Table 2 Fundamental scale of Saaty (1977)

1

Equally important

Two decision elements equally influence the parent decision element.

3

Moderately more important

One decision element is moderately more influential than the other.

5

Much more important

One decision element has more influence than the other.

7

Very much more important

One decision element has significantly more influence over the other.

9

Extremely more important

The difference between influences of the two decision elements is extremely significant.

2, 4, 6, 8

Intermediate judgment values

Judgment values between equally, moderately, much, very much and extremely.