Abstract This paper reviews quantitative methods for educational and training needs assessment. The paper introduces a new simple approach for this purpose. The approach does not resort to the probability theory. Collected data as two bivariate distributions are tabulated using a five point Likert type scale. A proposed linear cell-weight is applied to each cell. A distribution index is proposed for measuring educational and training needs. The introduced scale is simple, positive, and finite (runs from 0 - 1). The technique is applied on data gathered locally. It contributes in education/ training needs assessment methods in the field of education and extension education.