Pros and Cons · Free · No account
Compare reasons for and against each option.
The workbook starts with your question on one sheet, then lists each pro and con for up to four options. Every point says how much it matters, whether it is a fact or a feeling, and whether a con could be fixed.
- Excel 2016 and later
- Calculations checked in LibreOffice and Google Sheets
- Write the questionType the question, such as ‘Should we move?’, and list up to four options, one per line. For a yes-or-no question, one option is enough.
- Choose the columnsSwitch Can it be fixed, Fact or feeling and Who it affects on or off, and add up to eight columns of your own, such as Cost or Date.
- Download and list pointsDownload the workbook, open Pros and Cons and type one point per row. The Summary counts them for each option and lists any deal-breakers.
Build your workbook
Preview: Job offer. Change the selected dates, categories or layout to update the preview.
JavaScript is required to use the builder. The workbook is made in your browser.
What you get
Fact, feeling or to check
Mark each point Fact, Feeling or To check. Anything to check is listed, the ones that matter most first.
Deal-breakers spotted
A con marked as mattering a lot and impossible to fix shows ●.
Up to four options
For a yes-or-no question, or two to four choices side by side, counted for each.
Points that matter most
Compare the points marked as mattering a lot alongside the counts.
The Job offer example
Two options (Take the new job, Stay where I am), a Pros and Cons sheet with Fact or feeling, Who it affects and Can it be fixed columns, and a Summary listing deal-breakers and points still to check.
Sheets included (6)
- Start HereHow the workbook works, what each sheet is for and the settings used.
- The QuestionWhat you are deciding, what matters most, and what would change your mind.
- Pros and ConsEvery pro and con, one per row, for each option.
- SummaryPros and cons counted for each option, with possible deal-breakers and what to find out.
- ListsEdit the white lists to change dropdown choices. Shaded lists are fixed because formulas use those names.
- SettingsValues used by the workbook, such as reminder windows. Change them here.
File details
- Made for
- Excel 2016 and laterThe download is an .xlsx workbook.
- LibreOffice
- No calculation errors in our testLibreOffice recalculated every formula in the workbook with no error values, such as #VALUE! or #N/A.
- Google Sheets
- Calculations matched Excel in our testGoogle Sheets removes sheet protection and repeated print headings.
- Apple Numbers
- Most calculations match ExcelSome calculations on the Summary sheet do not work in Apple Numbers. Numbers converts list-based dropdowns to plain cells and removes colour markers, sheet protection, frozen headings and number and date validation. Use Excel for all calculations and features.
- Calculations
- The Start Here sheet lists the calculations used in this workbook. Results update from the entries you add.
- Builder privacy
- The builder runs in your browser. The entries used to make the workbook stay on your device. How the utilities work
Examples
Should I do it?
People weighing one action, such as starting a course, taking on a dog or leaving a club, with no second option to compare.
Two-option comparison
People choosing between two things, such as two schools, two quotes or two courses, who want each pro and con tied to its option.
Job offer pros and cons
Anyone with a job offer and a deadline, especially where the choice changes life for a partner or family as well.
Moving home pros and cons
Couples and families deciding whether to move, where each person may see the same point differently.
Questions
Are my builder entries sent to Due Form?
No. The builder uses them in your browser to make the workbook on your device.
Information is sent to Due Form when you submit a form or use another service described on the How it works page.
Can I print the worksheet?
Yes. Each sheet is set to print on A4 or US Letter, so The Question sheet goes on one page and the list of points on as many pages as it needs, one page wide.
Does it give a score or pick an option?
No. The Summary counts pros and cons and lists the points marked as mattering a lot. No score is calculated.
What is a possible deal-breaker?
A con marked as mattering a lot and impossible to fix. It shows ● on its row and is listed on the Summary.
What does To check mean?
It is one of three choices for Fact or feeling. A point marked To check goes on a Still to find out list on the Summary, with the ones that matter most first.
Related Due Form edition
The Decision File
Compare viable options, record the reasoning and set a review date.
For a scored comparison when the list is not enough
Request a tool or send feedback
Request a tool or report a problem
Tell us what you would like to add, change or fix in the Pros and Cons builder.