Questionnaire Scoring Methods

Each questionnaire question can use a different scoring method depending on the type of groups you want to create.

These are optimization preferences for the algorithm — not strict guarantees. If it’s possible to satisfy them while balancing the rest of the dinner, the algorithm usually will.

Same

Group people who answered similarly.

Use this when you want people seated with others who selected the same answer.

Example:
“Looking to make friends” → seated with others who selected the same reason for joining.

Different

Create more diverse tables.

Use this when you want a mix of answers at each table.

Example:
Mixing introverts and extroverts, or different hobbies/interests.

Cohesion

Keep people near others who are similar on an ordered scale.

Use this when answer options follow a natural progression or hierarchy.

Example:

• CEO
• VP
• Director
• Senior
• Junior

In this case, the algorithm will try to seat people close in seniority together.

At Least K Of

Ensure at least a certain number of people with a specific answer per table.

Use this when you want representation from a specific group at every table.

You’ll also need to select the answer as the “K-th option.”

Example:
“At least 1 person who selected ‘New to the city’ per table.”

Category Balance

Distribute selected answer categories as evenly as possible across tables.
Use this when you want a balanced mix of specific groups at each table, rather than having one group heavily represented.

To set it up:

1. Select Category Balance as the scoring method.
2. Add at least two answer options.
3. Check Balance next to the answers you want to distribute evenly.
4. Set the question's Weight to control how much influence this preference has on matching.

Only the selected answers are included in the category balance score. Other answers are excluded from this scoring method.

Example:
You ask attendees which political perspective best describes them:

• Left
• Right
• Center

If you select Left and Right for Category Balance, the algorithm will try to distribute attendees from those two groups evenly at each table. Attendees who select Center won't be included in this particular balance calculation, but can still be matched to tables.

This is especially useful when you want to encourage conversations between people with different perspectives while avoiding tables dominated by one selected category.

Remember: All scoring methods are preferences, not guarantees. The algorithm considers them alongside other matching factors, including age, budget, dietary needs, and the number of attendees, to create the best possible groups.

Updated on: 27/10/2026