What is a Decision Matrix?
A decision matrix (also known as a weighted scoring matrix or Pugh matrix) is a structured multi-criteria decision analysis tool. It works by assigning weights to each evaluation criterion, scoring each option against those criteria, and calculating weighted totals to objectively compare different options.
How Does a Decision Matrix Work?
The core logic is: Final Score = Σ(Score × Weight). Steps:
- Identify the options to compare (e.g., 3 job offers)
- Define evaluation criteria (e.g., salary, commute, growth, culture)
- Assign weights to each criterion (e.g., salary 30%, growth 30%, commute 20%, culture 20%)
- Score each option on each criterion (1-5 scale)
- Calculate weighted totals — the highest score is the recommended option
When to Use a Decision Matrix
A decision matrix is ideal whenever you need to choose between multiple options:
- Career decisions: Compare job offers by salary, growth, commute, etc.
- Product purchases: Compare products by performance, price, brand, etc.
- Technology selection: Compare tech stacks by performance, cost, maintainability
- Vendor evaluation: Compare suppliers by price, quality, delivery time
- Project prioritization: Rank projects by impact, cost, risk
Advantages of a Decision Matrix
Compared to gut-feel decisions, a decision matrix offers: quantified subjective judgments for transparent, traceable decisions; weight mechanisms ensuring important factors have more influence; ability for multiple people to independently score and average, reducing individual bias; exportable results for team discussion.
What is a decision matrix?
A decision matrix (weighted scoring matrix or Pugh matrix) is a multi-criteria decision analysis tool. It assigns weights to evaluation criteria, scores each option against those criteria, and calculates weighted totals to objectively compare different options.
How do I set weights and scores?
Weights represent the importance of each criterion (should sum to 100%). Scores represent how well each option performs on that criterion (1-5 scale). Final score = sum of (score × weight) for all criteria.
When should I use a decision matrix?
Use a decision matrix when choosing between multiple options with multiple criteria: job offers, product purchases, project prioritization, technology selection, vendor evaluation, etc.
Is my data uploaded to a server?
No. All calculations run locally in your browser. No data is uploaded. Your decision data stays private and disappears when you close the page.
How do I export the results?
Click 'Export' to save as JSON, or 'Copy' to copy the summary to your clipboard.