Test Yourself with Raven's Progressive Matrices - Sample Questions & Answers for SPM and APM
Updated: July 30th, 2025 | Trusted by over 1,600 Candidates
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!
Did You Know?
Raven's include three test types:
- Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test (APM) – More intricate, typically about 23 questions in 40 minutes.
- Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Test (SPM) – More moderate, typically 43 questions in 47 minutes.
- Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices Test (CPM) – Used for young children and the elderly. Read about it in our dedicated page on Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices
Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test (APM)
The questions in this Raven's assessment test include a 3X3 matrix. You must identify the pattern and select the missing element to complete the bottom right slot. We will start with an easy example and then move on to more challenging progressive matrices. The Raven's Advanced Matrices will be included along with tips and insights on the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test, helping you tackle more difficult questions effectively.
Sample Question #1 - Progression Rule
Observe the following matrix:
Which of the following completes the pattern?
The correct answer is
The third image in the first two rows is the result of adding a diagonal line pattern to the top half of the first image in the first two rows. Thus, the third image of the bottom row must be the result of adding a diagonal line pattern to the top half of the first image in the bottom row.
In Progression rule questions the object changes, or rather progresses with every step throughout the row or the column (the direction may vary).
Sample Question #2 - Motion Rule
Observe the following matrix:
Which of the following completes the pattern?
The correct answer is
The second image in each row is the result of moving the three shapes in the first image in each row closer together, and the third image in the first two rows is the result of placing the shapes from the first image in each row inside each other. Thus, the third image in the bottom row must have the shapes from the first image in the bottom row inside each other.
In motion rule questions, the objects move (change their position) with each step. Usually, the motion is of one or more of the objects inside a frame. To identify the movement of the inner object, it is useful to compare the outer object or frames across either the rows or columns.
Sample Question #3 – Rotation Rule
Observe the following matrix:
Which of the following completes the pattern?
The correct answer is
The first image in each row has a small black square on the left side of the bigger square, the second image in each row has the same small black square now in the middle of the bigger square, and the third image in the first two rows has the small black square on the right side of the bigger square. Thus, the third image in the bottom row must have the small black square on the right side of the bigger square.
In rotation rule questions, the figures in the matrix rotate in a determined pattern across either rows or columns.
Sample Question #4 - Construction Rule
Observe the following matrix:
Which of the following completes the pattern?
The correct answer is
We can solve this problem row-wise or column-wise. Both the rows and the columns follow the same pattern.
The third tile in each column (or row) combines (or constructs) the black areas from the first two tiles using OR logic.
What Is OR Logic?
An area is black in the result if it's black in the first tile OR the second tile (or both). This means the third tile will have more black area than the first two figures.
Note: Some patterns use AND logic instead (an area is black only if it's black in BOTH tiles), but this matrix uses OR logic.
In construction rule questions, two objects from the same row or column are combined to form the third object. In simple matrices, this combination might look just like a simple addition equation.
Sample Question #5
Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern.
Which of the following is the missing piece?
The Correct Answer is:
Each figure in the matrix contains a different number and arrangement of arrows, following two consistent patterns:
- Left to Right (Rows): An arrow is added to the figure in a counterclockwise direction.
- Top to Bottom (Columns): An arrow is removed from the figure in a clockwise direction.
To determine the missing figure, we need to apply both patterns:
- It should have one more arrow than the figure to its left, added counterclockwise.
- It should have one fewer arrow than the figure above it, removed clockwise.
This means the missing figure must have five arrows. Among the answer choices with five arrows, only one matches the correct counterclockwise addition and clockwise removal pattern, making it the correct answer.
Tip: How to Recognize Different Patterns?
When approaching spatial inductive questions – and especially progressive matrices, there is great importance in identifying different patterns quickly and accurately. Since time is short, and questions may become increasingly difficult – it is crucial not only to practise ahead but also to learn to recognize recurring patterns.
Recurring patterns may include figures (such as circles, triangles, and rectangles), moving clockwise/anti-clockwise, the direction of lines, and changing colours (mostly black or white). For Raven's Assessments, there will usually be one recurring pattern along the rows and another along the columns.
For example, Raven's Progressive Matrices question #3 on this test consists of a basic, moving black square inside a large white square – which moves left-to-right along the rows, and up-and-down along the columns. Question #1 starts as a blank square (top left). As it descends down the rows, it adds diagonal lines for each step. It does the same as it moves left along the columns. Since the direction of the diagonal lines is opposite for rows and columns – you can quickly figure that the part of the square that includes lines from both rows or bottom will present a new, unique pattern, not yet seen.
Sample Question #6
Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern.
Which of the following is the missing piece?
The Correct Answer is:
Each cell in the matrix contains a square with a particular arrangement of inner stars, following two consistent patterns:
- Left to Right (Rows): A star is removed from the second row from left to right.
- Top to Bottom (Columns): A star is removed from the third column from top to bottom.
To determine the missing figure, we need to apply both patterns:
- It should have only the bottom two stars in the rightmost column.
- It should have only one star in the second row.
Sample Question #7
Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern.
Which of the following is the missing piece?
The Correct Answer is:
In this question, each image contains a circle with straight vertical lines inside the circle, and in some of the images, parts of the circle or lines are missing.
In every column, the first image is the “full” one. The second image loses the lower line of the + shape inside the circle, and the third image loses the right line of the + shape inside the circle.
In every row, the first image is the “full” one. The second image loses the right-upper quarter of the circle, and the third one loses the circle's left-upper quarter.
The missing image is the third in both the third row and column, so it will have the right and left upper quarters missing and the lower and right lines of the + shape missing.
Tip: Eliminating Answers
Given the time- constraint often imposed on cognitive assessments, there is no shame in using elimination as a shortcut to the right answer. The same is true for Raven's Progressive Matrices.
Use the observed patterns to eliminate unlikely options. If you notice that the number of shapes is increasing, then any option with fewer or the same number of shapes can probably be eliminated. Try to mentally place the remaining options into the empty slot. Does it complete both the row and the column patterns? If so, you may have found your answer.
For the previous example, you can immediately eliminate the entire bottom row – which includes figures that already appeared in the matrix. Since the matrix shows a pattern of reduction, it is not plausible that a figure would appear twice. The advantage of this method is that even when you are uncertain of the answer and have to take a guess – it becomes an educated guess, and the chances of answering correctly increase.
Sample Question #8
Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern.
Which of the following is the missing piece?
The Correct Answer is:
The third image in the first two rows is the result of combining the horizontal and vertical lines that appear in both of the first two images with the diagonal lines that only appear in the first or second image, but not both. Thus, the third image in the bottom row must be the result of combining the horizontal and vertical lines that appear in both of the first two images with the diagonal lines that only appear in the first or second image, but not both.
Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test comes in a long version (23 questions in 40 minutes), or a shorter version (12 questions in 15 minutes). Either way, the questions vary in difficulty - their become increasingly more challengin due to nearing time limit, difficulty, and fatigue as the test progresses.
Raven's progressive matrices test, and the advance progressive matrices in particular, are the basis for many abstract reasoning tests, like the Talent-Q Elements, which is a very popular test.
The best way to succeed in the test is practise. Seeing, analysing, and responding to many different matrices and patterns is essential to success. You can find many of Raven's APM practise tests and, study guides, and detailed explanation with solving tips in our All-Inclusive Raven Matrices PrepPack.
Let's look at a couple of examples of the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) Test, which vary in format and difficulty:
Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Test (SPM)
The questions in this aptitude test include either an image of different figures or patterns. You must identify what the missing figure is, in matrices of different sizes (i.e., 2X2). The Raven's SPM IQ Test is typically given to a younger population, and the SPM scores are accordingly evaluated against a norm group consisting of younger people.
Let's take a look at three standard progressive matrices:
Sample Question #9
Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern.
Which of the following is the missing piece?
The Correct Answer is:
The missing piece should have black vertical lines that bend outwards and white horizontal lines that bend inwards.
Sample Question #10
Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern.
Which of the following is the missing piece?
The Correct Answer is:
The horizontal solid lines appear to be curving inward and outward while the vertical dashed lines appear to be curving inward only. Thus, the correct answer choice must contain horizontal solid lines that curve inward and then outward while the vertical dashed lines curve inward.
Sample Question #11
Observe the following progressive matrix and identify the pattern.
Which of the following is the missing piece?
The Correct Answer is:
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.
What Do Raven's Progressive Matrices Measure?
Raven's test was originally developed by John C. Raven in 1936 to be an IQ test, or a test of general intelligence. In theory, this means the higher a test-taker scores, the more "intelligent" they can be said to be.
In practice, though, Raven's Progressive Matrices test measures inductive, abstract reasoning skills. That is, the ability to identify patterns and infer rules in visual information.
So, Why Is Raven’s Used as an IQ Test? How Is It Relevant to My Life?
Inductive and abstract thinking have been shown to correlate well with other aspects of cognitive ability, like deductive reasoning or numerical reasoning. It has also been linked with factors such as job success and satisfaction. Notably, the Raven's Progressive Matrices are relatively unskewed by language or cultural bias, due to their nonverbal format.
But these correlations are not perfect. Ultimately, many factors influence your intelligence, and other factors besides intelligence contribute to a good score, practice being a major one.
In my role as JobTestPrep's expert on abstract reasoning tests, I have had the opportunity to collect and understand various methods of sharpening nonverbal inductive skills.
Here are a few other assessments of abstract reasoning skills that I have worked on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enI8f-tXOuY&t=3s
Learn abotu abstract reasoning tests
How is Raven's Progressive Matrices Test Scored?
Scoring and interpretation for the Raven IQ Test is more complex than the typical calculation of a number of correct answers scores.
Each item has a level of difficulty and discrimination that is factored into the scoring. For example, suppose you answered properly the more difficult and discriminating questions in the test. In that case, you will obtain higher marks than a candidate who properly answered the easier and less discriminating ones.
To calculate your APM score, you'll first be given a theta score, which is the basic prediction of your capability. The theta scores range from -4.000 to +4.000. Scores at the bottom of the scale (-4.000) suggest someone with extremely low ability, while scores at the top (+4.000) suggest someone with extremely high ability.
In the second step, your theta score is transformed to percentiles for easier comprehension and comparison after it is calculated. This will be the score displayed in the profile reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), sometimes known as Raven's Matrices, is a nonverbal exam designed to examine general human intelligence and abstract reasoning abilities. It is similar in nature to other abstract reasoning tests such as the Alva Labs Logic Test and Matrigma.
The test consists of 36 questions you’ll have to answer in 40 minutes. In each question, you’ll see a 3x3 matrix of geometric shapes with one piece missing. Your task is to select the correct tile from a collection of six options to complete the general pattern in the matrix.
The Raven’s test is designed to evaluate how well individuals perceive analogies and reason through visual problems. It is widely used in areas like research, employee selection, and cognitive testing due to its ability to assess thinking skills without relying on language, making it suitable for people from different backgrounds.
Raven's progressive matrices measure general fluid intelligence. A larger number of correct answers than average indicates above-average intelligence, and vice versa.
Due to a lack of cultural bias, Raven's Test is considered a very effective and accurate tool of assessing cognitive thinking and intellectual capacity.
Past versions of the Raven Test were scored by simply counting the correct answers and awarding a point for each. New test versions, however, use a more complex system known as theta sores.
Theta scores range from +4 to -4 (indicating high and low ability, respectively), and take into account not only whether the answer was right or wrong but also the item difficulty and discrimination (difficulty being the portion of people who fail to answer it correctly, discrimination being its ability to differentiate between poor and high performers).
Thus, getting a difficult question right will affect your theta score more than getting an easy question right.
In any case, your theta scores are converted to a percentile rank, which indicates how well you did as compared with your peers. This is the score that will appear on your report. The highest achievable percentile score is 99, which means you are in the top 1% of your norm group.
You can absolutely prepare yourself for the Raven’s APM, and we highly recommend practise before taking it. Many of the Raven questions appear to be difficult at first look, but there are standard rules that repeat throughout the test that you can learn in advance.
Raven's Progressive Matrices is considered a reliable and valid measure of intelligence, particularly fluid intelligence. Studies have shown that the test has high internal consistency and test-retest reliability, meaning that it tends to produce stable and consistent results over time. Additionally, it correlates strongly with other well-established IQ tests, such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS).
However, like any test, it is not perfect. The accuracy can be influenced by factors such as the test-taker's level of concentration, familiarity with similar tests, or test anxiety.
Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices
The SPM raven test is used when screening entry-level candidates. It is commonly used for positions requiring lateral thinking, decision-making skills and analytical abilities. It has 60 questions that are needed to be completed within 40 minutes. The type of questions in this test is a bit easier than the APM Raven’s test.
Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices
These matrices were designed for people with general lower ability because of age - very old or young test-takers. It contains the two first sets from the Standard Matrices with an additional set of 12 items inserted in between the two. The questions are presented on a colored background to make them visually stimulating.
Short Advanced Progressive Matrices
The difference between Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices and the Short APM is the number of questions and the amount of time it takes to finish the test. This simplified version of Raven's intelligence test consists of only 12 questions and must be completed in under 15 minutes.
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Very good practice, multiple levels of difficulty, very good explanation of examples
The tests were perfect, after several practice runs I scored 98th percentile on the actual test.
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Reliable test to practice the actual assessment, to get acquainted with the kind of questions, the patterns, and the time limit.
Only difference: test is shorter in time
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