How to Make a Decision Tree in Excel for Project Planning

Unsurprisingly, making the right call often means digging through mountains of raw data.

No wonder data overload is real. Staring at endless numbers and spreadsheets can feel overwhelming. That’s where visuals come to the rescue. Concept maps, charts, graphs, and idea boards make complicated data easier to digest.

And then there’s the most structured of them all—a decision tree, the ultimate decision-making technique. Unlike other visuals that just display information, decision trees guide you through every possible outcome step by step. They help you compare options, predict risks, and make more intelligent choices.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create a decision tree in Excel so that you can turn your data into actionable insights.

As a bonus, we’ll also introduce you to Mind Maps, the perfect tool to create decision trees that clarify your thought processes and simplify planning + free templates to get you started!

How to Make a Decision Tree in Excel

A decision tree helps break down the decision-making process into nodes, each representing a stage in the decision path:

• Root node: The starting point of the decision-making process, usually the problem or question at hand
• Decision nodes: These are the options or choices that branch off from the root node, each leading to a different path
• Chance nodes: Not every decision has a certain outcome. These nodes represent uncertainties or risks along the path
• Outcome nodes: The potential outcomes from each decision, guiding you to the best possible solution

Excel is not a flowchart software, but you can build your decision tree in Excel in two ways: manually using the shape library or using the SmartArt Graphics feature.

Let’s get started.

1. Enter data into the spreadsheet

Start by opening a new Excel spreadsheet and inputting the data for your decision tree. 

This includes the nodes or branches, representing the different choices or decisions you’ll encounter throughout the process.

2. Create dialog or text boxes to display information

To add the main action or question, click the Insert tab, choose Text Box from the Text section, and draw the box on the spreadsheet. Then, type the action or question you want to display inside the text box.

3. Add possible outcomes with shapes and lines

To represent possible outcomes, go to the Insert tab, select Shapes, and choose Straight Line. Draw a line connecting your decision or question to an outcome. Add boxes or ovals in the shape library to represent each result, and continue using lines and shapes to illustrate additional outcomes as needed.

4. Create a decision tree using SmartArt Graphics in Excel

Alternatively, you can make a decision tree in Excel using SmartArt graphics. 

• Start by clicking the Insert tab and selecting SmartArt Graphics from the Illustrations section

• In the dialog box that appears, navigate to the Hierarchy tab, select the Horizontal Hierarchy option, and click the OK button
• This will insert the Horizontal Hierarchy SmartArt graphic into your Excel sheet
• To customize the decision tree, simply click the placeholder text inside the decision boxes and replace it with your content

• You can also use the small editor box next to the graphic for further modifications

Limitations of Creating a Decision Tree in Excel

Creating a decision tree in Excel is a handy way to map out choices and visualize outcomes, especially when making complex decisions.

Here are some other limitations you might face when creating a decision tree diagram in Microsoft Excel.

• No automated branching: Excel doesn’t offer automated decision tree branching based on inputs, meaning you must manually create every branch and decision point, which increases the risk of errors ❌
• Poor scalability for large trees: Excel’s grid structure becomes cumbersome as decision trees grow. Navigating and editing large trees can be frustrating, and it may slow down your workbook’s performance ❌
• Limited visual appeal: Excel’s formatting tools are relatively basic, making creating visually engaging decision tree diagrams difficult. For teams that require highly polished visuals, Excel can feel limiting ❌
• Limited customization options: While Excel provides basic shapes and connectors, it lacks advanced features like drag-and-drop functionality or pre-designed decision tree templates, making creating complex trees time-consuming ❌

A Quora user says,

Create a Decision Tree With

While Excel is a valuable tool for creating basic decision trees, its limitations, such as lack of collaboration, cluttered visuals, and difficulty managing complex structures, warrant looking at Excel alternatives.

If you want more effective project planning, you need an innovative, all-in-one solution. is the ‘everything app for work’ that combines visual collaboration, knowledge management, and team communication in one place.

offers two great tools—Mind Maps and Whiteboards—to help create decision trees. 

How do you make a decision tree with Mind Maps?

You can use Mind Maps to make a decision tree to break down each choice and connect tasks effortlessly. As you navigate your decision-making process, you can convert ideas into tasks, assign priorities, and track real-time progress.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create your decision tree in Mind Maps:

1. Click the + icon in the Views Bar to open the Views modal

2. Select Mind Map from the available view options and give your Mind Map a descriptive name

3. Use the Add Node feature to create the central node and label it with your decision or problem statement

4. Create two branches (or more if you want) for potential outcomes or sub-decisions using the Add Node feature

5. Label each outcome node clearly with the potential result or next step. Continue branching out for each outcome, creating a tree-like structure that visualizes all possible paths

6. Share the view with your team and collaborate with them to brainstorm on the decisions

7. Connect the Mind Map to task management features to ensure decisions are translated into actionable tasks. You can add a task to each node by clicking on Create Task on the respective node

How do you make a decision tree with Whiteboards?

Whiteboard is another excellent option for creating decision trees and visualizing your decision-making process. It lets you map out your options, link tasks, and see potential outcomes in one dynamic workspace.

Here’s how you can create a decision tree in using Whiteboards.

1. Navigate to your Workspace, click the New button in the upper-right corner

2. Select the Whiteboard tab from the drop-down menu. Name your Whiteboard, choose its location, and decide if you want it private or pinned for quick access

3. Create the Shapes icon and choose a shape to create the main decision or problem statement

4. Use the line or arrow tool to draw branches from the root node. Label each branch with different decision options or paths, outlining possible choices

5. Use the shape tool to add nodes (leaves) at the end of each branch, representing the expected outcomes or next steps for each decision

6. Add text boxes to each branch that outline the estimated probabilities of success for each decision, helping quantify the likelihood of each outcome

7. Attach notes or text boxes to each branch to include the associated risks and costs for each decision option, providing a more informed context for your choices

8. Share the Whiteboard with your team for real-time collaboration. Gather feedback, make updates, and ensure the decision tree remains relevant and reflects input from all stakeholders

Want an easier way to do this? Use a free whiteboard template to speed decision-making and jumpstart brainstorming sessions. 

Decision Tree Template

The Decision Tree Template gives you the structure to explore all possibilities and make better decisions.

Here’s what you can do with this template:

• Quickly track decision progress with color-coding, helping you identify roadblocks and keep the process on track
• Tailor workflows with Custom Task Statuses and views like List, Gantt, Workload, and Calendar to match your team’s preferences
• Organize and categorize your decisions using Custom Fields for clearer visualization and analysis of complex scenarios
• Link tasks to decisions and set up Automations for actions based on conditions, reducing manual work and improving efficiency

Here’s what Jayson Ermac, Process Manager at AI Bees, says about using .

Is a Smarter Alternative for a Decision Tree Diagram

Why wrestle with the limitations of an Excel workbook when offers a faster, more flexible way to create decision trees in different formats? 

With ’s Mind Maps and Whiteboards, you can turn complex choices into clear, actionable plans.

goes beyond simple visuals—your decision trees seamlessly integrate into your workflows, making it easier to assign tasks, track progress, and collaborate in real time. 

Ready to level up your decision-making? 

Sign up for today and make smarter, faster decisions with ease!

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