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Templates · Business & strategy

Free Skills Matrix Template (Google Sheets, Excel, PDF)

A skills matrix template maps the skills your team needs against each person's proficiency, so you can see strengths, single points of failure and training needs at a glance.

Written byProject management editorial team
  • Published
  • Google Sheets · Excel · PDF
skills matrix template

Free download · no sign-up

Get the skills matrix template

Pick your level and format: Google Sheets, Excel or a print-ready PDF. Spreadsheets include dropdowns, formulas and sample rows you can overwrite.

Beginner

Essential columns only, one tab. Quick to fill in.

1 tab · 6 columns

GSheetsXExcelPPDF
AdvancedMost popular

The full template with every tab, dropdowns and formulas.

1 tab · 9 columns

GSheetsXExcelPPDF
Expert

Adds instructions and revision history.

1 data tab + instructions and revision history

GSheetsXExcelPPDF

Skills Matrix Template preview

Skills matrix
Team memberRoleSchedulingRisk managementStakeholder mgmtAgile / ScrumBudgetingData / reportingAverage
AnaPM4342323
BenPM3234232.83
ChenAnalyst2223142.33
DanaCoordinator3122232.17
Team average322.752.7523

Sample rows are examples: replace them with your own.

What's included

  • Skills grid with 0-4 ratings, personal averages and team averages
  • Skills matrix: Team member, Role, Scheduling, Risk management, Stakeholder mgmt, Agile / Scrum, Budgeting, Data / reporting, Average

How to use the skills matrix template

  1. List the skills your team needs as column headers.
  2. Add team members and rate each skill from 0 to 4.
  3. Look at the team averages to find weak skills.
  4. Flag skills only one person has: they are a risk.
  5. Plan training or hiring and record it in a training plan.

Tips for getting the most from it

  • Agree what each rating means.
  • Let people self-assess, then calibrate with managers.
  • Use colour scales for a heatmap.
  • Update the matrix twice a year.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

What is a skills matrix template?

A skills matrix template is a grid of team members against skills, showing each person's proficiency.

Is this skills matrix template free?

Yes. The skills matrix template is free in Google Sheets, Excel and PDF.

How do I rate skills in the skills matrix template?

Use a 0-4 scale: none, learning, can do with help, independent, can teach others.

What is a skill matrix template used for?

A skill matrix template is used to find gaps, plan training, staff projects and reduce key-person risk.

How does the skills matrix template show gaps?

Low team averages and skills held by only one person show where to train or hire.

Can I use the skills matrix template for project staffing?

Yes. Use it to match people to tasks and plan resource allocation.

Can I turn the skills matrix template into a heatmap?

Yes. Apply a colour scale to the rating cells in Excel or Google Sheets.

How often should I update the skills matrix template?

Every six months or after major training.

Who fills in the skills matrix template?

Team members self-assess and managers review the ratings.

Is a skills matrix template the same as a RACI matrix template?

No. A skills matrix shows capability; a RACI matrix shows responsibility.

What is the difference between the beginner, advanced and expert skills matrix template?

The beginner skills matrix template keeps only the essential columns on one tab; the advanced version is the full template with every tab, dropdown and formula; the expert version adds instructions and revision history.