How to Make an Eisenhower Matrix Template in Excel (With Easy Steps)

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This tutorial will be a step-by-step guideline to make an Eisenhower Matrix template in Excel. The Eisenhower Matrix is very useful to fix the management strategy of a company or an organization. After going through this article, you will be able to create an Eisenhower Matrix. We will also provide you with a free template to get more insight into an Eisenhower Matrix.


What Is an Eisenhower Matrix?

American educator Stephen Covey first introduced the Eisenhower Matrix. He named it after Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president of America. Dwight D. Eisenhower was famous for his high output and organization skills. Another name for the Eisenhower Matrix is the Urgent-Important Matrix. Generally, a person can use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize his work based on the urgency and importance level of that work. Also, this matrix will allow us to categorize our data such as what you should do right now, what you should plan for later, what you should assign, and what you should remove from your list.


How to Make an Eisenhower Matrix Template in Excel: 2 Easy Steps

In an Eisenhower Matrix, we will have two parts. One part is the data section of the template. The data section will contain two parameters named Important and Urgent. We will set two values Yes or No with Data Validation to fix the level of importance and urgency. Another one is the Eisenhower box. This box will consist of four quadrants. Each quadrant will portray a combination of the importance and urgency of our task. Basically, the four combinations of importance and urgency that the four quadrants represent are:

  • Important – Urgent
  • Important – Not Urgent
  • Not Important – Urgent
  • Not Important – Not Urgent

So, in the first step, we will create the data section. Then, in the second step, we will create the Eisenhower box.


STEP 1: Create Data Section of Eisenhower Matrix Template

To make the data section follow the below simple steps.

  • To begin with, make a chart in cell range (H4:J13). Use the headings like the following image.
  • In addition, we can enter the name of our tasks also in the Tasks column.

Create Data Section of Eisenhower Matrix Template

  • Next, select cell I6.

Create Data Section of Eisenhower Matrix Template

  • Then, go to the Data Select the option Data Validation from the Data Validation dropdown menu.

Create Data Section of Eisenhower Matrix Template

  • A new dialogue box named ‘Data Validation’ will open.
  • Furthermore, go to the Settings tab.
  • Subsequently, from the Allow section select the option List from the dropdown menu.
  • Moreover, type the options Yes and No in the Source field.
  • Now, click on OK.

Create Data Section of Eisenhower Matrix Template

  • As a result, we can see a Data Validation dropdown in cell I7. If we click on the dropdown icon of cell I7, the two options Yes and No will be available.

  • Afterward, drag the Fill Handle tool vertically from cell I7 to J13.
  • Again drag the Fill Handle tool vertically from cell J13 to J14.
  • Finally, we get a Data Validation dropdown in all the cells from the range (I6:J13). So, we can express the level of importance and urgency of our tasks by selecting the option Yes or No.


STEP 2: Make Eisenhower Box

In the second step, we will create the part Eisenhower box of an Eisenhower matrix in Excel. Suppose we will select the values Yes or No for a task in the Data section. As a result, the task will automatically appear in the Eisenhower matrix box based on importance and urgency. To do this we will follow the below steps.

  • Firstly, create a chart in the cell range (B5:F13). You can do formatting as per your own choice.

Make Eisenhower Box

  • Secondly, select cell D6.
  • Type the following formula in that cell:
=IFERROR(INDEX($H$6:$H$13,SMALL(IF((LEN($H$6:$H$13)<>0)*($I$6:$I$13="Yes")*($J$6:$J$13="Yes"),ROW($H$6:$H$13)-ROW($H$5),""),ROW(H6)-ROW($H$5))),"")
  • Press Enter.

Make Eisenhower Box

  • Next, drag the Fill Handle too from cell D6 to D9.
  • So, the above action will insert the above formula from cells D6 to D9.

Make Eisenhower Box

  • Then, select cell F6. Insert the following formula in that cell:
=IFERROR(INDEX($H$6:$H$13,SMALL(IF((LEN($H$6:$H$13)<>0)*($I$6:$I$13="Yes")*($J$6:$J$13="No"),ROW($H$6:$H$13)-ROW($H$5),""),ROW(H6)-ROW($H$5))),"")
  • Hit Enter.

Make Eisenhower Box

  • Afterward, pull the Fill Handle tool from cell F6 to F9.

Make Eisenhower Box

  • Furthermore, select cell D10. Enter the below formula in that cell:
=IFERROR(INDEX($H$6:$H$13,SMALL(IF((LEN($H$6:$H$13)<>0)*($I$6:$I$13="No")*($J$6:$J$13="Yes"),ROW($H$6:$H$13)-ROW($H$5),""),ROW(H6)-ROW($H$5))),"")
  • Press Enter.

  • Now, drag the Fill Handle tool from cell D10 to D13.

  • Again, select cell F10. Type the following formula in that cell:
=IFERROR(INDEX($H$6:$H$13,SMALL(IF((LEN($H$6:$H$13)<>0)*($I$6:$I$13="No")*($J$6:$J$13="No"),ROW($H$6:$H$13)-ROW($H$5),""),ROW(H6)-ROW($H$5))),"")
  • Press Enter.

  • Also, drag the Fill Handle tool from cell F10 to F13.
  • Lastly, the process to make an Eisenhower box is finished now.

🔎 How Does the Formula Work?

  • ROW($H$6:$H$13)-ROW($H$5): In this part, the ROW function returns a numeric value for each task in cells (I6:I13).
  • LEN($H$6:$H$13): Here, the LEN function returns the lengths of each text from cells (H6:H13).
  • IF((LEN($H$6:$H$13)<>0)*($I$6:$I$13=”Yes”)*($J$6:$J$13=”Yes”),ROW($H$6:$H$13)-ROW($H$5),””): Suppose in a particular row both values from cell (I6:I13) and (J6:J13) is Yes. Then, the above part of the formula with the IF function will return the text from the range (H6:H13) in that row.
  • SMALL(IF((LEN($H$6:$H$13)<>0)*($I$6:$I$13=”Yes”)*($J$6:$J$13=”Yes”),ROW($H$6:$H$13)-ROW($H$5),””): Here the SMALL function returns the lowest matching value for each array.
  • (INDEX($H$6:$H$13,SMALL(IF((LEN($H$6:$H$13)<>0)*($I$6:$I$13=”Yes”)*($J$6:$J$13=”Yes”),ROW($H$6:$H$13)-ROW($H$5),””): Lastly, this formula wit the INDEX function looks for matched values in the array (H6:H13) and returns them in cell D6.
  • IFERROR(INDEX($H$6:$H$13,SMALL(IF((LEN($H$6:$H$13)<>0)*($I$6:$I$13=”Yes”)*($J$6:$J$13=”Yes”),ROW($H$6:$H$13)-ROW($H$5),””),ROW(H6)-ROW($H$5))),””): This part returns the final result in cell D6. If the value gets an error the IFERROR function returns blank.

Read More: How to Create a Matrix Chart in Excel


Similar Readings


Feature of Eisenhower Matrix Template in Excel

In this section, we will discuss how we can use the Eisenhower Matrix template in Excel. We will create the same template that we created in earlier steps. To illustrate the process we will follow the below steps.

STEPS:

  • In the beginning, select importance level Yes from the dropdown menu of cell I6.
  • Also, select the value Yes in cell J7.

Feature of Eisenhower Matrix Template in Excel

  • As a result, Task-1 automatically appears in the first quadrant of the Eisenhower box. It means Task-1 is both important and urgent.

Feature of Eisenhower Matrix Template in Excel

  • After that, for Task-2 Select the value Yes for the importance level in cell I7. Also, select the value No for urgency level in cell J7.
  • So, Task-2 appears in the 2nd This means that Task-2 is important but not urgent.

  • Moreover, for Task-3 choose an option No in cells I8 and J8. In that case, both the level of importance and urgency of the task is No.
  • Lastly, we can see Task-3 in the fourth quadrant.


Download Free Template

You can download the template from here.


Conclusion

In the end, this post will show you how to make an Eisenhower Matrix template in Excel. Download the practice workbook that comes with this article to put your skills to the test. If you have any questions, please leave a comment in the box below. We’ll try our best to respond as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for more intriguing Microsoft Excel solutions in the future.


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Mukesh Dipto
Mukesh Dipto

Hi there! I am Mukesh Dipto. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering. Currently, I am working as a technical content writer in ExcelDemy. You will find all my articles on Microsoft Excel on this site. Outside of the workplace, my hobbies and interests include sports and meeting new people. I also enjoy sports. My favorite sports are football (to watch and play) and Badminton (play).

15 Comments
  1. I don’t see a link to download the “practice workbook” that comes with this article.
    Please forward.

    Thank you,

    • Hello, Mary Visco! The downloadable file has been sent to your gmail address. If you can’t find the mail in inbox then please look for it in spam folder. Best regards!

  2. Hello,

    I am trying this “How to make”, but the formula for the Matrix does not work.

    =IFERROR(INDEX($H$6:$H$13,SMALL(IF((LEN($H$6:$H$13)0)*($I$6:$I$13=”Yes”)*($J$6:$J$13=”Yes”),ROW($H$6:$H$13)-ROW($H$5),””),ROW(H6)-ROW($H$5))),””)

    I think the problem starts here

    IF((LEN($H$6:$H$13)0)*($I$6:$I$13=”Yes”)*($J$6:$J$13=”Yes”),ROW($H$6:$H$13)-ROW($H$5),””)

    Any suggestions? Working with Microsoft 365.

    • Reply Avatar photo
      Nazmul Hossain Shovon Oct 24, 2022 at 11:43 AM

      Hi KARLHEINZ,
      Looks like you have missed the <> symbol in the SMALL(IF((LEN($H$6:$H$13)0) portion of the formula. The correct formula should be this:
      SMALL(IF((LEN($H$6:$H$13)<>0)
      I hope this solves your problem. Please let us know if you face any other issues.

  3. Hello,

    I have tried the download version and to make my own and neither will add the task when set to yes or no on the matrix.

    I have copied the formula on this site into the cells and drag copied down for each section of the matrix the specific code, but still no results.

    Any suggestions?

    Thanks!

    • Hello JC,
      Thanks for your comment. I am replying to you on behalf of ExcelDemy. The downloaded file works for me.
      You can follow the steps from the Feature of Eisenhower Matrix Template in Excel section. If it still doesn’t work then check if all cells contain the formula in the Eisenhower Matrix.
      And, while making your own Eisenhower Matrix, check if you are applying for the same range as in this article. If not, change your ranges accordingly in the formula.
      Lastly, if you are using an older version of Microsoft Excel then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter while entering the formula.
      I hope this will help you to solve your problem. If none of these works then you can let us know at [email protected] with your Excel file and problem details. We will try our best to solve your problem.
      Regards
      Mashhura
      ExcelDemy

  4. Hello,

    I am using two sheets. One sheet has the info (Task E7, Priority B7(High, Medium, Low)) and the second sheet will have the prioritization matrix.
    How do i reference the formula from another sheet? Or what would be the formula in this case? Thank you.

    • Hello SEAN,
      Here, we have listed the following tasks in a sheet which we will classify according to their importance and urgency.

      1

      • For creating drop-down lists for each of the cells in range C5:D12, we have opened the Data Validation dialog box.
      • In the Source box, type High, Medium, Low.

      2

      Then, we selected the following values for the tasks in the Task sheet.

      3

      In another sheet named Matrix, we have created the following template.

      4

      • For the portion of High Important and High Urgent use the following formula in cell D5, press ENTER, and use the AutoFill feature up to cell D8.
      =IFERROR(INDEX(Task!$B$5:$B$12,SMALL(IF((LEN(Task!$B$5:$B$12)<>0)*(Task!$C$5:$C$12="High")*(Task!$D$5:$D$12="High"),ROW(Task!$B$5:$B$12)-ROW(Task!$B$4),""),ROW(Task!B5)-ROW(Task!$B$4))),"")

      5

      • For the portion of High Important and Medium Urgent use the following formula in cell F5, press ENTER, and use the AutoFill feature up to cell F8.
      =IFERROR(INDEX(Task!$B$5:$B$12,SMALL(IF((LEN(Task!$B$5:$B$12)<>0)*(Task!$C$5:$C$12="High")*(Task!$D$5:$D$12="Medium"),ROW(Task!$B$5:$B$12)-ROW(Task!$B$4),""),ROW(Task!B5)-ROW(Task!$B$4))),"")

      6

      • For the portion of High Important and Low Urgent use the following formula in cell H5, press ENTER, and use the AutoFill feature up to cell H8.
      =IFERROR(INDEX(Task!$B$5:$B$12,SMALL(IF((LEN(Task!$B$5:$B$12)<>0)*(Task!$C$5:$C$12="High")*(Task!$D$5:$D$12="Low"),ROW(Task!$B$5:$B$12)-ROW(Task!$B$4),""),ROW(Task!B5)-ROW(Task!$B$4))),"")

      7

      • For the portion of Medium Important and High Urgent use the following formula in cell D9, press ENTER, and use the AutoFill feature up to cell D12.
      =IFERROR(INDEX(Task!$B$5:$B$12,SMALL(IF((LEN(Task!$B$5:$B$12)<>0)*(Task!$C$5:$C$12="Medium")*(Task!$D$5:$D$12="High"),ROW(Task!$B$5:$B$12)-ROW(Task!$B$4),""),ROW(Task!B5)-ROW(Task!$B$4))),"")

      8

      • For the portion of Medium Important and Medium Urgent use the following formula in cell F9, press ENTER, and use the AutoFill feature up to cell F12.
      =IFERROR(INDEX(Task!$B$5:$B$12,SMALL(IF((LEN(Task!$B$5:$B$12)<>0)*(Task!$C$5:$C$12="Medium")*(Task!$D$5:$D$12="Medium"),ROW(Task!$B$5:$B$12)-ROW(Task!$B$4),""),ROW(Task!B5)-ROW(Task!$B$4))),"")

      9

      • For the portion of Medium Important and Low Urgent use the following formula in cell H9, press ENTER, and use the AutoFill feature up to cell H12.
      =IFERROR(INDEX(Task!$B$5:$B$12,SMALL(IF((LEN(Task!$B$5:$B$12)<>0)*(Task!$C$5:$C$12="Medium")*(Task!$D$5:$D$12="Low"),ROW(Task!$B$5:$B$12)-ROW(Task!$B$4),""),ROW(Task!B5)-ROW(Task!$B$4))),"")

      10

      • For the portion of Low Important and High Urgent use the following formula in cell D13, press ENTER, and use the AutoFill feature up to cell D16.
      =IFERROR(INDEX(Task!$B$5:$B$12,SMALL(IF((LEN(Task!$B$5:$B$12)<>0)*(Task!$C$5:$C$12="Low")*(Task!$D$5:$D$12="High"),ROW(Task!$B$5:$B$12)-ROW(Task!$B$4),""),ROW(Task!B5)-ROW(Task!$B$4))),"")

      11

      • For the portion of Low Important and Medium Urgent use the following formula in cell F13, press ENTER, and use the AutoFill feature up to cell F16.
      =IFERROR(INDEX(Task!$B$5:$B$12,SMALL(IF((LEN(Task!$B$5:$B$12)<>0)*(Task!$C$5:$C$12="Low")*(Task!$D$5:$D$12="Medium"),ROW(Task!$B$5:$B$12)-ROW(Task!$B$4),""),ROW(Task!B5)-ROW(Task!$B$4))),"")

      12

      • For the portion of Low Important and Low Urgent use the following formula in cell H13, press ENTER, and use the AutoFill feature up to cell H16.
      =IFERROR(INDEX(Task!$B$5:$B$12,SMALL(IF((LEN(Task!$B$5:$B$12)<>0)*(Task!$C$5:$C$12="Low")*(Task!$D$5:$D$12="Low"),ROW(Task!$B$5:$B$12)-ROW(Task!$B$4),""),ROW(Task!B5)-ROW(Task!$B$4))),"")

      13

      Note:
      Here, we have used the sheet name Task in all our formulas, if you have any other sheet name, then put this name in the formulas.

      Regards
      Tanjima Hossain

  5. I’m not able to adjust the ranges in these formulas in order to make a longer reference list without causing an error. Please advise. Thanks

    • Hello Theo,

      Follow these steps to adjust ranges to make a longer list without any error.

      1. First, to make the task list longer, select cells H13 through J13. Then drag the fill handle down to add new task.
      make an eisenhower matrix in excel
      2. In this example, we added five new tasks. Therefore, the new ranges for column H, I and J are H6:H18, I6:I18 and J6:J18 respectively.

      3. Then select cell D6 and change the ranges of H,I and J cells in the formula bar and press Enter. After that, Autofill formula up to cell D9.
      make an eisenhower matrix in excel
      4. Similarly, change the formula ranges for other cells as well.

      5. Finally, you can see in the following figure that the formula is working properly.
      make an eisenhower matrix in excel

      I hope this solves your problem. Please let us know if you face any other issues.

  6. Hello! This has worked perfectly for my worksheet – thank you! My worksheet also contains a column that marks the status of the task (ongoing, on hold, completed, cancelled). I’m struggling with coming up with a conditional formatting or additional formula that will remove an item from the Eisenhower box once it has been updated as completed or cancelled within my to do list.

    Within my to do list, the conditional formatting comes into play and shades out and places strike through once a task is completed or cancelled. Is there a way to then have the box update to remove those tasks from the quadrants once it recognizes a complete or cancelled?

    • I hope you need something like this- once you update the status of a work in a column, there will be a strikethrough in the Eisenhower dashboard.
      Here is a sample how you can work with it.

      You can see that the completed tasks (Task-2, Task-3 etc.) get a strikethrough in the Urgent and Not Urgent columns. For this purpose, we will apply two conditional formatting for two types of work (Urgent and Not Urgent). Select the Urgent range first and then go to Conditional Formatting >> New Rule.

      The New Formatting Rule window will appear. Select the option Use a formula to determine which cells to format and type the formula below in the ‘Format values where this formula is true‘ section.

      [wpsm_box type="red" float="none" textalign="center"]
      =OR(D6=$L$7:$L$14)
      [/wpsm_box]

      After that, click on the Format button.

      In the next window, check Strikethrough and click OK.

      You will see a preview of how the formatted texts will look like, just click OK.

      Finally you will see the Strikethroughs on the Completed Urgent tasks in the Eisenhower dashboard.

      Do the same Conditional Formatting procedure for the Not Urgent range. You will get Strikethroughs on Not Urgent Completed tasks.

  7. Why this formulas are not working from second row onwards in my data sheet.
    I have copied the formula as mentioned above and in the dedicated cells as instructed, but the same conditioning of data in 2nd row does not even show output.
    pls help

    • Hello DEEP!

      From your comment, I think the most possible reason of the error could be inappropriate cell referencing. Please note that these formulas include both absolute and relative cell reference. You may copy paste the formulas, and then adjust the cell references according to your dataset. Hopefully that will solve your issue.

      solution of comment

      Output:

      output

      If you need further assistance regarding this, please feel free to send the Excel file in this email [email protected].

      Regards
      Hadi Ul Bashar

  8. Reply
    Nompumelelo Precious Mlambo Sep 15, 2023 at 6:05 AM

    This is very helpful, I feel like it WHT 8 will need 9n jy next adventure to prioritize my time

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