Decision Matrix

Score each option against the criteria that matter, give every criterion a weight, and the decision matrix ranks the options by weighted total — with the winner, the margin and any ties spelled out. Mark costs and risks as “lower is better”, switch between 1–5 and 1–10 scales, and copy the table to a spreadsheet, download it as CSV or print it.

This tool runs entirely in your browser.

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How to use the Decision Matrix

1Name the options you are choosing between (the columns) and the criteria you care about (the rows).
2Give each criterion a weight. Enter percentages that add up to 100, or any relative points — the tool shows the normalised percentage either way, and “Normalise to 100%” fixes the total.
3Score every option on every criterion from 1 to 10 (or 1 to 5). Tick “lower is better” where a low number is the good outcome.
4Read the ranking: each option’s weighted total, its rank and how far the winner is ahead. Copy the table, download CSV or print it.

What is the Decision Matrix?

A weighted decision matrix (also called a weighted scoring model or, in engineering, a Pugh-style matrix) turns a fuzzy choice into arithmetic. Each option’s total is the sum of its scores multiplied by the criterion weights: with Price 30%, Quality 40% and Location 30%, an option scored 8, 7 and 9 gets 0.3 × 8 + 0.4 × 7 + 0.3 × 9 = 7.9 out of 10.

The weights matter as much as the scores, so it is worth deciding them before you score — otherwise it is tempting to tune them until your favourite wins. If the top two are within a few tenths of a point, treat it as a tie and look at the criterion where they differ most. Your matrix is saved only in this browser; nothing is uploaded.

Frequently asked questions

Do the weights have to add up to 100?

No. The totals always use each weight’s share of the sum, so 3, 4 and 3 give the same result as 30%, 40% and 30%. In percentage mode the tool warns when the total isn’t 100 and can rescale the weights for you.

What does “lower is better” do?

It inverts the score on the chosen scale, so on 1–10 a 2 counts as 9 and a 9 counts as 2. Use it when you rate an amount where less is better, such as cost, commute time or risk.

How are ties handled?

Options with the same weighted total share a rank (1, 1, 3) and the summary names all tied options instead of picking one.

Can I open the matrix in Excel or Google Sheets?

Yes. “Copy table” copies tab-separated values that paste straight into cells, and “Download CSV” saves a file any spreadsheet opens. Text that starts with = or + is prefixed so it can’t run as a formula.

Is the Decision Matrix free and private?

Yes. The Decision Matrix is free, needs no account, and runs entirely in your browser. What you type is never sent to a server or stored.

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