RACI Chart
Build responsibility assignment matrices to clarify roles across tasks and team members. Click cells to cycle through R, A, C, I assignments with real-time validation.
Software Project
Design, develop, test, deploy with PM, Dev, QA, DevOps roles
Marketing Campaign
Strategy, content, design, launch with marketing team roles
Hiring Process
Source, screen, interview, offer with HR and hiring manager
Blank Chart
Start from scratch with empty rows and columns
How to Use
- Pick a template or start blank
- Add tasks (rows) and team members (columns)
- Click any cell to cycle: empty → R → A → C → I → empty
- Watch validation: each task needs exactly one Accountable
- Export as CSV, JSON, or PNG when done
RACI Rules
- Each task must have exactly one A (Accountable)
- Each task should have at least one R (Responsible)
- Minimize C and I assignments to reduce meetings
- The A person can also be R (but avoid overloading)
- No one should be both C and I on the same task
What is a RACI Chart?
A RACI chart (also called a responsibility assignment matrix) is a project management tool that maps every task to the people involved and defines their exact level of involvement: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, or Informed. This free online RACI chart maker lets you build, validate, and export professional responsibility matrices directly in your browser with no sign-up or file uploads required.
Teams use RACI charts to eliminate confusion about who does the work, who makes final decisions, who provides input, and who simply needs to be kept in the loop. Without clear role definitions, projects suffer from duplicated effort, missed deliverables, and accountability gaps.
How to Use This Tool
Follow these steps to create a RACI matrix with this free online tool:
- Choose a starting point - Select from pre-built templates (Software Project, Marketing Campaign, Hiring Process) or start with a blank chart
- Add tasks and people - Type task names and team member names in the input fields at the top, then click the add button or press Enter
- Assign roles - Click any cell in the matrix to cycle through the roles: empty, R (Responsible), A (Accountable), C (Consulted), I (Informed), then back to empty
- Review validation warnings - The tool automatically flags tasks missing an Accountable owner or tasks with multiple Accountable assignments
- Export your chart - Download as CSV for spreadsheets, JSON for developer workflows, or PNG for presentations and documentation
Key Features
- One-click role cycling - Click any cell to instantly assign or change roles without dropdown menus or extra clicks
- Real-time validation - Warns you immediately if a task has no Accountable person, multiple Accountable assignments, or missing Responsible roles
- Pre-built templates - Start with ready-made matrices for software development, marketing campaigns, or hiring workflows with realistic tasks and roles
- Inline editing - Click any task name or person name directly in the table to rename it without losing your assignments
- Three export formats - Download as CSV (for Excel or Google Sheets), JSON (for integrations), or PNG (for presentations and Confluence pages)
- Auto-save to browser - Your chart persists in localStorage so you can close the tab and return later without losing work
- Live statistics - See real-time counts of R, A, C, and I assignments across your entire matrix
Common Use Cases
Project managers use RACI charts when launching new initiatives to establish clear ownership from day one. Engineering teams build them during sprint planning to prevent two developers from unknowingly working on the same feature. HR departments create them for onboarding and hiring processes to ensure recruiters, hiring managers, and interviewers all know their responsibilities. Executives use RACI matrices during reorganizations to document new decision-making authority. Consultants include them in project charters to set expectations with clients about who approves deliverables and who just needs status updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do R, A, C, and I stand for in a RACI chart?
R stands for Responsible (the person who does the actual work), A stands for Accountable (the single person who owns the outcome and has final approval authority), C stands for Consulted (people whose input is sought before a decision), and I stands for Informed (people who are notified after a decision is made). Every task must have exactly one A but can have multiple R, C, or I assignments.
Can one person be both Responsible and Accountable for the same task?
Yes, a person can be both R and A on the same task, which is common on smaller teams where the person doing the work is also the decision-maker. However, on larger teams it is best practice to separate these roles so that someone else provides oversight and final sign-off on the work product.
Is my data stored on a server or is this tool private?
This RACI chart tool runs entirely in your browser. All data is stored in your browser's localStorage and never leaves your device. No account is needed, no data is uploaded to any server, and your matrix is completely private. Just note that clearing your browser data will remove saved charts.
How do I share my RACI chart with my team?
Use the export buttons to download your chart in the format that fits your workflow. Export as PNG to paste into Slack, Confluence, or presentations. Export as CSV to open in Excel or Google Sheets for collaborative editing. Export as JSON if you want to save the raw data structure and reload it later or integrate with other tools.
What is the difference between a RACI chart and a RASCI chart?
A RASCI chart adds a fifth role: S for Supportive (people who assist the Responsible person but are not ultimately accountable). RACI is the most widely used variant because four roles are enough for most projects. Other variations include DACI (Driver, Approver, Contributor, Informed) used at companies like Atlassian, and RAPID used at Bain. This tool implements the standard four-role RACI model.