The Decision Matrix Calculator provided by Hesapstan compares 2–12 options across 1–12 criteria. Assign a relative weight to each criterion and a 0–10 score to each option to see the weighted ranking and any tied leaders.
What does a decision matrix calculate?
A decision matrix turns a structured comparison into a weighted score. It evaluates every option against the same criteria and gives more influence to criteria you consider more important.
The output is decision support, not an automatic decision. Budget limits, uncertainty, risk, feasibility and qualitative judgment still need to be reviewed separately.
How the weighted score is calculated
For each option, every criterion score is multiplied by that criterion's weight. The products are added and divided by total weight. This keeps the final score on a 0–10 scale whether your weights add up to 10, 100 or another positive total.
- A criterion weight represents relative importance.
- An option score represents performance on that criterion.
- Total weight must be greater than zero.
- Results are sorted from highest to lowest; tied leaders are reported together.
How to use the calculator
- Choose the number of options and criteria.
- Give every option and criterion a clear, unique name.
- Enter a 0–10 weight for each criterion.
- Score every option from 0 to 10 on every criterion.
- Calculate the ranking, then revisit assumptions that materially affect the result.
You may use 5, 3 and 2 as relative weights or 50, 30 and 20 as percentages. The ratios between weights matter more than the total.
Worked example
Suppose options A, B and C are compared on price, quality and delivery. If the weights are 5, 3 and 2, and option A scores 8, 7 and 6, its weighted result is (8×5 + 7×3 + 6×2) ÷ 10 = 7.30.
The same calculation is applied to the other options. If two options share the highest result, the calculator reports a tie rather than selecting an arbitrary winner.
Choosing useful weights and scores
- Avoid duplicate criteria that measure the same underlying issue.
- Define what 0, 5 and 10 mean before scoring.
- Use comparable evidence for every option.
- Treat non-negotiable requirements as eligibility checks rather than allowing a high score elsewhere to compensate.
- Record why each score was assigned so the ranking can be reviewed later.
Decision matrix, Pugh matrix and risk analysis
This calculator is a numeric weighted decision matrix. A Pugh matrix usually compares alternatives with plus, minus and neutral ratings against a reference option. Sensitivity analysis, probability modelling and risk-adjusted scoring are also separate methods and are not included here.
Limits and responsible interpretation
The result reflects the criteria, weights and scores you entered. Missing evidence, optimistic scoring or poorly chosen criteria can change the ranking substantially.
- The tool does not estimate uncertainty or probability.
- Legal, technical, financial and safety constraints must be checked separately.
- High-stakes decisions may require professional or stakeholder review.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the decision matrix score calculated?
Each criterion score is multiplied by its weight. The products are added and divided by total weight to produce a weighted score out of 10.
Do weights have to add up to 100?
No. Weights are relative values. They may add up to 10, 100 or any other positive total.
What happens when two options tie?
If the highest weighted scores are equal within the calculator's tolerance, both options are shown as tied leaders.
What do scores from 0 to 10 mean?
They represent the scale you define, from poorest to best performance. Define the scale before scoring so all options are judged consistently.
Is a decision matrix objective?
The arithmetic is objective, but the criteria, weights and scores reflect human choices. The result is only as sound as those inputs.
Does this calculator perform risk analysis?
No. Probability, uncertainty, sensitivity, budget constraints and qualitative risks must be assessed separately.
Can I use duplicate option or criterion names?
No. Names that become identical after trimming spaces are rejected to keep the ranking unambiguous.