Decision Matrix
Remove bias from your choices. Define criteria, assign weights, and let the math decide.
Decision Matrix | Weight: | Weight: | Weight: | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
x 8 = 40 | x 6 = 42 | x 9 = 54 | 136 | |
| Best Choice | x 8 = 64 | x 6 = 24 | x 9 = 72 | 160 |
How it works: Rate each option (0-10) for every criterion. The score is multiplied by the criterion's weight. The option with the highest total score is mathematically the best choice based on your priorities.
Making Better Decisions with Weighted Criteria
What is a Decision Matrix?
A Decision Matrix (also known as a Weighted Scoring Model, Pugh Matrix, or Grid Analysis) is a quantitative tool for evaluating multiple options against a consistent set of criteria. By assigning weights to criteria based on importance and scoring each option, you remove emotional bias and gut-feel from decisions, replacing them with transparent, defensible logic.
When to Use a Decision Matrix
- •Choosing between multiple vendors, tools, or platforms
- •Hiring decisions when comparing multiple candidates
- •Selecting a location for an office, event, or expansion
- •Prioritizing features or projects with multiple stakeholders
- •Any decision where you need to justify your choice to others
Step-by-Step Guide
- Define your options: List all the alternatives you're considering. Be comprehensive—you can always eliminate options later.
- Identify criteria: What factors matter for this decision? Cost, quality, speed, risk, scalability? Include both must-haves and nice-to-haves.
- Assign weights (1-10): How important is each criterion relative to others? A criterion weighted 10 is twice as important as one weighted 5.
- Score each option (1-10): How well does each option satisfy each criterion? Use consistent scales (e.g., 10 = excellent, 1 = poor).
- Calculate weighted scores: Multiply each score by its weight and sum across all criteria. The tool does this automatically.
- Analyze and decide: The highest-scoring option is mathematically optimal. But review the breakdown—does it pass the gut check?
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- ✘Too many criteria: Stick to 5-10 criteria. More than that dilutes the signal and makes weighting harder.
- ✘Flat weights: If all criteria are weighted equally, you're not expressing real priorities. Be bold about what matters most.
- ✘Confirmation bias: Don't set weights after scoring to justify a preferred option. Set criteria and weights first.
- ✘Ignoring must-haves: Some criteria may be pass/fail. If an option fails a must-have, no score can redeem it.
💡 The Matrix Isn't the Final Answer
A decision matrix is a tool for structured thinking, not an oracle. If the winning option doesn't feel right, explore why. Perhaps a criterion is missing, or a weight is off. The value is in the process of making your reasoning explicit and discussable—not in blindly following the numbers.