Matrix

Free feature

Matrix is available to all Fomr users.

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.

A matrix component with rows and columns

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

Tip

Matrix questions are efficient but can be overwhelming. Limit to 5-7 rows for best completion rates.

Adding a Matrix component

1. Open your form in the editor

2. Drag the Matrix component from the left sidebar onto your form

3. Click it on the canvas to open its settings

4. Add your rows (items to rate) and columns (rating scale)

Configuration options

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”

Supporting content

Add helper text, an example image, or a divider between the question’s title and its input: drag a Text, Image, or Divider component onto the question and drop it on the line that appears under the title. Supporting text comes with full formatting and answer piping. Learn more in Supporting content.

Rows

The items or statements to be rated. Each row represents one thing being evaluated.

The rows being edited

To manage rows:

• Click to add new rows
• Drag to reorder rows
• Click delete to remove rows
• Edit row text directly
• Paste multiple lines of text to add several rows at once — each line becomes its own row, blank lines are skipped, and supported text formatting is preserved

Tips for rows:

• Keep row text concise
• Use parallel structure
• Limit to 5-7 rows for usability
• Order logically or by importance

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
• Paste multiple lines of text to add several columns at once — each line becomes its own column, blank lines are skipped, and supported text formatting is preserved

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

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

Selecting ratings

Selecting a rating in the matrix

• 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

• Selected cells are clearly highlighted
• Rows with missing selections are indicated (when required)
• Hover states show which cell will be selected

Mobile behavior

On smaller screens the matrix stays usable:

• It scrolls horizontally so every column stays reachable
• Selection areas are sized for touch

Tips

• 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

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

When matrix is marked as required:

• Every row must have a selection
• Incomplete rows are highlighted
• A validation message indicates which rows need attention

Validation error

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

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

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