A method and system for prioritizing the optimization of sectors within a cellular network using the minimum least squares error (“MLSE”) algorithm is presented. Each sector's throughput and performance metrics are collected over time. Problem sectors are having one or more performance metrics above or below a specified acceptable value are identified. A MLSE algorithm is applied to problem sectors to determine a weight per metric. Next, for each problem sector, the optimized throughput is calculated by substituting the value of a specific problem metric with an acceptable value. Problem sectors are prioritized in order of how much their throughput would improve as a result of an improvement to the problem metric.