What Is Raven's Progressive Matrices?
The Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) was created by British psychologist John C. Raven in 1938. It is one of the most widely used non-verbal intelligence tests in the world. Instead of words or numbers, it uses visual patterns: every question shows a 3×3 matrix of figures with the bottom-right piece missing, and you must choose the piece that completes the pattern from six or eight options.
Because the test does not rely on language, reading, or cultural knowledge, it is often described as a culture-fair measure of reasoning ability. It is suitable for ages 6 to 70 and has been used in schools, clinics, and research for decades.
How This Test Works
- 60 questions in 5 groups (A–E), each group contains 12 questions of increasing difficulty.
- Group A tests perceptual discrimination - simple pattern completion.
- Group B tests analogies - the same relationship appears in different figures.
- Group C tests comparative reasoning - patterns that add up or subtract across rows and columns.
- Group D tests serial relationships - rotation, movement, and progression.
- Group E tests abstract reasoning - several rules changing at the same time.
There is no time limit. You can revisit any question with the Prev/Next buttons or the question map before submitting. After you submit, you will immediately see your total score, an estimated IQ score, a percentile ranking, a five-level grade, and a per-group breakdown with study suggestions for your weakest area.
How to Read Your Result
The IQ score is an estimate calibrated so that 100 is the population average and the standard deviation is 15. Roughly two-thirds of people score between 85 and 115. The percentile tells you the share of the reference population you scored above: a percentile of 75 means you performed better than about 75 out of 100 people.
Treat the result as informal feedback rather than a clinical diagnosis. Fatigue, rushing, and unfamiliarity with the format all influence the score - if your result feels off, a retake on a rested day usually tells you more.
Tips Before You Start
- Find a quiet place; the whole test usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.
- Look at the matrix row by row first, then column by column - most patterns follow either.
- Eliminate options that break an obvious rule before choosing between the rest.
- If you are stuck, skip it and come back - the question map makes this easy.