Do First
Important and Urgent
Urgent vs Important
Eisenhower Matrix
Inspired by Eisenhower’s urgent vs important framework.
Add tasks and sort by importance and urgency. Changes are saved automatically on this device.
Schedule
Important but not Urgent
Delegate
Not Important but Urgent
Eliminate
Neither Important nor Urgent
“I have two kinds of problems, the urgent and the important. The urgent are not important, and the important are never urgent.”
What is the Eisenhower Matrix?
The Eisenhower Matrix is a simple priority matrix that helps with task prioritization by separating what is urgent vs important. It is a practical time management approach that turns a long list into four clear categories.
This productivity tool keeps the method lightweight: add tasks, place them into a quadrant, and focus on what matters first. There is no sign up, and your list stays on this device.
The 4 quadrants
Do First (Urgent + Important)
These tasks need attention soon and have real impact. They are time-sensitive and meaningful, so they should be handled first.
- Reply to a time-sensitive request
- Pay a bill due today
- Finish an assignment due soon
- Resolve a work issue with a deadline
Focus here to reduce immediate pressure.
Schedule (Not Urgent + Important)
These tasks matter, but they are not urgent yet. Planning them protects your long-term goals.
- Plan the next week
- Work on a long-term project
- Build a learning habit
- Book a routine appointment
Put these on your calendar so they happen.
Delegate (Urgent + Not Important)
These tasks feel urgent but do not require your specific attention. If possible, share or delegate them.
- Schedule a meeting you do not need to lead
- Handle a routine request
- Respond to a non-critical message
- Follow up on a standard form or document
Ask for help or set a simple handoff.
Eliminate (Not Urgent + Not Important)
These tasks add little value and can distract from what matters. Consider removing them or saving them for later if they are optional.
- Optional tasks with no clear benefit
- Low-value notifications to check
- Busywork that does not move goals forward
- Tasks you added without a clear reason
Let these go and make space.
How to use this tool
- Add tasks quickly so they are out of your head and in one place.
- Decide if each task is urgent, important, both, or neither.
- Move tasks into the matching quadrant.
- Give “Schedule” items a specific date or time.
- Delegate or simplify tasks that are urgent but not important.
- Review the list regularly and remove tasks that no longer matter.
Urgent vs important: what’s the difference?
Urgent tasks are time-sensitive and need attention soon. Important tasks support your goals, responsibilities, or wellbeing. The Eisenhower Matrix helps you act quickly where needed while protecting time for what matters.
FAQ
- Will my tasks be saved?
- Yes. Your tasks are saved automatically in your browser on this device, so you can close the page and come back later without losing them.
- Do I need an account to use this?
- No. There is no sign-up, login, or account required. You can start using the tool immediately.
- Can I access my tasks from another device?
- Tasks do not sync between devices. Each browser and device keeps its own list, so tasks added on one device will not appear on another.
- Is my data private?
- Yes. Your tasks stay in your browser and are not sent to a server. This tool does not use accounts or store your data remotely.
- What happens if I clear my browser data?
- If you clear this site’s data in your browser, your saved tasks will be removed. This includes clearing site storage or browsing data.
- Does this tool work offline?
- The tool may continue to work after it has loaded once, but offline use is not guaranteed. For best results, use it with an internet connection.
- What is the difference between urgent and important?
- Urgent tasks need attention soon, often because of a deadline or time pressure. Important tasks support your goals, responsibilities, or well-being, even if they are not time-sensitive.
- What is a priority matrix?
- A priority matrix is a simple way to organize tasks based on urgency and importance. The Eisenhower Matrix is one of the most well-known priority matrix methods.
- How do I decide where a task belongs?
- Ask two questions: does this need attention soon, and does it meaningfully matter? Your answers will guide which quadrant the task belongs in.
- What should I do with tasks that feel urgent but are not important?
- If possible, delegate them to someone else. If delegation is not an option, simplify or limit the time you spend on them.
- What belongs in the “Schedule” quadrant?
- Important tasks that are not urgent yet, such as planning, learning, health routines, or long-term projects, belong in “Schedule.”
- Can I print or export my matrix?
- This tool does not include built-in print or export features. You can copy tasks manually if you need to save or share them elsewhere.
- How often should I review my matrix?
- Review it whenever your priorities change. Many people find a daily or weekly review helpful.
- Is this based on the Eisenhower Matrix method?
- Yes. This tool is based on the classic urgent vs important framework, presented in a simple and distraction-free format.
- How do I clear everything and start over?
- Use the “Clear all tasks” button at the top of the page. This removes all tasks saved on this device.