Rule type in matrix reasoning tests

Turn and change in the cross

How the rule works

The cell is an X with four fields, three symbols and one empty field. With every step to the right the arrangement moves a quarter turn, clockwise or counterclockwise, and with every step downwards likewise. At the same time each symbol changes to the next in a fixed order: the square becomes a circle, the circle a star, the star a square. The empty field moves along but stays empty.

The difficulty is that two things happen at once. Whoever only sees the turn gets the right places but the wrong symbols, and whoever only sees the change gets the right symbols in the wrong places. Both mistakes are among the options. Follow the empty field first: it shows the turn without the change getting in the way. Then read the change off a single symbol.

Solved example

The bottom right cell is the answer, marked. The explanation below the matrix is the same text the app gives.

Rules in the example

  • The symbols move 90° counterclockwise with every step to the right and 90° clockwise with every step downwards, and with every step each symbol changes to the next: a flag pointing right becomes a flag pointing left, a flag pointing left becomes a square and a square becomes a flag pointing right.
  • Everything else is the same in every cell.

Level 2 in the app. The same example is shown in the app after a wrong answer on this rule. Rules in the example: Turn and change in the cross.

How to recognise it

  1. Follow the empty field along the first row. Does it move a quarter turn with every step, and which way?
  2. Follow a single symbol from cell one to two. Does it stay the same symbol, or has it changed?
  3. Work out the empty cell: turn the arrangement a quarter turn from cell two in the last row, and change each symbol to the next.

More about the format: what a matrix reasoning test is and how logical reasoning tests are used in recruitment.

Practise for real.

In the app the tasks are generated on the phone and the answer explains every rule. Five tasks are free; the rest unlocks with a one-time purchase.

Get it on the App Store

Requires an iPhone with iOS 17 or later.