Decision matrix: what it is and what it means

A decision matrix is a tool for choosing among alternatives that places the alternatives in rows, the criteria in columns and a weight for each criterion, with a totals column on the right. The criteria and weights are set before you look at the alternatives: the table does not calculate the right choice, it makes readable what matters and how much. The total is the sum of weight times score, and the resulting ranking is argued over the columns and not over who proposed the alternative. Each time it is filled in, it leaves a record to reread, made of weights, scores, outcome and a one-sentence rationale, which remains available when the decision is reopened.

Distinctive: the alternatives in rows, the criteria in columns and a weight for each criterion
Distinctive: are set before you look at the alternatives
Essential: totals column
Essential: sum of weight times score
Essential: what matters and how much
Constant: a record to reread

Glossary

Decision matrix

A table that compares several alternatives on weighted criteria, set before you look at the alternatives, and gives each one a total from which a reasoned ranking emerges.