Pattern Completion Questions: How to Find the Missing Piece
Pattern completion questions present you with a grid, sequence or figure that has one missing piece. Your task is to identify the rule that governs the pattern and choose the correct completion from several options. These questions appear in abstract reasoning tests, matrix reasoning tests and many employer assessments. They measure your ability to spot rules and apply them to fill gaps. This article explains what pattern completion questions are, how they work and how to prepare effectively.
What Are Pattern Completion Questions?
Pattern completion questions typically show:
- A grid or sequence – A 3×3 matrix, a row of shapes, or a figure with one element missing
- A rule – A hidden pattern that governs how elements change (e.g. rotation, distribution, progression)
- Options – Four to six possible completions (A, B, C, D, etc.) from which you choose the correct one
The rule is not given. You must infer it from the existing elements. Your job is to find the option that fits the pattern—not just one that looks plausible, but the one that satisfies the rule for the entire grid or sequence.
Why Employers Use Pattern Completion Questions
Employers use these questions because they predict:
- Pattern recognition – How well you spot structure in visual information
- Logical thinking – How you infer and apply rules
- Attention to detail – How carefully you check that your answer fits the whole pattern
- Problem-solving – How you approach gaps and incomplete information
These skills matter in roles that require analysing data, spotting trends or working with incomplete information. Consulting firms, banks and graduate programmes often include pattern completion in their assessment batteries.
Common Question Formats
Matrix completion – A 3×3 grid with one cell missing (often bottom-right, but can be anywhere). You choose the correct completion from multiple options. Rules may apply across rows, down columns or along diagonals.
Sequence completion – A row or column of shapes with one missing. You select the shape that completes the sequence. The rule might involve rotation, size change or the number of elements.
Figure completion – A larger figure with one part missing. You choose the piece that completes it. The rule may involve symmetry, repetition or progression.
Next in series – A sequence of figures; you select the one that comes next. Similar to sequence completion but framed as "what follows?"
Common Rules for Pattern Completion
Row-wise or column-wise rule – Each row (or column) follows a progression. The missing cell completes the row or column. For example, a shape rotates 90° per cell, or the number of elements increases.
Distribution rule – Each row (or column) contains one of each type. For example, one circle, one square, one triangle per row. The missing cell gets the type that is not yet in its row.
Addition or subtraction – Elements are added or removed as you move across or down. The missing cell has the correct number and type of elements.
Transformation – A shape transforms (size, colour, detail) as it moves. The missing cell shows the next step.
Symmetry – The grid or figure is symmetrical. The missing piece mirrors another part.
Combination – Several rules apply. Rows might follow one rule (e.g. rotation) and columns another (e.g. colour). Work through each dimension.
How to Approach Pattern Completion Questions
Scan the whole grid or sequence – Don't focus on one part. The rule must fit the entire pattern.
Check rows first – In matrix questions, row-wise rules are common. Does each row follow a progression?
Check columns – If rows don't reveal the rule, try columns. Sometimes the rule applies vertically.
Check diagonals – Less common, but some patterns use diagonal rules.
Use elimination – Rule out options that clearly violate the pattern. For example, if the rule is "each row has one of each shape," eliminate any option that duplicates a shape already in that row.
Verify your answer – Before committing, check that your chosen option fits the rule for the whole grid, not just one row or column.
Manage your time – If stuck after 45–60 seconds, make your best guess and move on.
Preparation Tips
Practise matrix completion – Matrix questions are very common. Get used to checking rows, columns and diagonals.
Learn distribution rules – "Each row has one of each type" appears frequently. Recognise it quickly.
Practise under timed conditions – Pattern completion is time-pressured. Get used to the pace.
Review your mistakes – Understand why you got questions wrong. Did you miss a dimension? Misapply the rule?
Don't overcomplicate – The correct rule is usually straightforward. If you're inventing a complex explanation, you may have missed a simpler one.
Practice with pattern completion questions and the abstract reasoning test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the missing cell be anywhere in the grid?
Yes. It's often bottom-right, but it can be in any position. The rule still applies—you're completing a row, column or pattern. Adjust your approach accordingly.
What if two options seem to fit?
Re-check the rule. One of them usually violates it when you look at the whole grid. If truly ambiguous, make your best guess and move on.
How long do I have per pattern completion question?
Typically 45–90 seconds, depending on the test. SHL and Korn Ferry often allow around 60 seconds. Practise at that pace.