| Scale | Definition | Explanation |
| 1 | Equal importance | Two elements contribute equally to the property or criterion. |
| 3 | Moderate importance | Experience and judgment slightly favour one element over another. |
| 5 | Strong importance | Experience and judgment strongly favour one element over another. |
| 7 | Very strong importance | Experience and judgment very strongly favour one element over another; it is dominance is demonstrated in practice. |
| 9 | Extreme importance | The evidence favouring one activity over another is of the highest possible order of affirmation. |