When teams are full of ideas and strong opinions, prioritization can feel like herding cats. The 100-Point Method is a simple, democratic technique that helps groups rank ideas quickly and fairly.
It gives everyone a voice—literally—by letting participants “vote” on their top priorities with a limited number of points. The result? Clear priorities, less debate, and greater buy-in.
What Is the 100-Point Method?
Each participant gets 100 points (or tokens) to distribute across a list of options. They can allocate all points to one item or spread them across several. Once everyone votes, the totals reveal which options matter most to the group.
It’s great for:
- Product feature selection
- Budget allocation
- Improvement initiatives
- Workshop idea filtering
Why Use It?
- Balances voices – Everyone has equal input
- Quantifies preference – Strong support becomes visible
- Avoids groupthink – Silent voting reduces social pressure
- Simple and fast – No complex tools or math required
How to Run a 100-Point Prioritization Session
1. Prepare the List
Gather the items to prioritize—ideally no more than 10–15.
2. Explain the Rules
Each participant gets 100 points to allocate however they choose. Example:
- 50 points to one item, 25 to two others
- 20 points each to five items
3. Vote
Use physical tokens, sticky dots, or digital tools (like Google Sheets, Miro, or Poll Everywhere).
4. Tally the Results
Add up the points for each item. Higher scores = higher priority.
5. Discuss and Decide
Review results as a group. Discuss surprises, address concerns, and finalize the priority order.
Tips for Success
- Allow silent, independent voting to reduce influence
- Pre-print voting sheets for clarity
- Combine with other frameworks (e.g., MoSCoW or Impact/Effort Matrix) for deeper insight
- Use a facilitator to keep things moving and neutral
Example in Action
A team is selecting features for the next product release. After a brainstorming session, they narrow it to 8 features. Each person votes with 100 points:
| Feature | Total Points |
|---|---|
| Login Redesign | 280 |
| User Onboarding | 220 |
| Dashboard Filters | 160 |
| Export to CSV | 90 |
| Dark Mode | 50 |
Top priorities are clear. The team agrees to focus on the top three for the next sprint.
Summary: Everyone Votes, and It Works
The 100-Point Method takes the tension out of group prioritization. It’s fair, visual, and engaging. Most importantly, it drives faster decisions with more alignment.
When opinions are strong and time is short, give your team 100 points—and let the results speak.