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Descartes square

A free Descartes square decision tool. Four questions show what you’d gain and lose — if you say yes, and if you say no.

No sign-up · Completely free

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Decision framework

What decision are you weighing?

The Descartes square breaks a dilemma into four consequence paths: what you’d gain and lose — if yes and if no.

How to use (30 sec)

  1. 1Name one concrete decision.
  2. 2In each cell, write 2–5 concrete consequences.
  3. 3At the end, compare the results.

Or pick an example

Process

How it works

Three steps from a dilemma to a clear 2×2 view.

  1. 01

    Name the dilemma

    Write one concrete decision — ideally phrased as an action (e.g. “change jobs”).

  2. 02

    Fill in 4 cells

    Answer the questions: what you’d gain and lose in both cases — if yes and if no.

  3. 03

    Compare the square

    See every answer in a 2×2 grid. Compare energy, risk, and quiet stagnation — then decide.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Descartes square free?

Yes. The audit and its insights on Tester.lt are free — no registration, email, or hidden fees.

How should I write my dilemma?

A short action works best, e.g. “change jobs” or “move to another city”. Avoid long sentences and question marks — the dilemma acts as a headline, keeping the questions grammatically clean.

How is this different from a simple pros/cons list?

A normal list only looks at “if yes”. The Descartes square also covers “if no”: what you’d keep and what you’d miss by changing nothing. That reveals quiet stagnation, not only the risk of change.

Are my answers stored on a server?

No. Everything stays in your browser (session storage). You can download a PNG for yourself — we don’t collect or store your text.

Does this replace seeing a psychologist?

No. This is an educational decision-reflection tool. If the dilemma brings strong anxiety or lasting stress, talk to a professional.

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