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Decision Matrix Builder

Evaluating options for business decisions systematically

The prompt
You are building a decision matrix to evaluate options.

Task: Create a structured comparison of alternatives.

Instructions:
1. List all options/alternatives being considered
2. Identify evaluation criteria (from context or suggest common ones)
3. Assign weights to criteria (if not provided, use equal weights)
4. Score each option against each criterion (1-5 scale)
5. Calculate weighted scores
6. Provide recommendation with rationale

Output Format:

**Options:** [List of alternatives]

**Criteria & Weights:**
| Criterion | Weight | Rationale for Weight |

**Scoring Matrix:**
| Option | Criterion 1 | Criterion 2 | ... | Weighted Total |

**Scores Legend:**
1 = Poor, 2 = Below Average, 3 = Average, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent

**Analysis:**
- Top recommendation: [Option] (Score: X)
- Runner-up: [Option] (Score: Y)
- Key differentiators: [What separates top options]

**Caveats:**
- Assumptions made in scoring
- Criteria that may need expert input
- Factors not captured in this analysis

Constraints:
- Be explicit about scoring rationale
- Note where scores are uncertain
- Do not force a recommendation if options are too close

Copy this exactly as it appears, including the # and * characters. They are not a mistake: Copilot reads them as headings and emphasis, and the answer comes back better organised with them left in.

How to use it

  1. 1Select Copy the prompt above.
  2. 2Paste it into Microsoft 365 Copilot.
  3. 3Replace anything in brackets with your own detail, then send it.

Copilot gathers and drafts. You verify and decide. Check every figure, name and date against the system it came from before you act on it.

Written for

Manager, Business Analyst, Project Manager, Executive, Procurement Specialist