Turn card sort data into clear IA decisions
ValidateThat automatically generates similarity matrices, dendrograms, cluster analysis, and category frequency charts from your card sort data. No spreadsheets, no manual math. Free forever.
No credit card required · Unlimited free studies · Auto-generated analysis
Analysis Types
Every analysis you need, automatically generated
Card sort analysis can be complex — similarity matrices, hierarchical clustering, dendrograms. ValidateThat handles all of it automatically. As responses come in, your analysis updates in real-time. No spreadsheets, no manual calculations, no waiting for a data analyst.
Similarity Matrix
See how often each pair of cards was grouped together. High scores = same category. Low scores = different sections.
Dendrogram
A tree diagram showing natural clusters. Cut at any level to see how many categories your data suggests.
Category Frequency
The most common category structures across all participants. See what groupings naturally emerge.
Features
Powerful analysis, zero manual work
Similarity Matrix
Auto-generated matrix showing co-occurrence rates for every card pair. Instantly see which items belong together.
Dendrogram Visualization
Hierarchical tree showing natural clusters at any cut level. Decide how many categories your IA needs based on real data.
Cluster Analysis
Automatic identification of the strongest card groupings. See which clusters are tight and which are loose.
Category Frequency
See the most common category structures and labels across all participants. Discover the consensus groupings.
AI-Powered Insights
ValidateThat AI summarizes key findings, highlights surprising patterns, and suggests IA improvements (Pro).
CSV Export
Export raw data, similarity matrices, and participant responses for deeper analysis in Excel, R, or Python (Pro).
How It Works
From raw data to actionable insights
Run a card sort
Create an open or closed card sort and collect responses. ValidateThat begins analyzing data as soon as the first response arrives.
Watch analysis build
As responses come in, your similarity matrix, dendrogram, and cluster analysis update in real-time. Patterns emerge within the first 10-15 responses.
Make IA decisions
Use the analysis to decide on categories, labels, and structure. Export data if needed, or share findings directly in a stakeholder report.
Similarity Matrix
See which cards belong together
The similarity matrix is the foundation of card sort analysis. It shows, for every pair of cards, what percentage of participants grouped them together. High-similarity pairs should live in the same category. Low-similarity pairs belong apart. ValidateThat generates this automatically from your data.
- Color-coded heatmap for quick visual scanning
- Sort by similarity score to find strongest pairs
- Identify outlier cards with low similarity to everything
- Export as CSV for further analysis (Pro)
Dendrogram
Decide how many categories you need
The dendrogram shows you natural cluster boundaries at every level. Cut at 3 clusters for broad categories, or at 7 for more granular navigation. ValidateThat lets you explore different cut levels interactively — so you can see how your IA structure changes with more or fewer categories.
- Interactive cluster cut levels
- See which cards cluster tightly vs. loosely
- Compare different category counts side-by-side
- Export cluster assignments for team review
Analysis Guide
When to use each analysis type
Stop wrestling with spreadsheets. Let the data speak.
Create a card sort, collect responses, and get similarity matrices, dendrograms, and cluster analysis automatically. No manual analysis required.
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Related Methods
Card sort analysis works with every method
Open Card Sorting
Participants create their own categories. Analysis reveals natural groupings, popular labels, and outlier items.
Learn about open card sortsClosed Card Sorting
Participants sort into predefined categories. Analysis shows success rates, misplaced cards, and category difficulty.
Learn about closed card sortsTree Testing
After building your IA from card sort analysis, validate it with a tree test to confirm users can find things.
Learn about tree testingParticipant Recruitment
More responses mean better analysis. Recruit verified participants from ~$3.50/response.
Start recruitingAI Test Responses
Preview your analysis with AI-generated responses before recruiting real participants.
Try AI responsesStakeholder Reports
Share your card sort analysis findings with stakeholders in a polished, shareable report.
Create a reportFAQ
Frequently asked questions
Your card sort data has answers. ValidateThat finds them.
Create a free card sort and get automated similarity matrices, dendrograms, and cluster analysis. No spreadsheets required.
No credit card · No contracts · Cancel anytime