# CAT analysis

Source: https://traduq.com/glossary/cat-analysis · Updated October 14, 2026

A **CAT analysis** is a report from a [CAT tool](https://traduq.com/glossary/cat-tool) that counts the words of a job by match band (repetitions, 100% matches, fuzzy matches and new words) against a [translation memory](https://traduq.com/glossary/translation-memory), and is the usual basis for a translation quote.

## The bands

Trados and memoQ report the same core bands as TraduQ's [word count and quote tool](https://traduq.com/tools/translation-quote), which uses seven:

1. **Repetitions:** a segment that already appeared earlier in the same job. It is translated once, and every later copy is a repetition.
2. **100% matches:** the source is identical to a unit in the TM.
3. **95–99%, 85–94%, 75–84% and 50–74%:** the [fuzzy match](https://traduq.com/glossary/fuzzy-match) bands.
4. **No match:** new text with nothing usable in the TM.

The CAT tools also report extra categories, such as context matches (101% in memoQ, CM in Trados), X-translated segments in memoQ and locked segments. When you load a Trados or memoQ report into the quote tool, its rows are mapped onto the tool's seven bands.

## Weighted word count

Each band is billed at a share of the full rate. Multiplying the words in each band by its share and adding the results gives the **weighted word count**: the number of words you are effectively paid for at the full rate. The percentages are agreed between translator and client; there is no standard grid.

## Example

A 10,000-word job, using the quote tool's default grid as one typical example:

- Repetitions: 800 words at 10% = 80
- 100% matches: 1,200 words at 10% = 120
- 95–99%: 600 words at 15% = 90
- 85–94%: 900 words at 25% = 225
- 75–84%: 1,000 words at 60% = 600
- 50–74%: 1,500 words at 100% = 1,500
- No match: 4,000 words at 100% = 4,000

The weighted word count is 6,615 words. At $0.10 per word, the translation costs $661.50 instead of $1,000. If the job is tiny, a [minimum fee](https://traduq.com/glossary/minimum-fee) may apply instead.

## Without a CAT tool

The quote tool runs the analysis in your browser: drop DOCX, PDF, XLIFF or other files, plus a TMX or Trados SDLTM if you have one, and it counts the words per band, applies your grid and produces a PDF quote. Without a TM it still finds repetitions and fuzzy matches inside the job. Counts can differ by a few percent from Trados or memoQ, because every tool segments and scores in its own way. See the [translation rates guide](https://traduq.com/blog/translation-rates-guide) for typical grids.

## Try it

- [Word count & quote](https://traduq.com/tools/translation-quote) — Count words by match band against your TM or CAT report, price the job and download the quote PDF.

## Related terms

- [Fuzzy match](https://traduq.com/glossary/fuzzy-match)
- [Translation memory](https://traduq.com/glossary/translation-memory)
- [Minimum fee](https://traduq.com/glossary/minimum-fee)
- [CAT tool](https://traduq.com/glossary/cat-tool)

## Related guides

- [memoQ vs Smartcat vs Wordfast for a Small Agency (2026)](https://traduq.com/blog/memoq-vs-smartcat-vs-wordfast) — memoQ, Smartcat or Wordfast for a small translation agency? 2026 prices, team costs, shared TMs, Trados file support and which fits your agency.
- [Best Trados Alternatives in 2026 for Freelance Translators](https://traduq.com/blog/trados-alternatives) — Trados Studio alternatives for freelancers in 2026: memoQ, Wordfast Pro, Phrase TMS, CafeTran, OmegaT and MateCat on price, Mac and Trados files.
- [Wordfast vs Trados Studio (2026): Price, Features, Mac](https://traduq.com/blog/wordfast-vs-trados) — Wordfast Pro or Trados Studio? 2026 prices, three-year cost, Mac and Linux support, Trados packages, TM features and which to pick.