Choose a method for the decision in front of you

Which Decision Tool Should I Use?

Start with the structure of the choice. A simple trade-off, a set of weighted options, a chain of possible outcomes, a financial decision, and a hard-to-reverse commitment each call for a different method.

Compare options with a Decision Matrix

If this, use that

Choose by the shape of your decision

Select the method that matches what you need to compare. The result depends on the information and assumptions you provide.

  1. If this: Simple qualitative trade-offs for one decisionUse Pros & Cons
    What kind of decision it fits
    List the advantages and drawbacks of an option when you want a quick, plain-language comparison.
    Question it helps answer
    Which positives and negatives matter most for this choice?
    What it does not answer
    It does not map sequential decisions or uncertain outcome paths. If you need several options scored across criteria with different weights, use a Decision Matrix instead.
    Open the Pros & Cons tool
  2. If this: Multiple options with multiple weighted criteriaUse Decision Matrix
    What kind of decision it fits
    Compare alternatives such as vendors, strategies, or investments when each option must be rated against criteria with different importance.
    Question it helps answer
    Which option best fits the criteria and weights you entered?
    What it does not answer
    It does not model branches and future outcomes, validate your ratings, or calculate financial return. Use a Decision Tree for paths and Cost-Benefit Analysis for financial estimates.
    Open the Decision Matrix tool
  3. If this: Sequential choices and branching outcomesUse Decision Tree
    What kind of decision it fits
    Map choices followed by uncertain outcomes, especially when you can estimate outcome probabilities and values.
    Question it helps answer
    Which path has the highest expected value under the probabilities and values you entered?
    What it does not answer
    It depends on your probability and value estimates. It is not a simple list of pros and cons or a broad weighted comparison of static options.
    Open the Decision Tree tool
  4. If this: The decision involves financial costs and benefitsUse Cost-Benefit Analysis
    What kind of decision it fits
    Compare estimated costs and benefits over a defined timeframe, including net benefit, ROI, and payback.
    Question it helps answer
    Do the estimated benefits justify the costs over the period you are considering?
    What it does not answer
    It does not verify assumptions or create a reliable cash-flow forecast. Use another method for branching choices or criteria that cannot be meaningfully expressed as costs and benefits.
    Open the Cost-Benefit Analysis tool
  5. If this: Decisions where reversibility and commitment level matterUse Reversibility Matrix
    What kind of decision it fits
    Consider both urgency and how easily you can reverse a decision when deciding whether to act now or take more time.
    Question it helps answer
    Does this decision need attention now, and how costly would it be to change course?
    What it does not answer
    It does not rank options by weighted criteria, calculate expected financial value, or predict outcomes. Use a Decision Matrix or Cost-Benefit Analysis for those comparisons.
    Open the Reversibility Matrix tool

When you need a different kind of analysis

Questions about choosing a method

Can I use more than one method for a decision?

Yes, when each method answers a different question. For example, use the Reversibility Matrix to consider how quickly to act, then a Decision Matrix to compare options against weighted criteria. The tools do not combine their results automatically.