Criteria Matrix

A criteria matrix is a valuable decision-making tool that is used to assess and rank a list of options based on specific criteria. For example, the simplest criteria matrix will compare the Pros and Cons of each option.

More involved decisions benefit from establishing criteria or factors for evaluating each option in advance, such as cost, time to implement, expected impact, alignment with core values, etc. Each alternative is then rated on each criterion and compared to the others.

While it is fairly easy to discuss alternatives using a simple criteria matrix in a meeting, meetings that require a more complex criteria matrix benefit from advanced preparation and the use of decision support software.

A critieria matrix may also be called a comparison matrix or decision matrix.