Making decisions on certain matters is mostly a complicated thing. Reaching a good decision can be a challenge, especially when there is more than one solution available. To succeed in making the right decision, you can make a decision tree template.


Decision Tree Templates












Parts of a decision tree

In comparison, you can think of a decision or logic tree template as a flowchart or a tree-like representation of all the decisions you need to make together with the likely outcomes or consequences. The decision tree has three basic components:

  • Root Node
    This is the top-most node and it represents the final decision or goal that you need to make. As expected, it takes its place on top of the whole structure and it’s from this node that all of the other elements come from. The way you choose to state the root node will affect the type of direction that the other parts of the diagram will take.
  • Branch Node
    In analogy, the branches of a tree stem out from the roots and in a similar matter, The branch nodes of the decision tree template originate from the root node. As the word branches connote, this node represents the different actions you can take to come up with a solution.
    Most of the time, you may indicate these using arrows. The branch nodes may also include associated costs depending on what type of decision you need to make.
  • Leaf Node
    As in a tree, branches have leaves and these represent the probable outcomes for each possible action you take. There are two kinds of lead nodes to use:
    Use circle nodes to signify unknown chances or outcomes.
    Use square nodes to indicate that there is a need to make more decisions.

The benefits of creating this diagram

Now, that you know more about a decision tree template, its components, and what they represent, it’s time to think about the reason why this method works so well. A decision or logic tree template has several benefits:

  • Flexibility
    Since these diagrams are non-linear, they become more flexible for planning, exploring, and making predictions for probable outcomes to decisions, whether they happened or not.
  • Effective communication of complex processes
    Another benefit of this diagram is that it visually demonstrates cause-and-effect relationships. It provides a simpler view of potentially complex processes. They also are very straightforward in their presentations making them easy to understand even to those who have never made one before.
  • Focused on data and probability – not biases and emotions
    It’s alright to consult others, especially when making important decisions but if you depend too much on the opinions of others, this might put your final decisions at risk. To begin with, they don’t have a clear and entire picture of the issue.
    As such, their advice might get influenced by their own biases instead of concrete probabilities or facts. By contrast, decision trees offer a balanced look at the decision-making process while at the same time, allowing you to calculate both rewards and risks.
  • Makes objectives, gains, risks, and choices clear
    The predictive framework of this diagram allows you to layout the various possibilities that would ultimately determine the course of action that gives you the highest likelihood of succeeding. This, in turn, safeguards your decisions against unacceptable outcomes or unnecessary risks.

Logic Tree Templates











The process of creating a decision tree template

A decision tree offers a stylized view where you can consider a series of decisions to see where they lead to before you unnecessarily commit real-world resources and time. While it’s easy to download a free decision tree template to use, you can also make one yourself. Here are some steps to guide you:

  • Define the question.
  • Add the branches of the tree.
  • Add the leaves of the tree
  • Add more branches if needed.
  • Terminate some of the branches as needed.
  • Double check the diagram you made.

How do I create a decision tree in Word?

There are various ways to make a decision tree template but the easiest way to make one is through Microsoft Word by following these steps:

  • Launch the software and open a new document.
  • Click on the Insert tab, Illustrations, then SmartArt Graphics.
  • Choose your preferred SmartArt Graphic from the Hierarchy template that will suit your needs.
  • Input your decision in the editing box next to the SmartArt Graphic.
  • Continue adding information and elements until you have finished your template.

Decision Tree Templates Word











How do you create a decision tree in Excel?

You can also create a decision tree template Excel and for this application, you have two ways to do this:

Use Basic Shapes in Lines

  • Launch the software and open a new document.
  • Input your data into the spreadsheet.
  • Click the Insert tab then from the Text section, choose Text Box.
  • Now, you can draw a Text Box using your cursor.
  • Input your main question in the Text Box. This is the most important part of your diagram.
  • The next thing to do is to draw the outcomes or answers to the question that you come up with. Since these will come from you, it’s up to you how many outcomes or answers you will create for your main question or decision.
  • To insert a line, click Insert then choose Shapes from the Illustrations. After that, select a straight line. After you insert a straight line, attach an oval or a box for the first outcome.
  • Now, keep adding ovals for the other results. Continue using the connectors to draw additional outcomes until you have completed your diagram.

Use SmartArt Graphics

  • Launch the software and open a new document.
  • Click the Insert tab then choose SmartArt Graphics from the Illustrations section.
  • Now, click the Hierarchy tab then choose the Horizontal Hierarchy. After clicking OK, the Horizontal Hierarchy Graphic will open.
  • Now, you can start editing your decision tree. Click the placeholder text inside the decision box and input your content. You can also make use of the editor box next to the SmartArt Graphic for editing content.