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Decision matrix calculator

A decision matrix (weighted scoring model) helps you choose fairly between options: weight the criteria, give points, done. Type or paste your table here (Excel works too) and instantly see the winner as a bar chart – plus how far a weight would have to move before the winner changes.

Source: Wikipedia – Weighted sum model (weighted scoring). Updated: .

First line: “Criterion; Weight; Option 1; Option 2 …”. Then one line per criterion: name; weight; points per option. Separator: semicolon or tab (copied from Excel). Decimal comma or point both work.
points
Usually 10 (0–10) or 5. Only used for the percentage and the bar length.
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Which laptop fits best?Laptop C7.13Laptop B7.06Laptop A6.94Price · weight 31%Performance · weight 25%Battery life · weight 19%Weight · weight 13%Screen · weight 13%

The chart updates as you type. Colours = contribution of each criterion.

Result

Result
Laptop C is ahead: 7.13 of 10 points (71.3 %)
Ranking
RankOptionWeighted scoreFulfilmentGap to #1
1Laptop C7.1371.3 %–
2Laptop B7.0670.6 %−0.06
3Laptop A6.9469.4 %−0.19
How stable is the result?
  • Close call: a small weight change already flips the winner. Re-check your weights honestly.
  • If the weight of “Price” moved from 31.3 % to 30.2 %, Laptop B would tie with the winner.
  • If the weight of “Performance” moved from 25 % to 26.2 %, Laptop B would tie with the winner.
  • If the weight of “Screen” moved from 12.5 % to 13.8 %, Laptop B would tie with the winner.

How it is calculated

A decision matrix scores options against weighted criteria: score = sum of (weight × points) divided by the sum of the weights. Important criteria count more without letting minor ones vanish.

How to use it

  1. List the options: real alternatives you could actually afford and carry out.
  2. Define the criteria: what must the decision achieve? Keep criteria from overlapping, otherwise one property counts twice.
  3. Weight first, score later: set the weights before you rate the options, otherwise you tune them towards your favourite. Only the ratio matters (5 : 3 equals 50 : 30).
  4. Score on one scale: for example 0 to 10, higher is better. For “price” that means cheap = many points.

The tipping point: how robust is the result?

The weak spot of every weighted scoring model is that weights are estimates. So this tool shows at which weight of a single criterion places 1 and 2 would tie. If that point is far from your weight, the decision is robust; if it is close, take a second, honest look.

Limits

The method makes gut feeling visible, but it does not replace data. A winner with 6.9 against 6.8 points proves nothing. Must-have criteria (for example “has to stay under $800”) are better checked beforehand, dropping options that fail them. Everything stays in your browser.

Frequently asked questions

What is a decision matrix?

A table that compares options against several weighted criteria. Each option gets points per criterion; weighted and summed, the highest total wins. It is also called a weighted scoring model or Pugh-style matrix.

How do I calculate a decision matrix?

Divide each weight by the sum of all weights, multiply by the option’s points and add up all criteria. Example: weights 5, 3, 2 and points 7, 8, 6 give 0.5 × 7 + 0.3 × 8 + 0.2 × 6 = 7.1.

How many criteria make sense?

Usually 4 to 8. Fewer cannot capture the decision, many more dilute the important ones and invite fudging.

Can I paste the table from Excel?

Yes. Select the cells in Excel or Google Sheets, copy and paste them into the field – tabs are detected automatically.

What does the tipping point mean?

It shows what share a single criterion would need so that number 2 ties with number 1. The further away, the more robust your result.

Is there a template?

The pre-filled table is the template: replace criteria, weights and options with yours, then use “Save chart as PNG” to take the result with you.

Sources and legal basis

As of: · Editorial policy

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