Free download · PDF, Word, Excel & Google Sheets
Eisenhower Matrix TemplateFree PDF, Word & Excel download
A printable, editable Eisenhower Matrix in four formats. Drop every task into a quadrant and walk away with a clear next step: do it, schedule it, delegate it, or eliminate it.
Prefer no file at all? Open the online matrix and sort tasks right in your browser.
Download the Eisenhower Matrix template
Four formats, same matrix. Pick the one that fits how you already work.
PDF template
PDF · 1 page · US Letter
Best for: Printing and sorting tasks by hand in under five minutes.
- 1.Print the page, or open it on a tablet.
- 2.Write each task on a line inside one quadrant.
- 3.Then act on it: do it, schedule it, delegate it, or eliminate it.
Word template
DOCX · works in Word and Google Docs
Best for: Typing tasks into a document you can edit and share.
- 1.Open the file and click inside a quadrant cell.
- 2.Type one task per line. Add rows if you need more room.
- 3.Save a fresh copy each week instead of editing the old one.
Excel template
XLSX · pre-formatted 4 quadrant grid
Best for: Keeping a sortable matrix inside an existing workbook.
- 1.Open the sheet. The four quadrants are already colored.
- 2.Type one task per cell under the matching quadrant.
- 3.Review it weekly, since priorities shift.
Google Sheets template
CSV · imports into Google Sheets or Excel
Best for: A flat task list you can filter, sort, and share with a team.
- 1.In Google Sheets, choose File → Import → Upload and pick the CSV.
- 2.Type a task, mark whether it is urgent and important, and choose its quadrant.
- 3.Filter by quadrant or next action to work through them one at a time.
How to fill out the template
Whichever format you picked, the method is the same. Four steps, a few minutes.
Dump everything first
Write every task down before judging it. You cannot prioritize what is still in your head.
Judge importance, then urgency
Ask what changes if the task is done well. Then ask whether it truly needs attention today.
Decide the next step
Every task leaves the matrix with a next step: do it, schedule it, delegate it, or eliminate it.
Review weekly
Priorities shift. A task sitting in Schedule can turn into a Do First task as its deadline approaches.
The four quadrants, explained
The label matters less than what you do next. Sort each task once, then move it out of the matrix.
Do First
Urgent + important
Work with a real deadline and real consequences if it slips.
e.g. A production outage, or the tax form due tomorrow.
Schedule
Important, not urgent
Strategic work that prevents fires instead of fighting them.
e.g. The quarterly plan, exercise, the skill your next role needs.
Delegate
Urgent, not important
Requests that need motion, but not your best attention.
e.g. A vendor follow-up a teammate can cover.
Eliminate
Not urgent, not important
Activity that fills the day without changing the outcome.
e.g. The recurring status ritual nobody reads.
Rather skip the download?
The templates are great for printing and sharing. But if your priorities change often, a file becomes another thing to manage.
The free online matrix autosaves in your browser, needs no account, and lets you drag tasks between quadrants. Sort once, then get back to work.
A free account syncs your matrix across devices.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Eisenhower Matrix template free?
Which Eisenhower Matrix template format should I use?
How do I use the template in Google Sheets?
What are the four quadrants of the Eisenhower Matrix?
How often should I update the matrix?
What is the difference between the template and the online tool?
Keep your matrix with you
A free account syncs your Eisenhower Matrix across all your devices.
- Access your tasks from any device
- Automatic cloud backup
- Never lose your priorities
- Free forever for basic features
No credit card required