Decision matrix template
A weighted decision matrix in Excel: options across, criteria down, a weight per criterion and scores that total and rank the options.
- ๐บ๐ธ US format ยท Letter size
- Free
Pick your options and the preview updates. The file opens in Excel, Google Sheets or Numbers.
The file is built in your browser. Nothing is uploaded or saved.
Sheets
- How to use
- Decision matrix: option names across the top, criteria down with a weight (%) each, a score per option (dropdown), Weights total (SUM), Weighted score per option (SUMPRODUCT / total weight) and Rank (RANK)
Color key
- Yellow cells: fill these in
- Blue cells: formulas, leave them as they are
- Gray rows: examples you can delete
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Decision matrix
| # | Criterion | Weight (%) | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option name | Laptop A (budget) | Laptop B (mid-range) | Laptop C (premium) | ||
| 1 | Price | 30 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| 2 | Battery life | 25 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 3 | Weight and size | 20 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 4 | Screen quality | 15 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| 5 | Performance | 10 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Weights total | 100 |
Result rows (formulas)
| Laptop A (budget) | Laptop B (mid-range) | Laptop C (premium) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted score (1 to 5) | 3.35 | 3.90 | 4.00 | ||
| Rank (1 = best) | 3 | 2 | 1 |
This shows the first part of each sheet as it prints on Letter paper. The file also has a how-to sheet and formulas, and every column fits one page width when you print from Excel.
How to use it
Pick how many options and criteria you are weighing and the score scale, then download. Name the options across the top and the criteria down the side, give each criterion a weight so the weights total 100, and score every option on every criterion from the dropdown. The weighted score and the rank update as you type.
Set the weights before you score. If you score first, it is tempting to tune the weights until your favorite wins. A second person scoring the same sheet independently is the quickest check on both.
Things to watch
Scores run in one direction: the highest number is always the best outcome, so on price the cheapest option scores highest. A close result between two options means the choice is close; look at the one or two criteria with the biggest weight and decide there instead of adding more rows. When the decision is a vendor, carry the winner into the quote comparison or purchase order template.
Calculators that go with this
Frequently asked questions
What if my weights do not add up to 100?
The weighted score divides by the actual total, so the result is still correct. A note under the matrix tells you the total so you can adjust. Weights that total 100 are just easier to explain to someone else.
Is this a Pugh matrix?
Close. A Pugh matrix scores each option against a baseline as better, same or worse. You can do that here by scoring the baseline 3 on every criterion and the others relative to it, on the 1 to 5 scale.
Does it work in Google Sheets?
Yes. SUMPRODUCT, SUM, RANK and IF work the same in Google Sheets. You may need to re-create the score dropdowns.
Is what I type saved anywhere?
No. Everything stays in your browser and nothing is sent to our server. If you refresh the page it is gone, so print, save a PDF or download the DOCX when you are done.