 questions in five sets. The Coloured test has 36. The Advanced test has a short warm-up set plus 36 harder questions. In a hiring setting the test is usually timed; in a clinical setting it is often untimed.
- Can you practise for Raven's Progressive Matrices?
- Yes. You cannot memorise the answers, but practice helps a lot. Getting familiar with the format, learning the common pattern types, and working under time pressure all reduce surprises on test day and help you work faster and more calmly.
- Are these the official Raven's questions?
- No. The official questions are copyright-protected. Every question on this site is original practice material built in the same format and difficulty, so you can prepare without seeing the real items in advance.