Raven's Progressive Matrices Test Practice Guide [2026]
Updated: March, 2026 | Trusted by over 1,600 Candidates
Start practicing with our Free Raven's Matrices Test now, which includes questions of varying difficulty levels for both APM and SPM tests. Alternatively, continue reading below for additional insights into the test.
The Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) Test is a high-level, non-verbal assessment used to estimate fluid intelligence (often referred to as the Raven's IQ Test).
On this page, you can test yourself with a free Raven's Progressive Matrices practice test, including sample questions and detailed answers for both the Standard (SPM) and Advanced (APM) versions. We’ll focus on the first two Raven's Matrices tests, with a special emphasis on APM. Let's get started!
Raven's includes three test types:
The Raven's Matrices Test (also known as the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test) is a renowned non-verbal assessment tool designed to evaluate abstract reasoning and fluid intelligence. This popular test is highly regarded for its ability to measure intellectual capacity and cognitive abilities without cultural bias.
The test measures unique cognitive abilities – mostly logic, pattern recognition, and induction. The questions include different complete patterns figures in matrices – with multiple answering options. The test consists of a series of increasingly complex visual geometric designs, where test-takers must identify the missing element to complete the patterns.
Note: It is crucial to review many examples of different figures and recognize a variety of common patterns (such as clockwise movement, changing of shapes, and increasing/decreasing numbers).
Get a feel for Raven's Matrices Test by answering these interactive questions that simulate the real assessment.
Or, scroll down to take a regular Raven's test.
In the following Raven's Progressive Matrices problem, you have a 2x2 matrix of shapes that follow a specific pattern or rule. Your task is to figure out the rule and determine which shape completes the matrix.
In the following Raven's Progressive Matrices problem, you have a 3x3 matrix of shapes that follow a specific pattern or rule.
Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern.
Choose the correct answer:
Answer: The correct answer is:
The second image in the first two rows is the result of removing a small square from the bottom rectangle in the first image and the third image is the result of removing another small square from the bottom rectangle in the second image. Thus, the third image in the bottom row must be the result of removing a small rectangle from the bottom line of the second image.
In the following question, you will see a 2x2 matrix of shapes that follows an easy-to-spot pattern.
Carefully examine the progressive matrix and determine the correct pattern.
Choose the correct answer:
The correct answer is:
Note that the patterns are diagonally mirrored from one box to its diagonal counterpart. The first image in the bottom row is the result of mirroring the first image in the top row over the x-axis. Thus, the second image in the bottom row must be the result of mirroring the second image in the top row over the x-axis.
In the following question, you do not have detailed matrices to focus on; rather, you need cognitive ability to identify the correct pattern that completes the figure.
Observe the image carefully matrix and choose the answer that continues the pattern.
Choose the correct answer:
The correct answer is:
The straight solid lines seem to bend in and then out, and the dotted lines going up and down bend only inwards. So, the right answer should show the straight solid lines curving in and out, and the dotted up and down lines curving in.
In the following Raven's Progressive Matrix, you should identify the patterns of shapes and figures across rows and columns.
Analyze the common figures and determine the correct pattern.
Choose the correct answer:
The correct answer is:
In each line of pictures, the second one is made by pushing the three parts from the first one closer. And the third picture in the first two lines shows those parts stacked inside each other.
Therefore, for the last picture on the bottom line, you should stack the three parts from the first picture inside each other.
Now that you know about the different kinds of Raven's Matrix questions and how to tackle them, it's time to put that knowledge into practice.
To ensure you get an excellent score on your assessment, we've redesigned our Raven'a Matrices Adaptive PrepPack™ so it no only simulates the actual test, it also adjusts to you as you go.
Sessions raise the difficulty as you answer correctly, and switch to in-depth explanations the moment a knowledge gap appears. Once you reach mastery in a topic, your study plan moves on, so you're never stuck repeating what you already know or rushed past what you haven't.
Every simulation comes with a detailed score report, including your Progress Score and your Relative Score, like the example below:
Are you looking for additional assessments? Have a look at out our Cognitive Ability Test, Matrigma Test, Wonderlic Practice Test or our Pre-Employment Personality Tests.
This additional question has been taken from our Raven's Matrices Assessment PrepPack, designed to enhance your pattern recognition skills through a variety of question types and examples.
Carefully examine the diverse shapes within the boxes and determine the correct pattern.
Choose the correct answer:
The correct answer is:
Each diagram can be seen as a series of triangles around a horizontal axis. At each step, the right hand triangle relocates to the beginning of the sequence causing a shift to the right.
Have you been invited for a Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) assessment instead? The Raven's CPM test targets younger or considerably older candidates by using shapes mainly against colored backgrounds for visual stimulation.
Speed and Accuracy: Quickly and correctly recognize patterns, focusing on spatial reasoning and progressive matrices.
Time Management: Keep track of time constraints.
Complexity Awareness: Anticipate an increase in question complexity as you progress.
Pattern Recognition: Master the identification of recurring patterns, crucial for these tasks.
Shape Familiarity: Become comfortable with various shapes, such as circles, triangles, and rectangles.
Rotation Direction: Note rotational movements, which can be clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Line Orientation: Observe line placement and direction within the shapes.
Color Shifts: Watch for color changes, especially in common colors like black and white.
Row and Column Patterns: Identify consistent patterns across rows and distinct patterns down columns.
If you practice Raven's Matrices questions again and again, especially under time-pressure, you'll get better and your scores will go up, a lot. It's tough to get a high score if you don't know all the tricks and don't practice sufficiently for it!
Our comprehensive Raven's Matrices Adaptive PrepPack™ includes:
The Raven's test measures fluid intelligence, which includes abstract reasoning, cognitive thinking, problem-solving, and pattern recognition skills. It is widely used to assess intellectual capacity without the influence of language skills.
The advanced progressive matrices include more complex patterns and higher item difficulty levels. These questions require advanced problem-solving abilities and are designed for individuals with above-average intelligence.
As a non verbal test tool, the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test relies on visual geometric designs rather than language-based questions, making it less susceptible to cultural and linguistic biases.
Yes, practice can significantly improve your performance. By familiarizing yourself with the test formats and developing your analytical skills, you can achieve higher scores standardized tests and demonstrate greater cognitive capacity.
