Decision Matrix Template

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: I am not a financial advisor. This is not financial advice. These are notes on a system. Do your own research.

Decision Matrix Template

Use this template to make any multi-criteria decision. Copy and fill in your options, criteria, weights, and scores.

Blank Template

Step 1: Define Your Options

#	Option
A	___
B	___
C	___
D	___

Step 2: Define Your Criteria and Weights

Criterion	Weight (%)
___	__%
___	__%
___	__%
___	__%
___	__%
Total	100%

Step 3: Score Each Option (1-10)

Criterion	Option A	Option B	Option C	Option D
___	__	__	__	__
___	__	__	__	__
___	__	__	__	__
___	__	__	__	__
___	__	__	__	__

Step 4: Calculate Weighted Scores

For each option: (Score × Weight) for each criterion, then sum.

Option	Calculation	Total
A	___	___
B	___	___
C	___	___
D	___	___

Step 5: Result

Winner: _______________

Confidence: High / Medium / Low (based on score gaps)

How to Use This Template

List 2-4 realistic options — Don’t include options you wouldn’t actually choose
Identify 3-5 criteria that matter — What factors will determine success?
Assign weights — Force rank importance, must total 100%
Score honestly (1-10) — 1 = worst, 10 = best, 5 = average
Calculate totals — Math reveals the answer
Sanity check — Does the result feel right? If not, adjust weights

Scoring Guide

Score	Meaning
10	Exceptional, best possible
8-9	Very good, strong performer
6-7	Above average, solid
5	Average, acceptable
3-4	Below average, weak
1-2	Poor, significant concerns

Example: Job Offer Decision

Filled-In Example

Options:

A: Current Job
B: Startup Offer
C: Big Tech Offer

Criteria & Weights:

Criterion	Weight
Total Compensation	30%
Growth Opportunity	25%
Work-Life Balance	20%
Job Security	15%
Culture Fit	10%
Total	100%

Scores:

Criterion	Current	Startup	Big Tech
Total Comp	6	5	9
Growth	5	9	7
Work-Life	7	4	6
Security	8	4	8
Culture	7	8	5

Calculations:

Option	Calculation	Total
Current	(6×0.30)+(5×0.25)+(7×0.20)+(8×0.15)+(7×0.10)	6.35
Startup	(5×0.30)+(9×0.25)+(4×0.20)+(4×0.15)+(8×0.10)	5.85
Big Tech	(9×0.30)+(7×0.25)+(6×0.20)+(8×0.15)+(5×0.10)	7.35

Winner: Big Tech Offer (7.35)

Note: If the scores are very close (within 0.5), consider which criteria you might be under-weighting.

Common Use Cases

Decision	Typical Criteria
Job offers	Comp, growth, WLB, security, culture
Housing	Cost, location, size, commute, schools
Major purchases	Price, quality, features, reviews, warranty
Career paths	Income potential, interest, demand, barriers
Investments	Return, risk, liquidity, fees, complexity

Spreadsheet Version

For complex decisions, use a spreadsheet:

=SUMPRODUCT(scores, weights)

Or use our interactive Decision Matrix Tool.

When NOT to Use This

Obvious decisions — Don’t overcomplicate simple choices
Emotional decisions — Relationships, passion projects (matrix is a data point, not the answer)
Insufficient information — Garbage in, garbage out
One dominant factor — If cost is 90% of your decision, just pick the cheapest

Decision Matrix Template