An aspect includes a method of multi-match error detection in content addressable memory (CAM) testing. The method includes loading a content addressing row of a CAM section with a row test address word. Data value rows of a random access memory (RAM) section are loaded with unique test patterns in each of the data value rows having a same number of on-state bits per data value row. A row test is initiated to search for a matching content addressing row in the CAM section corresponding to the row test address word. A row test result is received as one or more data value rows from the RAM section identified as having a content addressing row in the CAM section that matches the row test. The row test result is compared to an aspect of one or more of the unique test patterns to determine whether the row test has failed.