What is a Test Matrix? (With Examples)

Test planning, test execution, and test closure all require the right tools. One of the most commonly used tools in quality assurance is the test matrix. In this article, we’ll explain what exactly a test matrix is, explore the different types of test matrices, and share examples of how to use them effectively.

What is a test matrix?

A test matrix is a table that contains and maps different data components used for testing. The data components included in a test matrix table can be test cases, requirements, environments or even risks. Which components to apply and how to organize them depends entirely on the goal. 

Why should you use a test matrix?

Using a text matrix has many benefits for software testing teams: 

• Clear visibility of testing status. Instantly see what has been covered, what is in progress, and what is missing.
• Improved test coverage. Identify gaps early and reduce the risk of untested requirements.
• Better test case creation. Use the test matrix as a foundation for writing effective test cases.
• Simplified stakeholder reporting. Provide a high-level, easy-to-read overview for product owners, managers, or clients.
• Reduced duplication and confusion. Avoid redundant testing efforts and ensure alignment across QA, development, and product teams.

When used correctly, a test matrix becomes more than just a table—it becomes a decision-making and risk-control tool that keeps testing organized and transparent.

Common types of test matrices

A test matrix is a tool that can be modified according to the needs of the project and the product you are working on. The most common types of matrices are:

• Requirement traceability matrix (RTM)
• Test coverage matrix
• Test progress matrix
• Risk matrix
• Environment compatibility matrix
• Compliance coverage matrix

Each matrix serves a specific purpose. The key thing to remember is that a test matrix is not a rigid template. It’s a flexible tool that can be adapted based on your project’s scope, risks, stakeholders, and compliance needs.

That said, having a good base template makes all the difference in terms of saving time and ensuring consistency across test cycles. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the RTM, the risk matrix, the environment compatibility matrix, and the test progress matrix.

Requirement traceability matrix (RTM)

The purpose of a requirement traceability matrix is to link requirements to test cases. This helps ensure that all provided requirements are covered by said test cases. There are a lot of advantages for creating and maintaining a RTM. For example, it helps identify missing test cases and incomplete requirements. Also, it provides stakeholders with a clear, high-level overview of testing progress without having to dive into complex documents.

How to create an RTM

As you can see in the visual example below, RTM is a table that consists of two main columns: requirements and test cases. In the example, I’ve also added columns for IDs, but those are optional and can be applied if necessary. 

In the example, each requirement has a different amount of tests mapped to them. That is because, more often than not, requirements can widely differ from one another in terms of covered area as well as complexity. The important part is to make sure that each requirement is covered by the test cases–happy flows, negative tests, and even edge cases.

For further traceability it is good to add source links to each requirement and test case. So, for example, in case of any changes to the requirements, it is much easier to find and adjust test cases accordingly. 

Risk matrix

Risk analysis and mitigation are practices widely used across industries. In software quality assurance, this approach is generally referred to as risk-based testing. Risk matrices created for risk-based testing help teams detect areas that should be prioritized. As with other matrices, the tables can and should be created according to the needs of the product under test. With all of that said, let’s get into the essentials and the must-haves.

How to create a risk matrix

The first step is to identify and document potential risks. Risk identification should be a collaborative effort. While the primary contributors are QA Engineers, this activity should be supported by stakeholders across different departments, such as Business Analysts, Technical Leads, and the Project Managers. 

After potential risks have been identified we can move to likelihood and severity. Assigning the correct values to each risk is very important, therefore cooperation with the respective experts is highly recommended. For example, security experts can assist with assessing any risks that are based on security. 

Likelihood and severity are ranked using different scales. Usually, either a numerical scale (e.g. 1-10) or a 5-point scale (e.g. very low-low-medium-high-very high) is used.

Now, with the complete risk matrix, you can prioritize the scenarios and tests with confidence. The likelihood and severity can be combined and used as the priority. For instance, in the table Test scenario 1 has two identified risks. Risk 1 has the same values for likelihood and severity, so the risk can be valued the same. However, Risk 2 has different values: high likelihood with low severity. In such cases the risk can be valued as a medium. Keep in mind that this is a simplified example and the context of each risk should be taken into consideration. 

Environment compatibility matrix

An environment compatibility matrix is used in compatibility testing. Compatibility testing is a type of non-functional testing that helps ensure that the product under test runs smoothly in different environments, which includes devices, browsers, operating systems, and configurations. An environment compatibility matrix supports exactly that, giving a clear and compact visual of what is expected and where the product stands. 

How to create an environment compatibility matrix

In this example we’ll be focusing on browser compatibility, but in general, the same steps can be applied to other areas as well. The first step is to gather reliable information regarding the traffic of browsers. To identify which browsers users use the most, you need to look at statistics. These statistics can be sourced from global public tracking systems. However, for much more accurate and reliable statistics, data tracking for the product itself should be used. With this method you will find out which browsers your users specifically use.

Once the browsers and their traffic have been added to the matrix, the versions of the product can be added. While complete coverage is nearly impossible, this table should include the main versions. 

The final step is to either run full regression testing or targeted sanity checks for each defined browser and product version. 

This again is a rather basic matrix model to just give an example of how an environment compatibility matrix can be applied. For more popular browsers that have higher traffic, I would recommend keeping a close eye on their updates and new versions. These can also be added in the matrix to help make sure the users experience the product as intended without any compatibility issues. 

Test progress matrix

The final matrix we’ll go over is also in a way the most simple and straightforward. The purpose of a test progress matrix is simple: keep track of what has been tested and what are the results. It can also be combined with other matrices.

A test progress matrix, at the most basic level, consists of test cases and test execution results. For better traceability, it’s highly recommended to include an additional column for linked bug reports or defect IDs. 

As mentioned above, test progress matrices can also be integrated into other matrices. As an example, I’ve combined the requirements traceability matrix and the test progress matrix. This also serves as a good example of how flexible matrices can be. 

Standalone test progress matrices are becoming less common today, as many teams rely on test management tools to track execution automatically. Standalone test progress matrices are less common, as many teams rely on test management tools to track test executions. 

Test matrix maintenance

Creating a comprehensive test matrix, whether for requirements, risk analysis, or compatibility, is only the first step. Maintaining it is equally important. This is especially true for matrices that include dynamic elements, such as test cases, requirements, or technical environments that continuously evolve. 

For example, an environment compatibility matrix will need to be updated as new browser or OS versions of the featured environments are released. Also, an RTM should be revised whenever new requirements are added or existing ones are modified. This, however, only applies to matrices that are built for long-term use.

Final thoughts

Test matrices may look simple, but they are powerful tools for bringing structure and clarity to your testing process. Whether you’re tracking requirements, prioritizing risks, validating environments, or monitoring progress, the right matrix helps you see gaps early and make smarter decisions.

Even with dedicated test management tools, understanding how to create and use a test matrix gives you greater flexibility and control. When applied thoughtfully and maintained properly, a test matrix becomes more than documentation—it becomes a strategic advantage for your QA process.