5 Whys Analysis
Turn a problem statement into structured questions, evidence and a proposed action.
Who it is for
Teams investigating recurring problems, defects and process failures.
What you get
A reviewable local worksheet with causal chain, evidence, proposed action and validation plan.
How to use it
- 01 · Define the observed problem
State what, where, when and how the issue was detected.
- 02 · Ask why and collect evidence
Each answer should be testable; five questions are a guide, not an arbitrary target.
- 03 · Plan and verify action
Record what you will change, who will check and how recurrence will be measured.
Frequently asked questions
Is five the exact number of whys?
No. Stop or branch when the evidence requires it; the tool provides five prompts for convenience.
Are reports saved online?
No. Entries stay in the current browser page unless you download the report.
A five-step chain does not prove causation. Real problems may have multiple interacting causes; verify hypotheses with observations and data. Do not include sensitive or personal data on shared devices.
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