A Board Plan (also called a Matrix Plan in the MLM software category) is a compensation structure where participants fill positions on a fixed-size “board” or grid. When the board is fully populated, it splits into two new boards, and the member at the top of the completed board earns a payout and often advances to a higher-tier board.
The terms Board Plan and Matrix Plan are sometimes used interchangeably, but a board plan more specifically implies the split/upgrade mechanic, while a matrix plan may refer to any fixed-width downline structure.
How a board plan typically works:
- Member A joins Board 1 at position 1 (the top)
- Positions 2–7 fill below Member A through direct referrals and spillover from other members
- When all positions are filled, Board 1 “splits” into two new boards
- Members at the top of each split board each receive a completion bonus
- Member A graduates to a higher board (e.g. Board 2) with a larger entry amount and larger payout
Common board configurations:
- 2×3 board — 2 wide, 3 deep; 14 total positions; splits into 2 boards when complete
- 3×2 board — 3 wide, 2 deep; 9 total positions
- 2×2 board — smallest format; 6 total positions; fastest to complete
Software requirements:
- Real-time board fill tracking with visual representation for members
- Automated split logic triggered on completion
- Spillover management to distribute referrals across boards fairly
- Multi-board management for members who qualify for several boards simultaneously
See also: Cycle Matrix Software, 2×2 Matrix Software, 3×3 Matrix Software