-  - [Resources](https://www.hubspot.com/resources) - [Templates](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates) - Action Plan Template # Action Plan Template - Excel, Word, Google Docs, Google Sheets Use our free action plan template to help get your business or project goals off the ground.    Join thousands of professionals using this resource. Download for Free Previous slide Next slide -  -  ## Template Highlights - The template is available for download in Excel and Microsoft Word or accessible in Google Sheets and Google Docs. - In the Google Sheets and Excel files, our action plan template includes a task summary section that automatically counts completed, uncompleted, and overdue tasks. - Our action plan template also allows you to easily insert your logo, adding a professional touch to your action plan document when sharing it with team members or stakeholders.   ## What is an action plan? An action plan is a document that sets out the steps required to complete an objective. It is often used in project management to help meet goals promptly. An action plan is more than a laundry list of tasks that need to be done. Rather, it’s a detailed breakdown of how you plan to achieve something. Your action plan may touch on objectives, resources, methods, and constraints. ## Benefits of an action plan As the saying goes, “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” Without a clear action plan to keep you on track, it’s easy to lose sight of important tasks and miss project deadlines. By using an action plan template, you can expect the following benefits: - __Clearer objectives:__ Writing an action plan helps you pinpoint objectives for you and your team. - __Better accountability:__ Having an action plan in place with set processes and objectives helps you stay accountable to yourself, your colleagues, and your stakeholders. - __Increased productivity:__ With an action plan in place, you can save time and make your project workflow more efficient. ## How to create an action plan While this action plan can be used by anyone, it’s specifically designed for business owners and project managers. Follow these steps: - __Define your goals:__ As [Zig Ziglar said](https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/inspirational-quotes-from-zig-ziglar), “A goal properly set is halfway reached.” You should use the [SMART goal framework](https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/smart-goal-examples) to help with pinpointing your objectives. - __Clarify key tasks:__ These are the steps you’ll take to achieve your desired outcome. For example, a new product release could involve tasks related to design, development, and production. Establish the priority level of all tasks and set milestones for their completion. - __Communicate responsibilities:__ Each team member should understand how they fit into achieving the goal. - __Identify challenges and dependencies:__ Clarify difficulties related to the task and mark when the undertaking of one task relies on the completion of another. - __Set realistic deadlines:__ This step requires careful consideration because if you have many task dependencies with overly tight deadlines, one missed due date could derail the entire project timeline. - __Amend your action plan:__ Regularly review your plan and adjust it as needed so that it continues to align with your objectives. Download for Free ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How do I create an action plan template? Follow the steps outlined above to create an effective action plan. HubSpot offers a free action plan template to help you get started. ### What’s the difference between an action plan and a project plan? They are very similar. However, an action plan usually has a narrower scope and a shorter time frame than a project plan. For example, a project plan could contain several action plans within it. ### Related Tags: - [Templates](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates) - [Excel](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/excel) - [Word](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/word) - [Google Docs](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/google-docs) - [Google Sheets](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/google-sheets) - [Marketing](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/marketing) - [Business Plans](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/business) ## See other Business Templates Previous Next - ### Communication Plan Template Be sure your message is delivered to your audience effectively with this comprehensive communication plan. [Download Template](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/communication-plan) - ### Gantt Chart Template This Gantt chart template makes it easy to outline your project's key stages, deliverables, and dates. [Download Template](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/gantt-chart) - ### Project Plan Template Stay on schedule and within budget with this essential project plan template. [Download Template](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/project-plan) - ### Business Requirement Document Your go-to template for clear and effective business requirement documents [Download Template](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/business-requirement-document-template) - ### Executive Summary Template Use this executive summary template to provide a summary of your report, business plan, or memo. 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[Download Template](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/business-goal) - ### Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Describe the how, what, and where of your organizational tasks to employees with this free SOP template [Download Template](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/sop-template) - ### Gap Analysis Conduct thorough assessments of your current state vs. goals with this free gap analysis template. [Download Template](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/gap-analysis-template) - ### Root Cause Analysis Use this free root cause analysis template to identify the source of business issues and create a plan to prevent them. [Download Template](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/root-cause-analysis-template) - ### Business Case Make a case for an upcoming project or investment with the help of this free business case template. [Download Template](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates/business-case-template) [See All Business Templates](https://www.hubspot.com/resources/templates) Get the template for free Download for free Close ## Download Free Template Available for Excel & Word & Google Docs & Google Sheets Form not available Copyright © 2026 HubSpot, Inc. - [Legal Center](https://legal.hubspot.com/legal-center) - [Privacy Policy](https://legal.hubspot.com/privacy-policy) - [Security](https://legal.hubspot.com/security) - [Website Accessibility](https://legal.hubspot.com/website-accessibility) - [Manage Cookies](https://www.hubspot.com)