What is Decision Matrix?

Decision Matrix helps you make tough choices by scoring multiple options against weighted criteria. Instead of going with gut feeling, assign importance weights to each factor and rate every option to find the clear winner.

Each criterion gets a weight from 1 to 5 (how much it matters) and each option gets a score from 1 to 10 against that criterion. The total is the sum of score × weight, and rankings update in real time as you tweak the numbers. Useful when you can't talk yourself out of a gut feeling without seeing the math.

How to use

1. Add the options you're deciding between (e.g., job offers, apartments, tools) and the criteria that matter (salary, location, growth).
2. Assign a weight (1–5) to each criterion based on importance, then rate each option on each criterion (1–10).
3. View the weighted scores and ranking — the option with the highest total score is your best choice.

When to use

• Comparing two or three apartments where rent, commute, and noise pull you in different directions.
• Picking between job offers when salary isn't the only thing that matters.
• Choosing software for the team after a free trial when everyone has different preferences.

Result

Comparing three apartments: weighting location (5), price (4), and size (3), the downtown studio scores 78 vs. the suburban 2BR at 71 and the midtown 1BR at 82.

FAQ

Is this a Pugh matrix or a weighted decision matrix?

It's the weighted version. Pugh matrices score options against a baseline using plus, minus, and zero. The weighted version (sometimes called the decision matrix analysis) multiplies a 1–10 score by an importance weight, which gives finer detail when criteria differ in priority.

What weights and scores should I use if I'm not sure?

Default to weight 3 for most criteria and only push to 5 for things that would be a deal-breaker if they failed. Scores can stay at 5 (neutral) until you've thought about each option specifically. The ranking still updates as you refine.

Does the highest-scoring option mean it's the right choice?

Not always. The score tells you what the numbers say about your weights and scores. If the result feels off, that's a signal to revisit which criteria you weighted high, or whether you scored an option too generously.

Can I share or save my matrix?

Your matrix is auto-saved locally on your device, so closing the tab or refreshing won't lose your work — it comes back the next time you open the page. To share the decision, use Copy for the ranked list, Copy as Markdown for a tidy table you can paste into GitHub, Notion, or any wiki, CSV for spreadsheet use, or PDF for a clean printable report with the question, table, winner, and score breakdown.

How many options and criteria can I add?

There's no hard cap, but the matrix gets crowded past about six options or six criteria. If you find yourself adding more, consider whether some criteria can be folded together or if a couple of options are clearly out of contention.

Related Tools