How to use a decision matrix

Set the criteria and their weights before you score. Doing it in the other order produces the answer you already wanted.

A decision matrix scores options against weighted criteria. Its value is less the number it produces than the discipline of stating what matters before comparing.

Step-by-step

1. List the options.
2. List the criteria that actually matter.
3. Weight them, before scoring anything.
4. Score each option.
5. Read the totals — and then think.

Weight before you score

This is the whole discipline. Weighting after scoring lets you adjust until your preferred option wins, which produces a document justifying a decision already made.

Agree the weights with everyone involved first. Most disagreements about decisions are actually disagreements about priorities, and this surfaces them early rather than at the end.

Keep the criteria few

Five to eight is plenty. More than that and everything scores similarly, because minor criteria dilute the important ones — the arithmetic averages away exactly the differences you care about.

When the answer feels wrong

Take the discomfort seriously; it is information. Usually one of three things: a criterion is missing, a weight is wrong, or you know something about an option that the scores do not capture.

Fix the model rather than overriding it silently. If you override it, write down why — that reason is often the most valuable output of the whole exercise.

Frequently asked questions

How many criteria should I use?

Five to eight. More than that dilutes the important ones and everything ends up scoring about the same.

What if the winning option feels wrong?

Investigate rather than override. Usually a criterion is missing or a weight is wrong. If you still disagree, record why — that reasoning is often more useful than the score.

Should I weight before or after scoring?

Before, always. Weighting afterwards lets you tune the model until it agrees with what you had already decided.