Missing Shape Questions: Finding the Figure That Completes the Pattern
Missing shape questions present an incomplete sequence or matrix with a gap. Your task is to find the figure that completes the pattern. The gap can be at the end (next figure), in the middle, or in a matrix cell. These questions combine all the skills from other abstract reasoning question types: you must identify the rule and apply it to find the missing piece. This article explains how to approach them systematically.
Where Can the Missing Figure Be?
End of sequence – The sequence is: A, B, C, D, ?. You find the next figure. This is the most common. The rule applies from left to right; you extend it one step.
Middle of sequence – The sequence is: A, B, ?, D, E. The missing figure is in the middle. You must infer it by applying the rule both forwards (from A, B) and backwards (from D, E). The rule must be consistent in both directions.
Matrix cell – A 3×3 matrix has one empty cell. You find the figure that belongs there. The rule may apply by row, by column, or by position. You use the other cells to infer the rule and complete the missing cell.
Multiple gaps – Rarely, there are two or more gaps. You may need to find one first, then use it to find the other. Or the gaps may be independent.
Step-by-Step Approach
Step 1: Identify the structure – Is it a sequence (row of figures) or a matrix? Where is the gap? End, middle, or matrix cell?
Step 2: Look at the whole pattern – Don't focus only on the figures next to the gap. The rule must hold for the entire pattern. Scan all figures first.
Step 3: Compare consecutive figures – What changes from figure to figure? Rotation? Number? Colour? Size? Position? List the changes.
Step 4: Formulate the rule – Describe it in words. "Each figure rotates 90° clockwise." Or "One dot is added per figure." Or "Colours alternate black-white."
Step 5: Apply the rule – For an end gap: take the last figure and apply the transformation. For a middle gap: apply forwards from the figure before the gap, or backwards from the figure after. For a matrix: apply the row/column rule to the missing cell.
Step 6: Match the options – Which option matches your predicted figure? If none do, re-check the rule. You may have missed a cycle, a rule change, or a combined rule.
Step 7: Verify – Apply the rule to the whole pattern. Does it work everywhere? If the rule fails for any figure, revise it.
Special Cases
Middle gap – The rule must work forwards and backwards. From A and B, you predict what C should be. From D and E, you also predict what C should be. Both predictions must match. This is a strong check: if they don't match, your rule is wrong.
Matrix – Check rows first. Does each row follow a rule? Then columns. Does each column follow a rule? Sometimes the rule is "row 2 = row 1 rotated 90°; row 3 = row 2 rotated 90°." The missing cell is in row 3—apply the rule to row 2. Or the rule might be by column. Or the rule might be "each row has one of each shape type"—the missing cell is the shape that's missing from its row.
Rule change – The pattern may have two phases. Figures 1–3 follow rule A; figures 4–6 follow rule B. The missing figure might be in the transition or in one phase. Identify which phase it belongs to and apply the correct rule.
Cycle – The pattern may repeat. If the sequence is A, B, C, A, B, ? then the next is C (cycle of 3). The missing figure might complete a cycle. Don't assume linear progression.
Combined rules – Shape, rotation, colour, size may all change. The correct answer must satisfy all rules. Check each attribute.
Tips for Speed
Use the middle gap as a check – If the gap is in the middle, use both sides to infer the missing figure. The two inferences must agree. This catches errors.
Eliminate wrong options – Rule out options that clearly violate the pattern. Wrong rotation, wrong count, wrong colour. Narrow down quickly.
Start with the most common rules – Rotation (90°), alternation, +1 progression. Check these first. They appear most often.
Don't overcomplicate – The rule is usually simple. If you're inventing a complex explanation, step back. There may be a simpler rule you missed.
Verify with one extra figure – If possible, check that your rule works for one more figure than the gap. That confirms you have the right rule.
Common Mistakes
Assuming the rule from two figures – Two figures can suggest many rules. Always verify with the full pattern. The rule must fit everywhere.
Wrong direction for middle gap – You applied the rule in one direction only. For a middle gap, use both directions. They must give the same answer.
Ignoring one attribute – You found the rotation rule but missed the colour rule. The wrong option might have the right rotation but wrong colour. Check all varying attributes.
Wrong matrix structure – You assumed the rule is by row when it's by column. Or vice versa. Check both.
Missing the cycle – The pattern repeats. The "next" figure is the same as an earlier one. You assumed it must be different. Check for cycles before concluding.
Practice with abstract reasoning questions and the abstract reasoning test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the missing figure when it's in the middle?
Apply the rule forwards from the figure before the gap, and backwards from the figure after. Both should give the same missing figure. If they don't, your rule is wrong or the pattern has a rule change at that point.
What if the matrix has no obvious row or column rule?
Check for position-based rules (e.g. centre is different, corners are the same). Or the rule might be "each row contains one of each shape"—the missing cell is the shape missing from its row. Or check diagonal patterns.
Can the missing figure be "none of the above"?
Rarely. Standard tests assume one correct answer. If no option fits your rule, re-check the rule. You may have missed a cycle, a rule change, or a combined rule.