Top 9 Free Decision Matrix Templates

Making decisions can be overwhelming, especially when faced with multiple options and factors to consider. A Decision Matrix helps you evaluate and prioritize your choices by breaking them down into manageable criteria and scoring them accordingly. Utilizing a Decision Matrix template in Notion can streamline this process, ensuring you make well-informed and balanced decisions.

Before you start crafting your own Decision Matrix, take a look at these Notion templates to simplify and enhance your decision-making process.

What Should Decision Matrix Templates Include?

Choosing the right Decision Matrix template in Notion can streamline your decision-making process. Here are key components to look for in a high-quality template:

Criteria Weighting: The template should allow you to assign weights to different criteria, reflecting their importance in the decision-making process.
Scoring System: It should include a clear and easy-to-use scoring system to evaluate options against the set criteria.
Summary View: A good template will provide a summary view that consolidates all data and shows the best options based on the scores.
Customizability: The ability to customize criteria and scoring to fit different scenarios is essential for a versatile decision-making tool.

Selecting a template with these components will ensure you have a robust framework to make well-informed decisions efficiently.

What Should Decision Matrix Templates Avoid?

When selecting a Decision Matrix template in Notion, it's important to be aware of certain features that might complicate decision-making rather than streamline it. Here are three key components to steer clear of:

Overly Complex Scoring Systems: Avoid templates that require intricate scoring inputs. Simplicity is key in ensuring that the decision-making process is efficient and clear.
Non-Customizable Fields: A rigid template that doesn't allow you to adjust the fields according to your specific needs can limit its effectiveness. Flexibility in customization is essential.
Excessive Visual Elements: While visually appealing elements can make a template attractive, too many can distract from the core purpose of the matrix. Opt for a balance between functionality and design.

Choosing the right template involves looking for one that enhances your ability to make informed decisions without unnecessary complications. Keep these points in mind to find a tool that best suits your needs.

1Eisenhower Matrix | To-Do List

Unlock peak productivity with the Eisenhower Matrix template. Effortlessly categorize into “do now”, “schedule”, “delegate”, and “leave”, making informed decisions a breeze. Elevate your efficiency and conquer your to-dos with strategic task management. This template is dark-mode compatible.

A template preview for Eisenhower Matrix | To-Do List

2Decision journal

This template helps me make big decisions in my life, serving as a forcing function to weigh the pros and cons, conduct an emotional audit about my choices, and answer key questions. Useful for big decisions and reviewing my choices 6 months after the fact.

3Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix is a model used to prioritize tasks and determine which ones are most important. It divides up time into four quadrants: urgent and important, not urgent but important, not urgent and unimportant, and urgent but not important. Use this free organizational tool to split up work into appropriate categories and allot time accordingly.

A template preview for Eisenhower Matrix

4Basic cost-benefit analysis for project management

This simple template can be used to perform cost-benefit analysis in seconds and visualise it to add more clarity to your communication when you’re trying to decide whether a particular project is worth it or trying to get stakeholders’ buy-in.

1. Facilitates project initiation by simplifying and automating the cost-benefit analysis.

2. Displays all CBA information in a clean and aesthetic manner, which makes it easy to comprehend and interpret.

3. Enables individuals to factor in multiple details and assess the broader picture when analysing alternatives.

4. Facilitates effective communication in teams or companies and among individuals.

A template preview for Basic cost-benefit analysis for project management

5Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Notion Template enhances task management and productivity by offering key benefits. With its task list, drag-and-drop functionality, and visual organization into quadrants, it provides easy prioritization of urgent and important tasks. By using this template, you can effectively manage your tasks while staying organized dan focused.

6Decision Making

Feeling stuck between choosing A or B?

Follow these 5 steps to make any decision,
+ store your conclusions to help you keep track of your process of thought.

7Roadmap Priority Matrix

The matrix is divided into four quadrants as follows:

Build Now: Items in this quadrant are the best to start with. They should be the first priority and completed as soon as possible.

Test Further / Split: Items in this quadrant are either to big and need to be broken down, or lack the necessary confidence level to build them right away, therefore requiring more testing and validation with customers.

Parking: Items in this quadrant are in the gray zone. They might have too high of a risk factor or too low of a confidence level.

Kill: Items in this quadrant should not be built as they lack in all of the areas.

The Notion template for a Roadmap Priority Matrix provides a digital space to list and categorize Roadmap Items. This is a great tool for Product Managers and Product Development teams that will improve and streamline your Roadmap Planning Process!

A template preview for Roadmap Priority Matrix

8Decision Matrix

It helps individuals choose what recipe to cook next, book to read next, project to take on next.

9Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix, also known as the Urgent-Important Matrix, is a productivity tool used to prioritize tasks based on their level of urgency and importance. It's simple and easy to use.

Closing Thoughts

Utilizing these templates streamlines decision-making by providing clear, organized frameworks. They help in comparing options objectively, ensuring you make informed choices efficiently.

Start implementing these tools today to enhance your productivity and decision quality. The simplicity and effectiveness of these templates can transform your project management and strategic planning processes.

What is a Weighted Criteria?

Weighted criteria involve assigning a specific importance level to each criterion in a decision matrix, reflecting their relative significance to the decision-making process.

What is a Pugh Matrix?

The Pugh Matrix is a type of decision matrix that helps simplify the process of choosing between multiple options through a scoring system that compares options against a baseline.

What is a Scoring Model?

A scoring model in decision matrices quantifies the evaluation of options based on a predefined scoring system, aiding in objective decision-making.