Weighted Decision Matrix

First Name

Please enter your first name.

Last Name

Please enter your last name.

Date

Please select a date.

Worked Example

The question to be answered: Which employee should I hire for the current position?

What choices do I have?	Weight	Option 1 Teresa H.		Option 2 Phil S.		Option 3 Cheryl B.
What are the decision criteria?	Weight	Score	Total	Score	Total	Score	Total
Cost	2	3	6	5	10	4	8
Education	3	5	15	1	3	5	15
Experience	4	2	8	2	8	5	20
Location	1	3	3	4	4	5	5
Your Weighted Decision			32		25		48Top Choice

Cheryl B. receives the highest weighted score of 48. While she was not the highest scorer in every individual criterion, her strong performance across the most important criteria resulted in the highest overall score.

The Question to Be Answered

How to Use This Tool

A weighted decision matrix is a handy method (created by Stuart Pugh) to quantify options in more complex situations. In other words, it's used to make a decision when several choices exist. Subjective opinions become more objective. Use this matrix to better manage risk.

Step 1: Write the concise question to be answered.
Step 2: List the different options to choose from across Row 1.
Step 3: List the main criteria affecting your choices in Column 1.
Step 4: Weight the criteria highest to lowest based on importance in Column 2.
Step 5: Score each criteria (1 to 5, where 5 is best) for each option.
Step 6: The matrix will auto-tally, then show your weighted decision score.

Your Weighted Decision Matrix

List your own choices and criteria below. Weight each criterion by importance, score every choice from 1–5 on each criterion (5 = best), and watch the totals calculate automatically. Your best-fit choice is highlighted at the bottom.

Up to 7 choices. Scores are limited to 1–5 (5 = best).

Once downloaded, please email your PDF report to shawn@motivationeer.com as an attachment before your coaching session.