How to run a weighted decision
Set the criteria, score the options and read the weighted total.
Name the two criteria
Treat criterion 1 as the factor you care about most, such as cost or quality.
Set the weight
The second criterion receives the remaining percentage.
Score and compare
Rate each option from 0 to 10 and check whether the margin is meaningful.
What does this tool do?
A decision matrix stops one loud criterion from deciding everything. Weigh two criteria, score both options from 0 to 10 and see which option wins on the weighted total.
The Formula
Weighted score = (score 1 × weight + score 2 × (100 − weight)) ÷ 10, with scores 0–10 and weight as a percentageFrequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the weights?
Give the criterion that matters most a higher percentage; the second weight is the remainder. If the verdict flips when the weights move slightly, the decision is closer than it looks.
What if the scores are close?
Gather one more piece of evidence or add a third criterion in a full matrix. A margin under five points rarely justifies a strong preference.