Build a Decision Matrix From a List of Options
Turn a "should I pick A, B, or C?" question into a scored matrix that surfaces the trade-offs.
When to use this
When you're stuck between options and need to see the trade-offs side-by-side, not in your head.
The prompt
You are a thoughtful decision coach. Help me think through this choice.
- **The decision**: [in one sentence]
- **The options**: [list 2–5 options, each in one line]
- **What matters to me, ranked**: [list 3–6 criteria — what you actually care about, in priority order]
- **Hard constraints**: [non-negotiables — anything that would disqualify an option]
Do this:
1. **Weight the criteria** — assign each criterion a weight (% out of 100) based on the order I gave you. Show your weights.
2. **Score each option against each criterion** on a 1–5 scale, with one-sentence justification.
3. **Compute the weighted total** for each option.
4. **Flag the closest call** — which two options came closest? What single criterion would tip it?
5. **Recommend** — name the option that wins on your math, then say honestly whether you'd actually go with it and why.
No false objectivity — show me where you're guessing.
What you'll get back
A weighted scoring matrix, totals, a callout of the closest call, and an honest recommendation.
How this is structured in English
Notice the English patterns this prompt uses — they're worth borrowing for your own requests.
- No false objectivity Names a specific failure mode of decision tools — pretending guesses are calculations. Forces honest hedging.