Compare two contracts with weighted clause analysis
Rate each agreement from 1 to 10 across core legal and commercial provisions. The calculator returns weighted strength, risk, compliance, and negotiation guidance.
Example data table
This sample illustrates how a stronger agreement can outperform another on clause quality, compliance readiness, and critical-risk exposure.
| Metric | Contract A | Contract B |
|---|---|---|
| Weighted Clause Score | 82.40 | 74.80 |
| Risk Index | 18.00 | 34.00 |
| Compliance Index | 86.00 | 72.00 |
| Commercial Balance | 80.00 | 68.00 |
| Overall Score | 84.00 | 67.10 |
| Recommendation | Preferred | Needs negotiation |
Formula used
Sum of (clause rating x clause weight) divided by 10.
Sum of penalties for weak critical clauses, normalized to a 0 to 100 scale. Lower ratings in payment, liability, indemnity, termination, IP, and data protection increase risk.
Average of governing law, confidentiality, data protection, dispute resolution, and audit rights, multiplied by 10.
Average of payment terms, termination rights, warranty or SLA, renewal flexibility, and change control, multiplied by 10.
Weighted Clause Score minus 35% of Risk Index, plus 15% of Compliance Index, plus 15% of Commercial Balance. Results are capped between 0 and 100.
How to use this calculator
- Enter names, values, and terms for both contracts.
- Rate every clause from 1 to 10 using your review standards.
- Click Compare Contracts to generate the summary above the form.
- Review the winning agreement, score gaps, and negotiation priorities.
- Export the output as CSV or PDF for internal review files.
FAQs
What does this calculator compare?
It compares two agreements across weighted legal and commercial clause categories. The tool highlights strength, risk, compliance quality, and likely negotiation priorities in one report.
Does a higher score always mean a better contract?
Usually, but context matters. A higher score suggests stronger protections and balance. Actual suitability still depends on deal value, business goals, industry norms, and legal advice.
How should I rate each clause?
Use a consistent scale from 1 to 10. Lower values indicate vague, risky, or one-sided terms. Higher values reflect clear, balanced, enforceable, and commercially practical drafting.
Why are some clauses weighted more heavily?
Payment, liability, indemnity, and termination often drive financial exposure most directly. Heavier weights make the result more realistic when agreements differ on critical protections.
What is the risk index?
The risk index measures weakness in critical clauses. Low ratings in high-impact provisions create a larger penalty, helping you spot contracts that look acceptable but hide serious exposure.
Can I use this for vendor and client contracts?
Yes. It works for service agreements, supply terms, SaaS contracts, consulting engagements, and many procurement documents when you adjust ratings to your preferred standards.
Is this legal advice?
No. This calculator is an evaluation aid for structured review. It does not replace a licensed lawyer, jurisdiction-specific analysis, or a full reading of the agreement.
What should I do after identifying a weaker contract?
Use the gap summary to guide negotiation. Focus on the lowest-rated critical clauses first, then revise wording, caps, carve-outs, timelines, and dispute procedures.