Weighted Decision Matrix Calculator
Define criteria with weights, score each option 0–10 per criterion. Weights are normalized automatically — they don't need to sum to 100. Score = Σ(weight × score).
1. Criteria & weights
| Criterion | Weight | Value |
|---|
2. Options & scores (0–10)
3. Ranking
Pugh Matrix Builder
Pick one datum (your baseline — e.g. the current vendor). For every other option, mark each criterion + (better than datum), S (same), − (worse). Net score = pluses minus minuses.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|
Options vs datum
Result
RICE & ICE Prioritization Calculator
RICE = Reach × Impact × Confidence ÷ Effort (product roadmaps). ICE = Impact × Confidence × Ease, each 1–10 (quick prioritization). Higher score = do it first.
Prioritized backlog
Decision Matrix Templates
One click loads a ready-made matrix with sensible criteria, weights and example options. Edit everything after loading.
🏢 Choose a SaaS vendor
Weighted matrix: Cost, Features, Integration, Support, Security. For picking software vendors objectively.
💼 Job offer decision
Weighted matrix: Salary, Growth, Culture, Work-life balance, Stability. The classic job decision matrix template.
✨ Prioritize features (RICE)
RICE scoring with three sample roadmap items. For product managers prioritizing a backlog.
⚛️ Pick a JS framework (Pugh)
Pugh matrix template with React as datum vs Vue, Svelte and Solid. For technology choices with a default option.
What Is a Decision Matrix?
A decision matrix (also called a weighted scoring matrix) is a multi-criteria decision-making tool: you compare several options against the criteria that matter, assign each criterion a weight, score every option, and let the math rank them. It turns "I feel like B is better" into "B scores 75.0 vs A's 73.0 — and here's exactly why."
Four Methods, One Tool
1. Weighted scoring matrix
The classic. List criteria (cost, features, …), give each a weight, score options 0–10. Final score = Σ (normalized weight × score). Use it when criteria have clearly different importance — which is almost always. This page's calculator normalizes weights for you, so entering 30/40/20/10 works the same as 3/4/2/1.
2. Pugh matrix
Invented by Stuart Pugh for engineering design. Instead of absolute scores, you compare every option against a datum (baseline) with + / S / − marks. Perfect when you already have a default — your current vendor, the incumbent framework — and want to know if anything genuinely beats it. Fewer numbers to argue about, sharper conversations.
3. RICE scoring
The product manager's prioritization matrix: Score = (Reach × Impact × Confidence) / Effort. Reach = people affected per quarter, Impact = effect per person (0.25–3 scale or 1–10), Confidence = % certainty, Effort = person-weeks. Sort descending and you have a defensible roadmap order.
4. ICE scoring
Score = Impact × Confidence × Ease (each 1–10). Faster than RICE when you can't estimate reach numerically. Growth teams love it for experiment backlogs.
Decision Matrix vs Pros and Cons List
A pros-and-cons list treats every bullet equally — three trivial cons can "outvote" one decisive pro. A weighted decision matrix forces you to declare how much each factor matters up front. That single difference is why matrices beat lists for any decision over ~$1,000 or with more than two serious options.
Why Sensitivity Analysis Matters
Weights are judgments, and judgments are uncertain. Sensitivity analysis shifts each weight ±20% and re-ranks: if your winner survives every perturbation, the decision is robust — defend it with confidence. If the winner flips when one weight moves, you've found your swing factor: that's the assumption to validate before committing. No spreadsheet template and no thin web calculator offers this — it's the feature that separates a toy matrix from a decision tool.
Better Than an Excel / Google Sheets Template
Spreadsheet decision matrix templates are static: you download, debug formulas, and email versions around. This tool needs no download, computes instantly, runs sensitivity analysis no template includes, and still exports clean CSV for Excel or Google Sheets when you need it. Free forever, no signup — unlike AI matrix tools that require an account and upsell Pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a decision matrix?
A decision matrix is a structured table for comparing options against weighted criteria. You list your options, define the criteria that matter, assign each criterion a weight, score every option per criterion, and the matrix computes a total score — so the best option wins on math, not gut feeling alone.
How does weighted scoring work in a decision matrix?
Each criterion gets a weight reflecting its importance (e.g. Cost 30%, Features 40%). Every option is scored 0–10 per criterion, the scores are multiplied by the normalized weights and summed. This calculator normalizes weights automatically, so they don't have to add up to 100.
What is a Pugh matrix and when should I use it?
A Pugh matrix compares alternatives against one baseline (datum) option using +, S, − marks: better than, same as, or worse than the datum per criterion. It is ideal when you already have a default choice (e.g. your current vendor) and want to see whether any alternative genuinely beats it.
What is RICE scoring?
RICE is a prioritization framework: Score = (Reach × Impact × Confidence) / Effort. Reach is how many people are affected, Impact is the expected effect per person, Confidence is your certainty as a percentage, and Effort is the cost in person-weeks or months. Higher RICE score = higher priority.
RICE vs ICE — which prioritization framework should I use?
Use RICE when you can estimate reach and effort numerically (typical for product roadmaps). Use ICE (Impact × Confidence × Ease, each 1–10) for quick, lightweight prioritization when precise numbers aren't available. This tool supports both.
How do I choose weights for my criteria?
Start with a fixed budget (e.g. 100 points) and distribute it by asking: "if I could only satisfy one criterion, which would it be?" Give that the largest share. Then run the sensitivity analysis in this tool — if the winner changes when a weight moves ±20%, your weights deserve a second thought.
What is sensitivity analysis in a decision matrix?
Sensitivity analysis perturbs each criterion weight up and down (here ±20%) and recomputes the ranking. If the same option wins under every perturbation, your decision is robust. If the winner flips, the tool flags exactly which criterion is the swing factor.
Can I use a decision matrix for a job offer decision?
Yes — load the built-in "Job offer decision" template. It pre-fills criteria professionals actually use (salary, growth, culture, work-life balance, stability) with sensible weights. Adjust the weights to match your values, score each offer, and check the sensitivity analysis before you sign.
Decision matrix vs pros and cons list — which is better?
A pros-and-cons list treats every point equally, which hides what actually matters. A weighted decision matrix forces you to state how much each factor matters (weights) and scores options consistently — so a decisive advantage in one critical criterion correctly outweighs three minor cons.
Is there a decision matrix Excel or Google Sheets template?
You don't need one: this tool replaces spreadsheet templates entirely. No download, no formulas to debug, no version chaos — plus you get sensitivity analysis and Pugh/RICE modes that no static spreadsheet template offers. You can still export your results to CSV for Excel or Google Sheets.
How many criteria and options should a decision matrix have?
Aim for 4–8 criteria and 2–6 options. Fewer than 4 criteria oversimplifies; more than 8 dilutes weights and invites double-counting (e.g. "price" and "cost" as separate criteria). If two criteria always move together, merge them.
What should I do if the matrix winner "feels wrong"?
Trust the discomfort — it usually means a criterion is missing or a weight is off. Add the missing criterion, adjust weights, and re-run. You can also flag options with the dealbreaker toggle: a dealbreaker is excluded from recommendation regardless of score.
Is this decision matrix maker really free? Do I need an account?
Yes — free forever, no account, no signup, no usage limits. Unlike AI-based matrix tools that require login and upsell a Pro plan, everything here runs locally in your browser.
Is my decision data private?
Yes. The tool is 100% client-side: your criteria, options and scores never leave your browser. There is no server, no analytics beacon on your inputs, and nothing to intercept.
Can I share my matrix or export the results?
Three ways: download results as CSV (opens in Excel/Google Sheets), print a clean report, or copy a shareable link that encodes your matrix in the URL — anyone opening it sees exactly your setup.