A four-field matrix sorts entries by two criteria into four fields, for example projects by value and effort. This guide shows how to build a matrix in four steps, works through an example with four projects and compares seven common matrices, from the Eisenhower matrix to the BCG matrix, by their axes and purpose.
What is a four-field matrix?
A four-field matrix is a grid of two criteria, each split into "low" and "high". This creates four fields into which you sort projects, tasks, risks or stakeholders. Each field stands for a recommended action. The short definition is in the glossary under four-field matrix.
Four fields don't solve every problem, but they have clear advantages:
- They force you to bring order into many similar entries.
- They make decisions traceable because the criteria are visible.
- You can use them on a whiteboard without any tool.
How do you build a four-field matrix?
- Choose the criteria. Decide which two properties drive the decision. For project prioritization, these are usually value and effort.
- Set a scale. Rate each criterion on a scale from 1 to 5. Ratings of 4 and above count as "high", up to 3 as "low".
- Rate the entries. Rate each entry together as a team, not alone. Record the reason in one sentence.
- Sort and decide. Place the entries in the fields and derive one action per field.
Example: prioritizing projects by value and effort
An IT department has four project ideas and capacity for two. It rates value and effort from 1 to 5:
Project prioritization by value and effort
Example with four project ideas, rated 1 to 5
Effort ↑
Low value · high effort
Drop
Don't do it, or rescope it.
- Redesign intranetValue 2 · Effort 4
High value · high effort
Major project
Plan thoroughly, secure budget and resources.
- Switch ERP systemValue 5 · Effort 5
Low value · low effort
Fill-in
Do it when capacity is free.
- Standardize printer policyValue 2 · Effort 1
High value · low effort
Do first
Start now, the value arrives early.
- Introduce ticket systemValue 4 · Effort 2
Value →
Ratings of 4 and above count as high. Fictional example.
The department starts the ticket system right away and plans the ERP switch as the second project with its own budget. It handles the printer policy on the side and shelves the intranet project until someone proposes a smaller scope with higher value.
Which four-field matrices are there?
All seven matrices use the same principle, but different axes and goals:
| Matrix | Axis 1 | Axis 2 | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project prioritization | Value | Effort | Selecting projects |
| Eisenhower matrix | Importance | Urgency | Prioritizing and delegating tasks |
| Stakeholder matrix | Influence | Interest | Involving stakeholders |
| Risk matrix | Probability | Impact | Assessing risks |
| SWOT analysis | Internal/external | Positive/negative | Analyzing the starting point |
| Ansoff matrix | Products (existing/new) | Markets (existing/new) | Choosing a growth strategy |
| BCG matrix | Relative market share | Market growth | Managing a product portfolio |
Eisenhower matrix
The Eisenhower matrix compares importance and urgency. Do important and urgent tasks right away, schedule important but not urgent ones, delegate urgent but unimportant ones and drop the rest.
Stakeholder matrix
Stakeholder analysis identifies the most important stakeholders of a project with their interest, power, attitude and influence. The stakeholder matrix shows them by influence and interest. Those with high influence and high interest need the closest involvement.
Risk matrix
The risk matrix compares the probability of a risk with its impact. The finer you divide the matrix, the more precise the picture. Teams often color the fields from green (low probability, small impact) through yellow to red (high probability, large impact).
In Merlin Project, you attach risks directly to the activity and enter probability and countermeasures. The lesson Risk Management shows how.
SWOT analysis
The SWOT analysis describes the starting point of a company or project. It sorts strengths and weaknesses as internal factors and opportunities and threats as external factors into a matrix.
Ansoff matrix
The product-market or Ansoff matrix combines existing and new products with existing and new markets. This results in four growth strategies: market penetration, market development, product development and diversification.
Portfolio analysis (BCG matrix)
The portfolio analysis of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG matrix) rates products by relative market share and market growth. The four fields are called stars, cash cows, question marks and poor dogs. Unlike project prioritization by value and effort, it serves corporate strategy, not the selection of individual projects.
Conclusion
A four-field matrix makes a decision visible because it lays two criteria open. Choose the axes by the question you want to answer: value and effort for projects, importance and urgency for tasks, probability and impact for risks. If four fields aren't enough, divide the axes more finely, for example into a nine-field matrix.
If you have any questions about this blog article or would like to discuss it, we look forward to your contribution in our forum.
Frequently asked questions
What is a four-field matrix?
A four-field matrix is a grid of two criteria, each split into low and high. The four fields stand for different recommended actions, for example when prioritizing projects, tasks or risks.
How do you build a four-field matrix?
Choose two criteria, set a scale, rate each entry as a team and sort the entries into the four fields. Then derive one action per field.
What are examples of four-field matrices?
Common ones are project prioritization by value and effort, the Eisenhower matrix, the stakeholder matrix, the risk matrix, the SWOT analysis, the Ansoff matrix and the BCG matrix.
What is the difference between the BCG matrix and project prioritization?
The BCG matrix rates products by relative market share and market growth and serves corporate strategy. Project prioritization rates projects by value and effort and decides which projects start first.
