Scale

Degree of preference

Explanation

1

Equal importance

Contribution to objective is equal

3

Moderate importance

Attribute is slightly favored over another

5

Strong importance

Attribute is strongly favored over another

7

Very strong importance

Attribute is very strongly favored over another

9

Extreme importance

Evidence favoring one attribute is of the highest possible order of affirmation

2, 4, 6, 8

Intermediate values

When compromise is needed