Skip the time-consuming setup.
Use our free Pugh Matrix template to organize, evaluate, and rank your options.
Download it in Google Sheets, Excel, or PDF and adapt it to your project or business needs.
What Is a Pugh Matrix Template?
A Pugh Matrix is a structured decision-making tool used to evaluate and compare multiple options or concepts against a set of weighted criteria.
It is widely used in product design, engineering, and project management to reduce bias in decision-making and bring clarity when choosing between competing alternatives.
Download Spreadsheet Daddy’s Free Pugh Matrix Template
Our Pugh Matrix Template helps you compare multiple options side by side against a common baseline, scoring each one across your chosen criteria to see how they stack up.
What’s included
- Criteria and options layout: The main grid features a “Criteria” column on the left for listing your evaluation factors (e.g., cost, quality, ease of use), paired with dedicated columns for each option you’re comparing, so you can score every option against the same standardized set of criteria.
- Baseline reference column: A separate “Baseline” column sits to the right of the comparison columns, giving you a fixed reference point or datum against which each product/option is scored as better, worse, or the same, which is the core mechanic of the Pugh Matrix decision-making method.
- Automated Net Score row: At the bottom of the matrix, a shaded “Net Score” row automatically totals the scores entered for each product column, giving you an instant, calculated comparison of overall performance across all criteria.
- Automated Rank row: Directly below the Net Score row, a “Rank” row automatically orders the products from best to worst based on their net scores, so you can immediately see which option comes out on top.
Add or remove columns to match the number of options you’re evaluating, and adjust the criteria rows to reflect what matters most for your decision.
Get started with your decision analysis by downloading the free Pugh Matrix template in the format of your choice:
How to Use Our Pugh Matrix Template
1. Start by downloading the Pugh Matrix template in Excel or PDF, or save an editable Google Sheets copy.
2. Define the evaluation criteria, assign scores to each product, and enter the baseline values.
3. The template will automatically calculate the net score and overall ranking.
