How to use the decision maker
- Optionally type the question you’re deciding.
- Add your options. Press Enter in the last option to add another.
- Give an option a higher weight to make it more likely, or a weight of 0 to leave it out for now.
- Choose Pick one now for an instant answer or Eliminate one by one for a little suspense, then press Decide for me.
How weights work
Think of each weight as a number of raffle tickets. An option with weight 3 puts three tickets in the draw, so it’s three times as likely to win as an option with weight 1. The Chances panel shows each option’s exact probability as you edit.
What elimination mode does
In elimination mode, options are crossed off one at a time until a single winner remains. The winner is still chosen fairly according to the weights. The order in which the others drop out is shuffled for suspense and doesn’t change anyone’s odds.
When to use a decision maker
It’s best for breaking ties between options that are about equally good: where to eat, what to watch, which project to tackle first, or where to go this weekend. If the result disappoints you, that’s useful information too. Go with the option you were hoping for.
Frequently asked questions
Is the decision maker random?
Yes. The pick uses your browser’s cryptographically secure random number generator. With equal weights, every option has the same chance.
Can I make one option more likely?
Yes. Raise its weight. Weight 2 is twice as likely as weight 1, and the Chances panel shows the exact percentages as you type.
How many options can I add?
Up to 50.
Are my options saved?
Yes. Your question and options are saved in this browser, so they’re still there when you come back. Nothing is uploaded.