Decision Matrix Calculator

Compare your options side-by-side using a weighted decision matrix. Enter up to 5 options (e.g. Job A, Job B) and up to 5 criteria (e.g. Salary, Location), assign a weight to each criterion, then score every option against each criterion. The calculator multiplies scores by weights and sums them up, giving you a weighted total score for each option so you can see objectively which choice wins.

Option 1 Name *

Option 2 Name *

Option 3 Name (optional)

Criterion 1 Name *

Weight for Criterion 1 (1–10) *

Criterion 2 Name *

Weight for Criterion 2 (1–10) *

Criterion 3 Name

Weight for Criterion 3 (1–10)

Criterion 4 Name (optional)

Weight for Criterion 4 (1–10)

Criterion 5 Name (optional)

Weight for Criterion 5 (1–10)

Option 1 — Criterion 1 Score (1–10) *

Option 1 — Criterion 2 Score (1–10) *

Option 1 — Criterion 3 Score (1–10)

Option 1 — Criterion 4 Score (1–10)

Option 1 — Criterion 5 Score (1–10)

Option 2 — Criterion 1 Score (1–10) *

Option 2 — Criterion 2 Score (1–10) *

Option 2 — Criterion 3 Score (1–10)

Option 2 — Criterion 4 Score (1–10)

Option 2 — Criterion 5 Score (1–10)

Option 3 — Criterion 1 Score (1–10)

Option 3 — Criterion 2 Score (1–10)

Option 3 — Criterion 3 Score (1–10)

Option 3 — Criterion 4 Score (1–10)

Option 3 — Criterion 5 Score (1–10)

Results

Best Option

Option 1 Weighted Score

Option 2 Weighted Score

Option 3 Weighted Score

Maximum Possible Score

Weighted Scores by Option

Results Table

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a decision matrix?

A decision matrix is a structured tool that helps you compare multiple options against a set of weighted criteria. By scoring each option on every criterion and multiplying by the criterion's importance (weight), you get an objective total score for each option — removing gut-feel bias from complex decisions.

How do I assign weights to criteria?

Weights reflect how important each criterion is relative to the others. Use a scale of 1–10, where 10 means the criterion is critically important. For example, if salary matters twice as much as company culture, give salary a weight of 10 and culture a weight of 5.

How should I score each option on a criterion?

Score each option from 1 to 10 based on how well it satisfies that criterion. A score of 10 means the option fully satisfies the criterion, while 1 means it barely satisfies it. Try to score all options consistently relative to each other.

How is the weighted score calculated?

For each criterion, the weighted score equals the option's raw score multiplied by the criterion's weight. These weighted scores are then summed across all criteria to produce the option's total weighted score. The option with the highest total is the recommended choice.

When is a decision matrix most useful?

A decision matrix works best when you have several competing options and multiple factors to weigh — such as choosing a job offer, selecting a vendor, comparing cities to relocate to, or picking a tech stack. It's especially valuable when stakeholders disagree or when emotions are clouding judgment.

Can the matrix give a wrong answer?

The matrix is only as good as your scores and weights. If your weightings don't truly reflect your priorities, or your scores are inconsistent, the result may not match your real preferences. Use it as a guide to clarify your thinking, not as a definitive verdict — if the 'losing' option still feels right, explore why.

What if two options score very close to each other?

A near-tie means both options are genuinely similar in overall value given your criteria. In that case, revisit whether your weights accurately reflect your priorities, consider whether you've missed an important criterion, or rely on qualitative factors (like gut feel or risk tolerance) to make the final call.

How many criteria and options should I include?

Most practitioners recommend 3–7 criteria and 2–5 options for clarity. Too many criteria can dilute important factors, and too many options makes scoring tedious. Focus on the criteria that genuinely differentiate your options.

Results

Weighted Scores by Option

Results Table

Frequently Asked Questions

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