TEMPLATESROOT CAUSEFree PDF Download

Free 5-Why Root Cause Analysis Template

A structured 5-Why root cause analysis worksheet — problem statement, five sequenced Why/Answer pairs, root cause type classification, corrective action planning, verification, and sign-off. Built for ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and 8D corrective action processes. Generated instantly in your browser, no login required.

Generate mine automatically →

How to use this template

  1. Write the problem statement — describe the defect or failure in specific, measurable terms. Vague statements (e.g., "machine keeps breaking") produce vague root causes. Use data where possible.
  2. Ask Why 1 — ask why the problem occurred. Write the answer in the Why 1 field. The answer should be a direct cause of the problem, supported by evidence.
  3. Continue through Why 2–5 — for each answer, ask "why did that happen?" Keep asking until you reach a process, system, or management-level root cause — not another symptom.
  4. Confirm the root cause — verify that fixing the root cause would actually prevent the original problem. Test this by reading the chain of answers backwards: root cause to Why 5 to problem.
  5. Define the corrective action — the corrective action must address the confirmed root cause, not a symptom. Assign an owner and a target completion date.
  6. Verify effectiveness — after the corrective action is implemented, verify that the problem has not recurred. Record the verification method and result.
  7. Obtain sign-off — have the analysis completed by and reviewed by QA. File with the associated NCR, CAPA, or 8D report for traceability.

Analysis Tip: The 5-Why is most effective for single-cause problems. For complex failures with multiple contributing causes, combine the 5-Why with a fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram to capture all causal branches before drilling down with 5-Why on the most significant cause.

What's inside the template

1

Problem Statement

Specific, measurable description of the defect or failure, with part number, date, and quantity affected

2

Why 1 — Direct Cause

The immediate cause of the problem, supported by evidence or observation

3

Why 2 — Contributing Cause

Why the direct cause occurred

4

Why 3 — Deeper Cause

Why the contributing cause occurred

5

Why 4 — System Cause

Why the deeper cause was allowed to exist

6

Why 5 — Root Cause

The fundamental process, system, or management factor that allowed the failure to occur

7

Root Cause Confirmation & Classification

Confirmed root cause type (Process / Equipment / Material / Method / Human / Measurement) and confirmation method

8

Corrective Action & Verification

Action description, owner, target date, verification method, and effectiveness result

9

Sign-Off

Completed-by and QA review signatures with closure date

COPLAIN AI PLATFORM

Generate yours automatically from your existing docs

Upload a nonconformance report, customer complaint, or audit finding and Coplain AI drafts a structured root cause analysis — problem statement and causal chain pre-populated from your document.

Generate yours automatically with Coplain →

Related Tools & Templates

Template5S Audit Checklist TemplateTemplateA3 Problem Solving TemplateTemplateStandardized Work Combination Sheet TemplateGuideLean Manufacturing Documentation GuideToolTap Drill Size ChartGuide8D Problem Solving in ManufacturingAI BuilderGenerate Custom Manufacturing Job Aids & SOPs