What is a decision matrix?
A decision matrix turns a debate into a structured comparison. Instead of arguing about options as a whole, the team agrees what matters (criteria), how much each matters (weights) and how each option performs (scores). The weighted totals rank the options, and the split of each bar shows which criteria drive the result. It is used to select suppliers, equipment, software, solutions and projects.
How to build a decision matrix
- List the options worth serious consideration; screen out the clearly unsuitable first.
- Agree 4 to 8 criteria that are independent and relevant to the decision.
- Weight the criteria 1 to 5 before scoring the options.
- Score each option 0 to 10 on each criterion, with data where you have it.
- Check the ranking and its sensitivity, then decide and record why.
Decision matrix example: supplier selection
A buyer and a supplier quality engineer compare four suppliers for injection-moulded housings on six criteria, with quality record weighted highest. Moldtech (144 of 200) and Precision Plastics (143) are almost tied: Moldtech wins on lead time and logistics, Precision Plastics on quality record and technical capability. The sensitivity check shows the result depends on the weights, for example giving technical capability a weight of 5 instead of 4 would put Precision Plastics first. The team discusses that weight explicitly before awarding the part.
Common pitfalls
- Weights set after the scores, consciously or not, to favour a preferred option.
- Overlapping criteria (e.g. price and total cost) that count the same thing twice.
- Unsupported scores: base them on audits, quotes and data, not impressions.
- Ignoring knock-out criteria: an option that fails a must-have should be removed, not just scored low.
Weights contested? Derive them by pairwise comparison with the prioritization matrix. Comparing design concepts? Use the Pugh matrix.
How to use this Decision Matrix tool
- State the decision. Write the decision, e.g. which supplier to select for a part.
- Set the criteria and weights. Name each criterion in the table header and set its weight from 1 to 5.
- Add the options. Add each option as a row.
- Score the options. Score every option from 0 to 10 on each criterion, using evidence where you have it.
- Read the ranking and sensitivity. The chart shows the weighted totals by criterion; the sensitivity check tells you if a weight change would change the winner.
- Export. Export the matrix and ranking to PDF or Excel as a decision record.
Frequently asked questions
What is a decision matrix?
A decision matrix (also called a weighted scoring model or weighted decision matrix) compares options against several criteria. Each criterion gets a weight for its importance, each option a score on each criterion, and the weighted totals rank the options.
How do you calculate a weighted decision matrix?
Multiply each score by the weight of its criterion and add up the results for each option: total = Σ weight × score. In this tool, weights run from 1 to 5 and scores from 0 to 10, and the total is also shown as a percentage of the maximum possible.
How do I choose the criteria and weights?
List what matters to the decision (quality, cost, time, risk, capability…), merge overlapping criteria, and agree the weights before scoring the options so the weights are not tuned to favour a preferred option. If weights are contested, use pairwise comparison (see the prioritization matrix).
What is the sensitivity check?
The tool changes each criterion's weight, one at a time, across the whole 1–5 range and reports whether the winner would change. If a small, plausible change flips the result, the decision depends on that weight and deserves discussion; if nothing flips it, the result is robust.
What is the difference between a decision matrix and a Pugh matrix?
A decision matrix scores each option on an absolute scale. A Pugh matrix compares each concept against a baseline (better, same or worse) and is typically used early in design to improve concepts rather than to pick a final winner.
Can I use a decision matrix for supplier selection?
Yes. Supplier selection is one of the most common uses: criteria such as quality record, price, lead time, technical capability, financial stability and logistics, weighted for the part being sourced. Keep the completed matrix as evidence of the selection in your supplier qualification file.