Matrix Questions

Matrix questions let you ask respondents to rate several statements using the same answer scale in one grid.

• Rows = statements (what you want to evaluate)
• Columns = scale points (how respondents answer)

This format works well for:

• Likert scales (“Strongly agree” to “Strongly disagree”)
• Frequency scales (“Never” to “Always”)
• Satisfaction scales (“Very dissatisfied” to “Very satisfied”)

When to use matrix questions

Matrix questions are most useful when respondents should evaluate multiple related items with the same response options.

Common use cases:

• Customer satisfaction surveys – rate different aspects of your service or product.
• Employee engagement surveys – assess multiple factors of job satisfaction.
• Product feedback – evaluate several product features at once.

Build a matrix question

In the editor:

1. Add a Matrix question type.
2. Enter your statements (rows).
3. Define scale points (columns).
4. Choose the answer mode (single, multiple, or text).
5. Preview before publishing, especially on mobile.

Statements vs scale points

Understanding the difference helps you create a matrix respondents can answer quickly and accurately.

Statements

Statements are the items respondents evaluate.

• Placement: left side (rows)
• Purpose: what respondents rate

Scale points

Scale points are the answer choices available for every statement (for example agreement, satisfaction, or frequency).

• Placement: top (columns)
• Purpose: consistent scale for side-by-side comparison

Add or remove statements and scale points

In the editor:

• Hover over a statement or scale point to show the Remove (X) icon.
• Use Add Question to add a new row.
• Use Add Column to add a new scale point.

Answer modes

Choose the answer mode based on the type of feedback you need.

1) Single answer

Respondents select one scale point per statement.

• Best for: rating questions where only one choice should apply (for example standard Likert scales).

2) Multiple answer

Respondents can select more than one option per statement.

• Best for: cases where multiple options can be true for the same statement.

3) Text answer

Instead of selecting a scale point, respondents type a free-text response for each statement.

• Best for: collecting explanations when predefined options are too limiting.

Analyze matrix responses

Responsly helps you review matrix responses with:

• Percentage distribution for each scale point
• Visual breakdowns by statement

This makes it easier to:

• identify the most selected options
• spot trends across statements
• compare statements side‑by‑side and make informed decisions.

Best practices

• Keep the matrix focused: too many rows increase drop-off.
• Use one clear concept per statement: avoid double-barreled prompts.
• Keep scale labels short: long labels are harder to scan.
• Make the scale consistent: every column should apply to every row.
• Preview on mobile: matrix layouts can feel cramped on smaller screens.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Mixing different topics in one matrix
• Using unclear statement wording
• Using a scale that does not fit all rows
• Adding too many columns with similar meaning