Impact vs Effort matrix
An impact vs effort matrix, also called an action priority matrix, helps you decide what to work on next. Place each task by how much difference it makes and how much work it takes, and the best options stand out right away.
Use this templateFree. Opens with the labels filled in and no items. No sign-up needed.
ImpactHigh impact
Low effort
Quick winsBig betsFill-insMoney pits
EffortHigh effort
Low impact
- Design
- Engineering
- Marketing
The four quadrants
- Quick wins
- High impact, low effort. Do these first; they pay off fastest.
- Big bets
- High impact, high effort. Worth doing, but plan them and do them one at a time.
- Fill-ins
- Low impact, low effort. Fit them in when you have spare time.
- Money pits
- Low impact, high effort. Drop these, or find a cheaper way to get the same result.
How to use it
List every task, feature or idea. Paste a whole list at once and it lands in Unplaced.
Place each item by comparing it with the others. Relative position matters more than exact scores.
Start with the quick wins, and share a link so your team can make their own version and compare.