Literature Review Matrix Template (Printable PDF & GoodNotes)
A literature review matrix with six columns: author and year, title, method, key findings, chapter and cited. List every source you read for a thesis, dissertation or research paper and see how they compare side by side.
- Printable US Letter8.5 × 11 in, white paper
- Printable A4210 × 297 mm, white paper
- iPad / GoodNotesAlso Notability and Noteshelf
- E-ink tabletreMarkable, Kindle Scribe, Boox
Free PDF, 1 page, undated. No sign-up needed.
Shown for iPad in the Classic Navy theme. Printable downloads use white paper (there's a dark mode preview below); the e-ink version is black and white.
One page, ready to fill in.
- A table with columns for author & year, title, method, key findings, chapter and cited
- Undated, so you can print or duplicate it as often as you need
Who it's for
Undergraduate students writing a dissertation, master's and PhD students, nursing and education students doing evidence reviews, and researchers starting a new project.
Getting the most from a literature review matrix.
Add sources as you read
Fill a row as soon as you finish a paper. Coming back to it weeks later means rereading.
Keep findings short
One or two sentences on what the source found or argued. If you need more, write it in your notes and refer to it.
Compare methods
The method column shows at a glance which studies are qualitative, quantitative, reviews or theory, which helps when you discuss gaps.
Assign a chapter or theme
Note where each source belongs in your write-up. Sorting by this column gives you the outline of your literature review.
Tick cited when it's in the draft
The cited column makes your reference list easy to check at the end.
Note gaps as you go
When two sources disagree or a question isn't answered, mark it in the findings column. Gaps in the literature are often the most useful part of your review.
Included in 1 planner
This template is a page in this planner. Open it to see everything else that comes with it.
Get it inside a full hyperlinked planner
The dissertation planner includes this page alongside dated month and week pages for your year, with side tabs and links between every page. Pick your device and theme, preview it free, and pay only when it's right.
- Dated pages for the whole year
- Tap a tab or a date to jump there
- GoodNotes, Notability, Samsung Notes, e-ink and print sizes
Opens the dissertation planner with the Thesis & Dissertation section switched on.
Or read about the dissertation planner first.
About this literature review matrix template
Need help importing it? See devices and apps or the FAQ.
What is a literature review matrix?
A table that summarises sources across the same headings, so you can compare them and see themes, agreements and gaps. It's a common tool for writing the literature review chapter.
How many sources fit on a page?
Around 20 rows on the printable versions. Most projects need several pages.
Can I change the columns?
The headings suit most fields. Cross one out to add sample size, theory or country if your field needs it.
What's in the dissertation planner?
A research timeline, chapter tracker, literature review matrix and writing tracker, plus project pages, goals and monthly reviews.
How many sources should I include?
It depends on your level and field. Undergraduate projects often use 20 to 40; doctoral reviews can use far more. The matrix scales by adding pages.
