The Decision Matrix
Directions: You may fill this on-line and print it for your records.
1. Define the decision you are trying to make.
2. List the alternatives you are considering in the “Alternatives” column. Space is provided for 5 alternatives on the matrix,
but you can list as many or few alternatives as you wish. List the criteria most important to you horizontally across the top of
the page. Space is provided for 5 criteria on the matrix.
Criteria Most Important to Me
Alternatives
Total
Define the decision to be made:
3 Assign a numerical value to each alternative according to how well it meets your criteria, such as:
4 Totally meets criteria
3 Mostly meets criteria
2 Somewhat meets criteria
1 Barely meets criteria
0 Does not meet criteria
4. Total the values for each alternative in the “Total” column. (If you don’t want to assign numerical values,
you can simply place a check if the alternative meets the criteria and then total the number of checks for each alternative.)
Example
Criteria Most Important to Me
Alternatives
Mid-size city
Mid size
classes
Well-known
faculty
Job Placement
Warm climate
Total
University of Maryland
2
1
4
4
2
13
St. Mary’s College
4
3
2
3
3
15
Frostburg State
4
3
2
3
1
13
University of Pennsylvania
0
1
4
4
0
9
St. Mary’s has the highest score, and therefore, it may be the best choice.
5. Whether or not the alternative with the highest score is really your best choice is up to you. At any rate, this method will help you
narrow your alternatives to a smaller number.
.