5 Whys analysis
Find the real root cause: state a problem, then keep asking "Why?" until you reach something you can fix. Works as a single chain or a branching why-why tree. Export SVG, PNG, PDF or a Markdown outline. Saved on your device, fully offline.
Open 5 Whys analysis →What is the 5 Whys analysis tool?
A 5 Whys root-cause tool that helps you trace a problem back to something you can actually fix: state the issue, then keep asking "Why?" until you reach the underlying cause. It works as a single linear chain or a branching why-why tree, runs entirely in your browser, and your analysis is saved on your device, so it keeps working offline.
How to use 5 Whys analysis
- State the problem — Type the problem you are investigating into the first card. This is the starting point for the whole analysis.
- Keep asking why — Use the + button to add the next "Why?" and explain the cause behind the line above. Repeat until you reach a cause you can act on — about five times is typical.
- Branch if needed — Turn on "Allow branching" to give a single cause more than one contributing reason, building a why-why tree instead of a straight chain.
- Mark the root cause — Click the star on the card that holds the real, fixable cause so it stands out in the diagram and the exports.
- Export your findings — Download the analysis as an SVG, PNG or PDF diagram, or as a Markdown outline. You can also save and re-import the JSON.
Frequently asked questions
Is my analysis saved if I close the tab?
Yes. The tree is stored in your browser's local storage on your own device, so it reloads when you come back. Nothing is uploaded to a server.
Do I have to use exactly five whys?
No. Five is a rule of thumb, not a hard limit. Add as many or as few levels as it takes to reach a cause you can genuinely fix.
What's the difference between a chain and a branch?
A linear chain assumes each cause has one reason behind it. Turn on "Allow branching" when a single cause has several contributing reasons that you want to explore separately.
Which export formats are available?
You can export a clean diagram as SVG, PNG or PDF, plus a Markdown outline of the whole tree and a JSON file you can re-import later.
Can I reuse a previous analysis?
Yes. Export the JSON to keep a copy, then use Import JSON to load it back in and carry on editing.
Tips
- Load the built-in example to see how a finished chain reads before starting your own.
- Phrase each answer as a factual cause, not as blame — you are looking for a process to fix, not a person.
- Export the SVG for a sharp diagram you can drop into a report or slide deck.
- Mark the genuine root cause with the star so the action point is obvious to readers.