Live Tool
Matrix setup
Scoring: + better than baseline, - worse, S same
The first concept column is always the baseline and is scored S against itself. Click a score cell to cycle it between +, -, and S.
Calculator Library / Concept Selection
Pugh Matrix Builder
Compare candidate design concepts against a baseline across a set of criteria. Click each cell to cycle between better (+), worse (-), and same (S), and watch the net score and leading concept update live.
Editable Matrix
Concept scoring
Preview
Pugh Matrix
How to Use This Pugh Matrix Builder
Name the concept being compared, starting with a baseline in the first column, usually the current design or an obvious reference point. List the decision criteria down the left column. Click each cell to score whether a concept is better, worse, or the same as the baseline on that criterion, then review the net score row to see which concept leads.
Reading the Results
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| + | The concept performs better than the baseline on this criterion |
| - | The concept performs worse than the baseline on this criterion |
| S | The concept performs the same as the baseline on this criterion |
A high net score is a starting point for discussion, not a final decision. Concepts with a strong net score but one severe minus on a critical criterion, such as safety, may still need rework before being selected.
Export and Print Options
Use Print / Save PDF to open the browser print dialog and save the finished matrix as a PDF. Use the Word and Excel buttons when you need an editable file for Microsoft Office. Use the Google Doc and Google Sheet buttons when you need a file that can be uploaded or imported into Google Drive.
FAQ
What is a Pugh Matrix?
A Pugh Matrix, also called a decision matrix, compares candidate concepts against a chosen baseline concept across a set of criteria, scoring each as better than, worse than, or the same as the baseline.
What do the plus, minus, and S symbols mean?
A plus means the concept is better than the baseline on that criterion, a minus means it is worse, and S means it performs the same as the baseline.
How is the winning concept chosen?
This tool sums the plus and minus scores for each concept into a net score. The concept with the highest net score is highlighted as the leading concept, but the team should still review the underlying criteria before deciding.
Can I export the Pugh Matrix?
Yes. This tool supports print or save-as-PDF, Word-compatible HTML, Excel-compatible spreadsheet output, Google Docs-compatible HTML, and Google Sheets-compatible CSV.