Free Fishbone Diagram – Ishikawa Templates

Free Fishbone Diagram and Root Cause Analysis Templates

Identify the real cause of problems using Fishbone, 5 Whys, and Is/Is Not tools. Download the Excel templates to:

Analyze process variation
Identify Lean waste
Find root causes with your team

Download includes:

✔ Fishbone Diagram – 6Ms (Sources of Variation)
Categorize causes under Man, Machine, Method, Material, Measurement System, and Mother Nature.

✔ Fishbone Diagram – 8 Wastes (Lean Waste Tool)
Analyze causes using Lean Waste categories: Defects, Overproduction, Waiting, Inventory, Motion, Excess Processing, Non-Utilized Talent, Transportation.

✔ 5 Whys Worksheet
Simple structured table to dig deeper into a symptom by asking “Why?” until the root cause is found.

✔ Is / Is Not Analysis
A problem-definition tool to clarify where the issue occurs vs where it does not.

✔ Format: Editable Excel + Printable PDF

No credit card required. Instant access.

What Is a Fishbone Diagram?

The Fishbone Diagram, also called the Ishikawa or Cause and Effect Diagram, helps you visually map out all possible causes of a problem so you can identify the true source and fix it for good.

Use it to:

Stop repeated mistakes
Clarify cause and effect relationships
Support Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement efforts
Improve collaboration during problem-solving workshops

How to Use the Template

Start with the Problem Statement
Write the symptom or issue at the head of the Fishbone diagram or at the top of the 5 Whys sheet.
Choose a Tool Based on Your Needs
• Use Fishbone 6Ms to explore process variation
• Use Fishbone 8 Wastes to identify Lean waste
• Use 5 Whys to dig deeper into one cause
• Use Is / Is Not to clarify and narrow problem boundaries
Brainstorm Causes with Your Team
Add possible causes to each category.
Identify the True Root Cause and Next Actions
Use your findings to assign corrective actions or create a project in KPI Fire.