Matrix diagrams can be sorted into several types depending on the number of data sets being compared.
- L-shaped Relates two sets of elements to one another or a single set of elements to itself.
- T-shaped Relates three sets of elements where there is no relation between the two sets that are related to a common set.
- Y-shaped Relates three sets of elements where one set is related to the other two sets in a circular manner.
- C-shaped relates three sets of elements simultaneously.
- X-shaped relates four sets of elements.
- Roof-shaped relates one set of elements to itself.
