Although many imaging algorithms such as ellipse and hyperbola algorithm can roughly locate defects in large plate-like structures with sparse guided wave arrays, quantitative characterization of them is still a challenging problem, especially for those small defects known as subwavelength defects. Scattering signals of defects contain abundant information so that can be used to evaluate defects. A defects recognition method using the S-matrix (scattering matrix) was presented. S-matrices of hole and crack with S0 mode incident were experimentally measured. The results show that defects can be recognized from the morphology of 2D S-matrix chart. This method has great potential to achieve more specific parameters of small defects with sparse guided wave arrays.