Is the Decision Compare Matrix free?

Yes. The matrix, the examples, the scenarios and the PNG, CSV and text exports are free, and you do not need an account.

Where is my matrix saved?

In this browser, after every change. If you are signed in, it is also saved to your HourLife account, so it opens on your other devices, and you can delete it there in Settings. Signed out, nothing is uploaded. Either way nobody else can see it. Clearing your browser data removes it, so download the CSV or a PNG if you want to keep a copy.

How is the total worked out?

Each score from 1 to 10 is multiplied by its criterion's weight from 0 to 5. The products are added up and divided by the most the option could have scored, so every total is out of 100. A weight of 0 leaves that criterion out.

What does “how sturdy is the winner” mean?

For each criterion, the matrix works out how far its weight could move, with everything else held still, before a different option comes out on top. A wide band means the result does not hang on that weight. A narrow one means a small change of mind about that criterion would change the answer, and it is worth a second look.

What is the vs. baseline view?

It is Stuart Pugh's concept selection method. You pick one option as the baseline, usually the one you would do anyway, and every other option is marked better (+), the same (S) or worse (−) than it on each criterion. The marks come from the scores you already gave, so you never fill the matrix in twice.

What are scenarios for?

A scenario is a copy of your weights and scores that you can change on its own, such as "If money gets tight" or "If the launch goes well". The options and criteria stay shared. The panel shows the winner in each scenario, so you can see whether the answer holds when your situation changes.

How many options and criteria can I compare?

Two to six options and two to ten criteria, with up to four scenarios. The arrow keys move between cells like a spreadsheet, and typing a number replaces the score.

Keep this tool for later

Tools
Decision Compare Matrix

Score your options before you commit

A weighted decision matrix: list your options and what matters, weight each criterion, score each option, and see a ranked total, how sturdy the winner is, and whether it holds when your situation changes.

Open the matrix Start from an example

Up to 6 options and 10 criteria
PNG and CSV export
Free, no account

Which rollout path should I choose for the next 90 days? Criteria in rows with a weight from 0 to 5, options in columns scored from 1 to 10.
Criteria	W	A	B	C
Upside potential	5	4	7	9
Execution feasibility	4	9	7	4
Downside safety	4	8	6	3
Values alignment	5	6	8	7
Reversibility	3	9	7	3
Total		69	70	56

Ranking
B · Pilot new offer70
A · Stay current plan69
C · Full launch56

Pilot new offer leads by 1.4 points, a close call. Check how sturdy it is before you commit.

Each bar is split by criterion, so you can see what carries each total.

A weighted decision matrix in three steps

Engineers know it as a Pugh matrix or weighted scoring model. It works the same for a job, a house or a launch plan.

List options and criteria

Put two to six options across the top and the things that matter down the side: pay, risk, how easy it is to undo. Name criteria so a higher score is always better.
Weight what matters

Give each criterion a weight from 0 to 5 before you score anything, so the weights say what you care about rather than which option you already like.
Score, then read it

Score each option from 1 to 10 on each criterion. The arrow keys move between cells like a spreadsheet. The ranking, the margin and the sturdiness check update as you type.

total = Σ (weight × score) ÷ (10 × Σ weights) × 100

More than a total

A single number hides how close the call was. The matrix shows four things a spreadsheet would make you work out.

A ranked bar of totals Each option's bar is split by criterion, so you see what carries the winner and how far ahead it is.
How sturdy the winner is For each criterion, the band shows how far its weight could move before another option leads. A narrow band means the answer hangs on that weight.
A vs.-baseline view Stuart Pugh's method: pick the option you would do anyway and see every other one marked better, the same or worse, straight from your scores.
Scenarios Copy your weights and scores into a scenario, such as "If money gets tight", and see whether the same option still wins.

Start from an example

Each one opens the matrix filled in. Rename the options, change the weights, and make it yours.

Before and after the matrix

A matrix compares options you already have. These help you decide what deserves one, and what happens after you choose.

Eisenhower Matrix guide Second-order thinking guide

Not sure which decision deserves the matrix? Sort your list first with the Eisenhower Matrix companion guide and its printable. To see how your options affect each other, map them on the Connection Board. Once you have a winner, use the Decision Helper to turn it into a concrete 24-hour move.

Want to see options as ground rather than numbers? Decision Terrain places each option on a map of effort and upside. The matrix is for when you have more than two things to weigh and want the arithmetic shown.

Questions

Is the Decision Compare Matrix free?

Yes. The matrix, the examples, the scenarios and the PNG, CSV and text exports are free, and you do not need an account.
Where is my matrix saved?

In this browser, after every change. If you are signed in, it is also saved to your HourLife account, so it opens on your other devices, and you can delete it there in Settings. Signed out, nothing is uploaded. Either way nobody else can see it. Clearing your browser data removes it, so download the CSV or a PNG if you want to keep a copy.
How is the total worked out?

Each score from 1 to 10 is multiplied by its criterion's weight from 0 to 5. The products are added up and divided by the most the option could have scored, so every total is out of 100. A weight of 0 leaves that criterion out.
What does “how sturdy is the winner” mean?

For each criterion, the matrix works out how far its weight could move, with everything else held still, before a different option comes out on top. A wide band means the result does not hang on that weight. A narrow one means a small change of mind about that criterion would change the answer, and it is worth a second look.
What is the vs. baseline view?

It is Stuart Pugh's concept selection method. You pick one option as the baseline, usually the one you would do anyway, and every other option is marked better (+), the same (S) or worse (−) than it on each criterion. The marks come from the scores you already gave, so you never fill the matrix in twice.
What are scenarios for?

A scenario is a copy of your weights and scores that you can change on its own, such as "If money gets tight" or "If the launch goes well". The options and criteria stay shared. The panel shows the winner in each scenario, so you can see whether the answer holds when your situation changes.
How many options and criteria can I compare?

Two to six options and two to ten criteria, with up to four scenarios. The arrow keys move between cells like a spreadsheet, and typing a number replaces the score.