| Intensity of importance | Definition | Explanation |
| 1 | Equal importance | Two elements contribute equally to the objective |
| 3 | Moderate importance | Somewhat more important/better |
| 5 | Strong importance | Definitely more important/better |
| 7 | Very strong important | Much more important/better |
| 9 | Extreme importance | Highest possible order of affirmation of one element over another |