What is the Eisenhower Matrix?

The Eisenhower Matrix (also called Urgent-Important Matrix) is a prioritization framework attributed to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It divides tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance: Do First, Schedule, Delegate, and Eliminate.

How do I decide which quadrant a task belongs in?

Ask two questions: Is this task urgent (needs immediate attention)? Is it important (contributes to long-term goals)? Tasks that are both go in 'Do First', important but not urgent go in 'Schedule', urgent but not important go in 'Delegate', and neither go in 'Eliminate'.

Can I move tasks between quadrants?

Yes! Simply drag and drop tasks between quadrants. On mobile, use the move buttons that appear on each task.

How often should I review my matrix?

Review daily for task management, or weekly for longer-term planning. The beauty of the matrix is that it forces you to regularly reassess priorities.

Your tasks are saved in your browser for 30 days. Nothing is sent to our server unless you share via the short-link mode.

What is the difference between the Eisenhower Matrix and Impact/Effort Matrix?

Eisenhower sorts by urgency vs. importance (time pressure vs. value). Impact/Effort sorts by potential value vs. implementation cost. Use Eisenhower for daily task management, Impact/Effort for project and feature prioritization.

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Eisenhower Matrix

Prioritize tasks by urgency and importance. Drag and drop between quadrants to organize your priorities.

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Example

A team lead prioritizes Q2 tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix.

Do First

Urgent & Important

– Fix critical production bug
– Prepare board presentation for Monday

Schedule

Important, Not Urgent

– Plan Q3 roadmap with stakeholders
– Set up automated test pipeline

Delegate

Urgent, Not Important

– Update team wiki documentation
– Review vendor proposals

Eliminate

Not Urgent, Not Important

– Redesign internal admin theme
– Attend optional industry webinar

Need to decide with your team?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Eisenhower Matrix?: The Eisenhower Matrix (also called Urgent-Important Matrix) is a prioritization framework attributed to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It divides tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance: Do First, Schedule, Delegate, and Eliminate.
How do I decide which quadrant a task belongs in?: Ask two questions: Is this task urgent (needs immediate attention)? Is it important (contributes to long-term goals)? Tasks that are both go in 'Do First', important but not urgent go in 'Schedule', urgent but not important go in 'Delegate', and neither go in 'Eliminate'.
Can I move tasks between quadrants?: Yes! Simply drag and drop tasks between quadrants. On mobile, use the move buttons that appear on each task.
How often should I review my matrix?: Review daily for task management, or weekly for longer-term planning. The beauty of the matrix is that it forces you to regularly reassess priorities.
Is my data saved?: Your tasks are saved in your browser for 30 days. Nothing is sent to our server unless you share via the short-link mode.
What is the difference between the Eisenhower Matrix and Impact/Effort Matrix?: Eisenhower sorts by urgency vs. importance (time pressure vs. value). Impact/Effort sorts by potential value vs. implementation cost. Use Eisenhower for daily task management, Impact/Effort for project and feature prioritization.

Eisenhower Matrix

Example

Do First

Schedule

Delegate

Eliminate

Need to decide with your team?

Frequently Asked Questions

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