Fishbone Diagram Template
A fishbone (Ishikawa) cause-and-effect diagram with the problem at the head and six category bones: People, Methods, Machines, Materials, Measurement and Environment. Free PDF or digital.
Free · no sign-up · PDF works for printing and in any note app (Goodnotes, Notability, Notes for iPad). Made for this site.
About this template
The fishbone diagram, developed by Kaoru Ishikawa, helps a team find the root causes of a problem. Write the problem in the head on the right, then brainstorm possible causes along each bone. This template uses the six classic categories — People, Methods, Machines, Materials, Measurement and Environment — each with lines for individual causes. Rename the categories if your problem needs different ones.
How to use it
- State the problem as a specific effect (“Late deliveries in March”), not a vague topic.
- For each cause, ask “why?” again and add the deeper reason on the same bone.
- Circle the two or three causes the team agrees matter most and plan actions for them.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the 6 M's of a fishbone diagram?
Manpower (People), Methods, Machines, Materials, Measurement and Mother nature (Environment) — the classic cause categories in manufacturing and quality management.
Can I change the categories?
Yes. Service teams often use Policies, Procedures, People and Place instead; just write your own labels over the bones.
