Literature Review Matrix Generator

How to Use the Literature Review Matrix

1. 1. Set your columns. Start from Aims, Methods, Sample, Findings and Limitations, rename them, or add the ones your review needs — theoretical framework, setting, outcome measures.
2. 2. Add a row per source. Author, year and title, then a few words in each column. Notes, not paragraphs: the matrix is for comparing, and long cells are hard to compare.
3. 3. Tag the themes. Type themes into each source's Themes box, separated by commas. Then pick a theme from the filter to see every source that speaks to it.
4. 4. Sort and search. Sort by year to watch how the field developed, or by author; search for a method, a population or a phrase across every cell.
5. 5. Export your work. Download a CSV for Excel or Google Sheets (and to re-import later), download Markdown, or copy the table into Word or Google Docs as a real table.

Synthesis Matrix vs Annotated Bibliography

Both record what you learned from your sources, but they are organised in opposite directions. An annotated bibliography runs source by source: each citation gets its own paragraph summarising and evaluating it. A synthesis matrix runs aspect by aspect: the sources sit side by side, so reading down a column shows how they compare on that one question — which is exactly what the body of a literature review has to do.

Many students use both: annotate as they read, then fill the matrix when it is time to plan the review.

Reading a Matrix: From Columns to Themes

The value of a matrix appears when you read down rather than across. In this illustrative matrix, the Methods column shows that the two survey studies agree and the one diary study does not — a pattern worth a paragraph of its own.

Sorted by year, the matrix also tells a story: the early, larger surveys found an association, and the later, more detailed study questions it. Tags make the same move across columns — filter on "confounding" and every source that raised it lines up together.

Where Your Matrix Is Kept

• In this browser only. The matrix is saved in your browser's local storage as you type. Nothing is sent to CitationEasy or anyone else.
• Not across devices. Another browser, another computer or a private window starts empty. Download a CSV to move the matrix, and import it on the other device.
• Not forever. Clearing your browsing data deletes it, and some browsers block storage altogether — the tool says so when that happens. Export a CSV as your backup.
• Readable anywhere. The CSV opens in Excel, Numbers and Google Sheets; the Markdown table suits notes apps and repositories; the copied table pastes into Word and Google Docs with its borders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a literature review matrix?

A literature review matrix, or synthesis matrix, is a table with one row per source and one column per aspect you are comparing — aims, methods, sample, findings, limitations, themes. Filling it in forces you to read every source for the same things, and reading down its columns reveals the agreements, disagreements and gaps a literature review is built from.

What columns should a synthesis matrix have?

Start with what your review compares. Common choices are aims or research questions, methods, sample and setting, key findings, limitations, and themes. Empirical fields often add outcome measures or effect sizes; theoretical work adds the framework used. Keep it to a handful — a column you never read down is a column you did not need.

What is the difference between a synthesis matrix and an annotated bibliography?

An annotated bibliography treats each source separately, with a paragraph of summary and evaluation under its citation. A synthesis matrix puts the sources side by side so you can compare them on each aspect. The first documents your reading; the second organises it into the themes your review will discuss.

Can I open the matrix in Excel or Google Sheets?

Yes. Download CSV gives a standard comma-separated file, saved with a UTF-8 marker so Excel shows accented names correctly; Google Sheets and Numbers open it directly. You can edit it there and import it back — the importer reads comma, semicolon and tab separated files and matches columns by name.

Is my literature review matrix saved?

Yes, in this browser's local storage, every time you type. It is not uploaded, so it does not follow you to another device or browser, and clearing your browsing data deletes it. Download a CSV regularly as a backup, especially before a deadline.

How do I turn a matrix into a written literature review?

Read down each column and group sources that agree, disagree or share a gap; those groups become your paragraphs or sections. Use theme tags to collect sources that cut across columns, and sort by year to describe how thinking has changed. Then write by theme, citing several sources per point, rather than one source per paragraph.