Preference revealer.

Preference revealer is a free list ranker. Enter your items, choose between two at a time, and get your full order. Rank alone or with a group.

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How do I use the preference revealer?

Enter a list of items into the field above, one per line, then click 'Get started'. You can also start from a ready-made list. The preference revealer tool will present each pair of items for comparison. Choose between them to reveal your order of preference. Once all comparisons are complete, you'll see a ranked list from most to least preferred. You can copy it as text or save it as an image.

What is pairwise ranking?

Pairwise ranking is a decision-making method that compares items two at a time instead of all at once. By choosing between pairs, you generate a consistent ranking that reflects your preferences more accurately than trying to order everything manually.

Is this a this-or-that ranking generator?

Yes. Each step is a head-to-head, this-or-that choice between two items. You pick one, and the tool uses all your choices to build a full ranked list. It works as a list ranker, a preference sorter and a way to rank things against each other.

  • Reduces bias by focusing on small, simple choices
  • Handles large lists efficiently through systematic pairing
  • Produces a ranked output that reflects cumulative decisions

How does this preference revealer tool work?

For longer lists, you can choose between two modes. Full precision uses the Ford-Johnson merge-insertion sort – the same algorithm from Knuth's The Art of Computer Programming – asking only as many comparisons as needed to guarantee the exact order. Quick ranking compares a sample of pairs and estimates the order statistically, with a confidence rating on the result, trading some certainty for a shorter list of comparisons.

What can I use preference revealer for?

The preference revealer is useful for ranking ideas, products, names, designs or any list of options where direct ranking feels difficult. It also suits fan rankings, such as your favourite films, games or albums. Ideal for team branding decisions, product prioritisation, or quick personal choices.

Can I save and share my ranking?

Yes, with a free account. Sign in and your ranking is saved as soon as it finishes. It is private by default, so only you can see it. Choose Share, then switch it to public, to get a link anyone can open. Your saved rankings are listed under the tool, where you can rename, share or delete them. Without an account you can still rank and copy or save your result, but it is not kept.

Can a group rank the same list together?

Yes. Finish a ranking of your own while signed in, choose Share, then Rank it together. You get a link to send. Each person opens it, enters their name and ranks the same list on their own, so nobody is swayed by anyone else. When they finish, they see one combined order, ranked by average position, plus an agreement score that shows how closely the group agreed. The person who made the group ranking can see every individual ranking, and choose whether the others can too. They can also close the group ranking to stop new entries, or delete it.

Do the people in a group ranking need an account?

Not unless the organiser asks for one. By default, anyone with the link can join with just a name. The organiser can choose to make people sign in first. Only people who have the link can find a group ranking, and group rankings are kept out of search results.

How accurate are the preference revealer results?

It depends which mode you use. Full precision guarantees the exact order for a consistent set of answers – no estimation involved. Quick ranking samples a subset of comparisons and rates its own reliability with a confidence indicator, so you can see at a glance how decisive the result is.

Does the order of items affect preference revealer results?

No. The order you list items in does not change the result. The pairs are shown in a mixed order, and the ranking depends solely on your selections.

Can I turn the scores into other statistics?

Yes – if you'd like to see a mean, median or spread across the scores your options received, copy them into the average calculator for a closer look.

Ready-made lists to rank

Start from a list that is already filled in, then add, remove or rename items to suit.