Standard Double-Matrix
GMAT glossary · Playbook
Definition
A 2 × 2 grid that tracks two independent binary traits at once, with row and column totals that force every person into exactly one cell.
Standard Double-Matrix in plain English
Pull the Standard Double-Matrix when a stem tracks exactly two independent binary characteristics, such as men vs women crossed with employed vs unemployed. Structural clues include either/or language, two-axis breakdowns, and words like neither or both. Draw a 2 × 2 grid with totals on each row and column; never reach for a Venn diagram on a pure two-group problem, because the matrix handles Neither and the negative spaces cleanly. Writing loose Venns for two axes hides the Neither cell and double-counts Both. The matrix forces every person into exactly one cell, so the arithmetic cannot silently leak. Micro-example: 40 people, 22 men, 18 employed, 10 employed men. Fill the intersection first (10), then the other three cells from the margins so Neither is whatever remains after Men-only, Women-employed, and Both are placed.
Practice Standard Double-Matrix
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