Size Pattern Questions: How Shapes Grow and Shrink in Abstract Reasoning
Size pattern questions focus on how shapes change in size across figures. A shape may grow, shrink, or alternate between sizes. Your task is to identify the size rule and predict the next size configuration. Size changes often combine with other rules (rotation, colour, position). This article covers common size rules and how to spot them.
What Counts as "Size"?
In abstract reasoning, size can mean:
- Scale – The whole shape gets bigger or smaller. Proportions stay the same.
- Number of elements – More or fewer shapes (e.g. dots, circles) appear. The "size" of the set changes.
- Length or thickness – A line gets longer or shorter; a shape gets thicker or thinner.
- Relative size – One shape is larger than another. The ratio may change (e.g. big-small-big-small).
- Area – The filled area increases or decreases. Often shown as more or less shading.
Size is usually discrete (small, medium, large) rather than continuous. Tests use 2–4 size levels to keep things clear.
How Size Patterns Appear
Figure series – Each figure has shapes of certain sizes. Sizes change from figure to figure. You find the next figure's size configuration.
Matrix – Each cell has shapes of certain sizes. Sizes change by row, by column, or by position. You complete the missing cell.
Odd one out – Several figures are shown. One has the wrong size pattern.
Combined – Size combines with rotation, colour, or position. E.g. the shape rotates 90° and grows each step.
Common Size Rules
Progression – Size increases (small→medium→large) or decreases (large→medium→small) as you move through the sequence. After reaching the end, it may reset or reverse.
Alternation – Size alternates: small, large, small, large. Or big, small, big, small. Very common.
Cycle – Size cycles through 3 levels: small→medium→large→small. Or 4 levels.
Row/column rule – In a matrix, each row (or column) has a size pattern. The pattern may progress or alternate.
Position-based – Size depends on position. Top-left is large; bottom-right is small. Or: centre is largest; corners are smallest.
Correspondence – One shape's size relates to another's. E.g. when one grows, the other shrinks. Or they're always the same size.
Cumulative – Each figure has one more (or one larger) element than the previous. The "size" of the set grows.
Step-by-Step Approach
Step 1: Identify what changes in size – Is it the whole shape? One element? The number of elements? Be clear about what "size" means in this question.
Step 2: Track size across figures – Use notation: S, M, L for small, medium, large. Or 1, 2, 3 for number of elements. Write the sequence: S, M, L, S, M, L. What's the pattern?
Step 3: Check all positions – If there are multiple shapes, does each have its own size rule? Or are they linked?
Step 4: Identify the rule – Progression? Alternation? Cycle? Position-based? Describe it clearly.
Step 5: Apply and match – Apply the rule to get the next size. Match the options. Ensure both size and other attributes (shape, colour) are correct.
Step 6: Verify – Does the rule hold for the whole sequence? If not, re-check. You may have missed a combined rule.
Tips for Speed
Start with alternation – Big-small-big-small is very common. Check that first.
Count elements – If the "size" change is about number (more dots, more shapes), count. Does the count increase, decrease, or alternate?
Use relative terms – You don't need exact measurements. "Larger than previous" or "same as two steps ago" is enough.
Check for reset – After reaching max or min size, does the sequence reset? Small→Medium→Large→Small. The next might be Small again.
Combine with other rules – Size often pairs with rotation or colour. The correct answer must satisfy all rules.
Common Mistakes
Ignoring size – You focused on shape or colour and missed that size also changes. Always check size when it varies.
Wrong progression direction – You assumed growing when it was shrinking. Or the progression applies per row, not per figure.
Confusing number with scale – "Size" might mean number of elements (3 dots vs 4 dots) not scale (big dot vs small dot). Clarify which.
Missing the cycle – The size cycles through 3 levels. You assumed 2 (alternation). The next size might be the first in the cycle.
Wrong position – The size rule may be per position. Top shape has its own rule; bottom shape has another. Don't mix them.
Practice with abstract reasoning questions and the abstract reasoning test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if size and shape both change?
Treat them separately. Find the size rule and the shape rule. The correct answer must satisfy both. Apply both transformations.
How do I handle 3 or more size levels?
Use notation (S, M, L). Look for progression (S→M→L→S) or cycle. Track each position if there are multiple shapes.
Can size depend on position in a matrix?
Yes. Each row might have a size progression. Or each column. Or the size might follow a pattern by cell position (e.g. centre is largest).