Project status report template

Your project status report should include an executive summary, overall project health indicator (on track/at risk/delayed), milestone status, budget overview, key accomplishments since last report, upcoming activities, risks and issues, and any decisions needed. Focus on providing enough context for stakeholders to understand progress without overwhelming them with details.

The frequency depends on your project’s complexity and pace. For fast-moving projects, weekly reports keep stakeholders informed of rapid changes. For longer initiatives, bi-weekly or monthly reports may suffice. Consider your audience’s needs—executives might prefer monthly summaries while team members benefit from weekly updates to stay aligned on immediate priorities.

Present risks clearly with their probability, potential impact, and mitigation plans. Categorize them using a simple system (like high/medium/low) and focus on new or escalating risks. Include the status of previously reported risks to show progress on mitigation efforts. Always pair risks with action plans to demonstrate proactive management.

Make your reports visually appealing with charts and graphs that illustrate progress at a glance. Use color coding (red/amber/green) to quickly communicate status. Include a brief narrative that tells the project’s story and highlights key wins. Keep language concise and jargon-free, and consider tailoring different versions for different stakeholder groups.