The Matrix component displays a grid where respondents can rate multiple items using the same scale. This format is useful for collecting comparative feedback on several related items without repeating the same question multiple times.
When to use Matrix
Section titled “When to use Matrix”Matrix is ideal for:
- Rating multiple features or attributes
- Comparing satisfaction across categories
- Evaluating multiple aspects of a service
- Survey questions with repeated scales
- Any situation where multiple items need the same rating scale
Adding a Matrix component
Section titled “Adding a Matrix component”-
Open your form in the editor
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Drag the Matrix component from the left sidebar onto your form
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Click the component to select it and configure its settings
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Add your rows (items to rate) and columns (rating scale)
Configuration options
Section titled “Configuration options”Question label
Section titled “Question label”The main question or prompt displayed above the matrix.
Examples:
- “Please rate the following aspects of our service”
- “How important are these features to you?”
- “Rate your satisfaction with each area”
Description
Section titled “Description”Optional helper text that appears below the question label.
When to use descriptions:
- To explain the rating scale
- To provide instructions
- To clarify what’s being evaluated
Examples:
- “Select one rating for each row”
- “1 = Poor, 5 = Excellent”
- “Consider your experience over the past month”
The items or statements to be rated. Each row represents one thing being evaluated.
To manage rows:
- Click to add new rows
- Drag to reorder rows
- Click delete to remove rows
- Edit row text directly
Tips for rows:
- Keep row text concise
- Use parallel structure
- Limit to 5-7 rows for usability
- Order logically or by importance
Columns
Section titled “Columns”The rating scale options. Each column represents one possible rating.
To manage columns:
- Click to add new columns
- Drag to reorder columns
- Click delete to remove columns
- Edit column headers directly
Common column scales:
- Very Poor / Poor / Average / Good / Excellent
- Strongly Disagree / Disagree / Neutral / Agree / Strongly Agree
- 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
- Not Important / Somewhat Important / Very Important
Required
Section titled “Required”Toggle whether all rows must be rated before the form can be submitted.
When enabled:
- An asterisk (*) appears next to the question label
- Users must select a rating for every row
- A validation message appears if any row is incomplete
Matrix interaction
Section titled “Matrix interaction”Selecting ratings
Section titled “Selecting ratings”- Click any cell to select that rating for that row
- Only one selection per row is allowed
- Selected cells are highlighted
- Click a different column to change the rating
Visual feedback
Section titled “Visual feedback”- Selected cells are clearly highlighted
- Rows with missing selections are indicated (when required)
- Hover states show which cell will be selected
Mobile behavior
Section titled “Mobile behavior”On smaller screens:
- Matrix may scroll horizontally
- Or transform into a stacked layout
- Touch-friendly selection areas
Tips for effective use
Section titled “Tips for effective use”Limit the number of rows. More than 7 rows can feel overwhelming and lead to “straight-lining” (selecting the same answer for all rows).
Use consistent scales. The same scale should make sense for all rows. If items need different scales, use separate questions.
Keep row text short. Long text in rows makes the matrix hard to read and use, especially on mobile.
Order rows logically. Group related items together or order by importance.
Consider alternatives. If you have many items, consider breaking into multiple smaller matrices or using individual rating questions.
Test on mobile. Matrix questions can be challenging on small screens. Test to ensure usability.
Matrix vs. individual questions
Section titled “Matrix vs. individual questions”| Aspect | Matrix | Individual Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Rate many items quickly | One question at a time |
| Comparison | Easy to compare across items | Items rated independently |
| Cognitive load | Higher (many choices visible) | Lower (focused on one item) |
| Mobile UX | Can be challenging | Generally better |
| Completion rate | May be lower for large matrices | Generally higher |
Validation
Section titled “Validation”When matrix is marked as required:
- Every row must have a selection
- Incomplete rows are highlighted
- A validation message indicates which rows need attention
Accessibility
Section titled “Accessibility”The Matrix component is built with accessibility in mind:
- Proper table semantics
- Keyboard navigation (Arrow keys, Tab)
- Screen reader compatible with row/column headers
- Clear focus states
- Radio button semantics for each row
Handling responses
Section titled “Handling responses”Matrix responses in your form results:
- Show each row with its selected rating
- Can be analyzed row by row
- Allow comparison across rows
- Are included in exports with row-column pairs
Analyzing matrix data
Section titled “Analyzing matrix data”Common ways to analyze matrix responses:
- Average per row: Mean rating for each item
- Distribution per row: How ratings spread for each item
- Cross-row comparison: Which items rated highest/lowest
- Pattern analysis: Identify respondents who rate everything the same
Related
- Rating - For single star ratings
- Linear Scale - For single numeric scales
- Multi Choice - For single questions with options
- Ranking - For ordering items by preference
Need help?
For additional assistance with the Matrix component, check our FAQ section or contact our support team.