Non Verbal Reasoning – Figure matrix – Concept of 2 2 matrix and 3 3 matrix.
Contents
- 0.1 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Figure Matrix (2×2 & 3×3 Matrix Concept)
- 0.2 1. What is a Figure Matrix?
- 0.3 2. Types of Figure Matrices
- 0.4 (A) 2×2 Figure Matrix
- 0.5 (B) 3×3 Figure Matrix
- 0.6 3. Common Patterns in Figure Matrices
- 0.7 4. Solving Strategy for Figure Matrix Problems
- 0.8 5. Example Questions & Solutions
- 0.9 Example 1: 2×2 Figure Matrix
- 0.10 Example 2: 3×3 Figure Matrix
- 0.11 Final Tips for Competitive Exams
- 0.12 Non Verbal Reasoning – Figure matrix – Concept of 2 2 matrix and 3 3 matrix.
- 1 Non-Verbal Reasoning: Figure Matrix (2×2 and 3×3 Matrix)
- 1.1 1. What is a Figure Matrix?
- 1.2 2×2 Matrix – Concept and Example
- 1.3 Example (2×2 Matrix)
- 1.4 3×3 Matrix – Concept and Example
- 1.5 Example (3×3 Matrix)
- 1.6 Common Patterns in Figure Matrices
- 1.7 Tips to Solve Quickly
- 1.8 Practice Sources
- 1.9 Non Verbal Reasoning – Figure matrix – Concept of 2 2 matrix and 3 3 matrix.
Non-Verbal Reasoning – Figure Matrix (2×2 & 3×3 Matrix Concept)
Figure Matrix is an important topic in Non-Verbal Reasoning commonly found in SSC, UPSC, GATE, Banking, and other competitive exams.
1. What is a Figure Matrix?
A figure matrix is a set of images arranged in a 2×2 or 3×3 grid where you must find the missing figure by identifying a pattern.
- The rows and columns follow a specific rule (rotation, size change, mirror image, number of elements, etc.).
- The missing figure must complete the logical pattern.
2. Types of Figure Matrices
(A) 2×2 Figure Matrix
Example:
[ A → B ]
[ C → ? ]
The pattern follows A is related to B in the same way C is related to the missing figure.
Identify the logic (e.g., rotation, reflection, shape change, shading, etc.).
(B) 3×3 Figure Matrix
Example:
[ A B C ]
[ D E F ]
[ G H ? ]
Here, each row and column follows a specific transformation rule.
The missing figure (?) should follow the same pattern as others.
3. Common Patterns in Figure Matrices
Rotation: Figures rotate by 90°, 180°, or 270°.
Reflection: Mirror image or water reflection is used.
Size Change: The shape may increase or decrease in size.
Addition/Removal of Elements: New elements are added or removed.
Shading Pattern: Figures may get shaded in a systematic way.
Mathematical Shape Patterns: Each shape follows an arithmetic rule.
4. Solving Strategy for Figure Matrix Problems
Step 1: Look at the given figures and identify patterns.
Step 2: Compare row-wise and column-wise to find relationships.
Step 3: Check for rotation, reflection, symmetry, or transformation.
Step 4: Apply the same pattern to find the missing figure.
5. Example Questions & Solutions
Example 1: 2×2 Figure Matrix
[ 
→ 
]
[ 
→ ? ]
Solution: The triangle flips upside-down (
Example 2: 3×3 Figure Matrix
[ 


]
[ 


]
[ 
? 
]
Solution: The pattern alternates between white (
Final Tips for Competitive Exams
Practice different patterns – Solve at least 50 figure matrix questions before your exam.
Identify transformation types – Rotation, reflection, shading, etc.
Eliminate incorrect options – Use logic to remove wrong choices.
Practice with previous year questions – SSC, UPSC, and Bank exams often repeat question styles.
Would you like practice questions or step-by-step explanations for tricky problems?
Non Verbal Reasoning – Figure matrix – Concept of 2 2 matrix and 3 3 matrix.
Here’s a clear explanation of Non-Verbal Reasoning – Figure Matrix, especially focusing on 2×2 and 3×3 matrices:

Non-Verbal Reasoning: Figure Matrix (2×2 and 3×3 Matrix)
Figure matrices are reasoning puzzles where figures are arranged in a matrix/grid. You need to identify the pattern or logic that governs the rows or columns and find the missing figure.

1. What is a Figure Matrix?
A Figure Matrix is a visual arrangement of figures (shapes/patterns) in the form of a 2×2 or 3×3 grid where one figure is missing.
Your task is to identify the missing figure based on the relationship between rows and columns — similar to how numbers behave in arithmetic matrices.

2×2 Matrix – Concept and Example

Structure:
| A | B |
| C | ? |
Here, A is related to B in the same way that C is related to the missing figure (?).

Common Patterns:
-
Rotation: Shapes rotate from one to the next.
-
Number of Sides: A triangle becomes a square → increase in sides.
-
Shading/Fill: A black shape becomes white → alternating patterns.
-
Addition/Subtraction of elements or lines.

Example (2×2 Matrix)
| ● | ▲ |
| ■ | ? |
Logic:
Top row: Circle → Triangle (0 sides → 3 sides)
Bottom row: Square → ? (4 sides → likely 5 sides → Pentagon)
Answer: Pentagon

3×3 Matrix – Concept and Example

Structure:
| A | B | C |
| D | E | F |
| G | H | ? |
In a 3×3 matrix, the pattern may follow:
-
Row-wise logic: A → B → C, D → E → F, etc.
-
Column-wise logic: A → D → G, B → E → H, etc.
You may also find logic diagonally, or with progressive rotation, mirroring, shape count, etc.

Example (3×3 Matrix)
Let’s say the matrix has a pattern where:
-
Each row has figures that are rotated versions of the same base shape.
-
Row 1: Rotates 90°, 180°, 270°
-
Row 2: Mirror reflections
-
Row 3: Apply same logic — find the third figure.
Strategy: Find consistent transformations across each row or column.

Common Patterns in Figure Matrices
Pattern Type | Description |
---|---|
Rotation | Each figure rotates by a fixed angle |
Flipping/Mirroring | Shapes are mirrored horizontally or vertically |
Shape Addition | New elements are added step-by-step |
Shape Subtraction | Elements are removed across the matrix |
Shading/Color | Alternating shaded/white patterns |
Counting Elements | Dots, lines, corners increase or decrease |

Tips to Solve Quickly
-
Analyze rows & columns separately
-
Count shapes, sides, lines, dots
-
Check for rotation or reflection
-
Look for symmetry or consistent operations
-
Don’t overcomplicate – patterns are visual and logical, not mathematical

Practice Sources
-
R.S. Aggarwal – Non-Verbal Reasoning (Chapters: Figure Matrix)
-
Arihant’s “Non-Verbal Reasoning”
-
SSC, Bank PO, Railways, NDA, CDS, and other aptitude practice books
Would you like:
-
Practice worksheets with answers? -
Visual examples and explanations? -
Daily figure matrix puzzles for practice?
Let me know how you’d like to continue learning!