| Intensity of importance (Score) | Definition and Explanation | |
| Definition | Explanation | |
| 1 | Equal importance | Two factors contribute equally to the objective |
| 3 | Weak importance of one over another | The judgment is slightly favor one factor over another |
| 5 | Essential or strong importance | The judgment is to strongly favor one factor over another |
| 7 | Demonstrated importance | A factor is strongly favored and its dominance is demonstrated in practice |
| 9 | Absolute importance | The evidence favoring one factor over another is of the highest possible order of affirmation |
| 2, 4, 6, 8 | Intermediate values between the two adjacent judgments | When compromise is needed |