How to use the okr template maker
- Add a row for each key result. Type its objective and the key result, then the start, target and current values.
- Rows with the same objective name are grouped together. Optionally add an owner, a period and blank objectives to write by hand.
- Read the percent complete of each key result and the score of each objective, then print the sheet.
- Update the current values as the period goes on and print again.
Formula
Key result progress = (current - start) / (target - start) x 100%
Each key result counts from 0% to 100% toward its objective
Objective score = average of its key results' counted progress
The percent printed for a key result is its real value and can be below 0% or above 100%. Only the objective average limits each key result to the 0% to 100% range.
Two key results at 50% and 100%
An objective to grow a newsletter has two key results. Subscribers start at 1,000 with a target of 2,000 and a current value of 1,500, so progress is (1,500 - 1,000) / (2,000 - 1,000) = 50%. Publishing 12 issues starts at 0 with 12 done, which is 100%. The objective score is the average of 50% and 100%, which is 75%.
A second objective reduces setup time from 30 to a target of 10 minutes and is now at 20, so progress is (20 - 30) / (10 - 30) = 50%, and a completion rate from 40 to 80 now at 60 is also 50%. The objective is at 50% and the average of both objectives is 62.5%.
How progress is measured
The formula measures how far the current value has moved from the start toward the target, so it works when the target is lower than the start, such as cutting a time or a cost. If the target equals the start the tool asks for a different target, since there is no distance to cover.
A key result at 125% shows 125% on the sheet and counts as 100% in the objective score, and one at negative progress shows its real percent and counts as 0%. The notes under the preview point this out when it happens.
Writing key results
A key result is easiest to score when it is a number with a start and a target. Objectives describe the direction in words. You decide what is worth measuring, and the sheet only does the arithmetic. For tasks without numbers, the goal tracker planner tracks progress bars, and the kanban board tracks work in columns.
In a regular meeting you might review the sheet with the one on one meeting template or share it in a project status report.
Assumptions and limits
- Progress is linear between the start and the target.
- A blank current value counts as the start value, which is 0%.
- Objectives with the same name are grouped in the order they first appear.
- The tool does not judge whether a target is ambitious.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate OKR progress?
Subtract the start from the current value and divide by the target minus the start. 1,500 between 1,000 and 2,000 is 50%.
How is an objective score worked out?
It is the average of its key results, each counted from 0% to 100%. Key results at 50% and 100% give 75%.
Can the target be lower than the start?
Yes. A target of 10 from a start of 30 works, and a current value of 20 is 50% of the way there.
What if a key result goes past 100%?
The sheet shows the real percent, such as 125%, and counts it as 100% in the objective score.