Calculator Library / Measure Phase
Document exactly what will be measured, its operational definition, data type, sample size, and who collects it, before data collection begins. A standard Measure-phase deliverable for DMAIC projects.
Live Tool
Columns: Measure - Definition - Data Type - Method - Sample - Who - Where/When
Word and Google Docs exports download an HTML document. Excel exports an `.xls` worksheet, and Google Sheets exports a CSV file that can be imported into Sheets.
Editable Plan
| Measure / Metric | Operational Definition | Data Type | Collection Method | Sample Size / Frequency | Who Collects | Where / When |
|---|
Preview
| Measure / Metric | Operational Definition | Data Type | Collection Method | Sample Size / Frequency | Who Collects | Where / When |
|---|
For each metric the project needs, write a plain-language operational definition so every collector measures it the same way. Choose the data type, describe the collection method, set the sample size and timeframe, and name who is responsible for collecting it and where and when it will happen.
| Data Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Continuous | Cycle time in minutes, temperature, weight |
| Discrete (Pass/Fail) | Unit meets specification: yes or no |
| Discrete (Count) | Number of defects per unit, number of complaints per week |
Use Print / Save PDF to open the browser print dialog and save the finished plan as a PDF. Use the Word and Excel buttons when you need an editable file for Microsoft Office. Use the Google Doc and Google Sheet buttons when you need a file that can be uploaded or imported into Google Drive.
A Data Collection Plan documents exactly what will be measured, how it is operationally defined, what type of data it is, how and by whom it will be collected, and the sample size and timeframe, before data collection begins.
An operational definition removes ambiguity so every person collecting data measures the same thing the same way. Without it, different collectors can classify the same event differently, corrupting the data set.
Build it at the start of the Measure phase, before any data is collected, so the team agrees on definitions and sampling before time is spent gathering data that might not be usable.
Yes. This tool supports print or save-as-PDF, Word-compatible HTML, Excel-compatible spreadsheet output, Google Docs-compatible HTML, and Google Sheets-compatible CSV.