List the advantages and disadvantages of a decision. Assign weights to each item to see which side is stronger when importance is factored in.
The weighted Pros & Cons list goes beyond simple tallying. By assigning importance weights (1-5) to each item, you can account for the fact that some factors matter more than others.
Optionally describe what you're deciding. This helps focus your thinking.
Add all the advantages and disadvantages you can think of for each side.
Click the dots to rate importance (1-5). A "5" factor matters 5x more than a "1".
The balance bar shows which side is stronger when weights are considered.
This technique, sometimes called the "Ben Franklin method," helps you think more objectively about complex decisions.
The Pros and Cons list is your go-to tool for binary decisions where you need to evaluate a single option. Should you accept this job offer? Should you move to a new city? Should your team adopt a new technology? When the question is essentially "yes or no," this straightforward format helps you think through both sides systematically.
This tool excels when emotions are running high and you need to step back for a more objective view. Writing down your thoughts forces you to articulate concerns that might otherwise remain vague feelings. The weighting system prevents one loud worry from drowning out many solid reasons to proceed.
Use the weighted Pros and Cons list when you suspect you are already leaning one way but want to challenge that instinct. Sometimes the process reveals that your gut reaction was right all along. Other times, you discover that the opposition has stronger arguments than you initially gave credit for. Either outcome improves your decision.
A mid-career professional weighs leaving a stable corporate job to start a business, listing financial risk, flexibility, passion, and family impact with honest importance weights.
A development team evaluates whether to migrate to a new framework, weighing learning curve, long-term maintainability, ecosystem support, and hiring implications.
A family decides whether to buy a larger home, balancing the pros of space and school district against the cons of longer commute and higher mortgage.
A Pros and Cons list is a simple decision-making tool where you list the advantages (pros) and disadvantages (cons) of a choice. This weighted version goes further by letting you assign importance scores to each item, so a single critical factor can outweigh many minor ones. The visual balance bar shows you which side wins when importance is factored in.
Use a Pros and Cons list for binary decisions (should I take this job or not, should we launch this feature or not) where you're evaluating a single option. Use a Decision Matrix when comparing multiple options against each other (which of these three jobs should I take, which feature approach is best).
Look at the balance bar to see which side has more weighted points. But don't just accept the numbers blindly. Review whether any single con is a dealbreaker regardless of the total score. Check if you've weighted things appropriately. Sometimes the process of listing and weighting reveals what you truly care about, which is as valuable as the final tally.
Yes, the Pros and Cons list works well for team decisions. Have each team member create their own list first, then combine them. Discuss disagreements about what belongs on each side and how items should be weighted. This surfaces different perspectives and helps build consensus around what matters most.
Be thorough in listing items - brainstorm without judgment first. Be honest about weights, not strategic. Consider both short-term and long-term factors. Include emotional and practical considerations. If you're stuck, try arguing the opposite position to surface hidden pros or cons. Sleep on it before making final decisions.
Explore other decision-making tools that complement the Pros & Cons list.