How to build a RASCI matrix
A RASCI matrix makes it clear in a single table who is responsible, accountable, supporting, consulted or informed for each task. Below you'll read what the five roles mean, how to build a matrix and which mistakes to avoid — with a free RASCI matrix tool to build one yourself straight away.
Build a RASCI matrix right now?
Use the free RASCI matrix tool: click cells, validate for one Accountable per row, and export to CSV or PDF. Entirely in your browser.
What is a RASCI matrix?
RASCI is an acronym for five roles: Responsible, Accountable, Support, Consulted and Informed. In a RASCI matrix you put tasks or process steps in the rows and roles in the columns; at each intersection you indicate that role's involvement in that task. This makes accountability explicit rather than implicit — which prevents duplicated work, gaps and after-the-fact debates.
The five roles explained
Actually does the work. There is at least one R per task; more is allowed.
Carries final accountability and signs off on the result. Exactly one A per task.
Actively helps with the work through capacity or resources. Optional per task.
Asked for substantive input beforehand; two-way communication.
Told about the result afterwards; one-way communication.
RASCI vs. RACI: what's the difference?
RACI is the best-known variant and has four roles: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. RASCI adds the S for Support. That extra role is useful when colleagues actively help with delivery — with capacity, knowledge or resources — without being accountable. If you deliberately don't want separate supporting roles, RACI is enough. In our free generator you can simply leave out the S and build a RACI matrix instead.
How to build a RASCI matrix in five steps
- 1
List your tasks
Put each task or process step as a row. Be concrete: 'Approve invoice' rather than 'Finance'.
- 2
Name the roles
Put each role or function as a column — roles, not names, so the matrix survives staff changes.
- 3
Assign R and A per task
First decide who does the work (R) and who is accountable (A). Exactly one A per row.
- 4
Add C and I
Add who is consulted beforehand (C) and who is informed afterwards (I). Keep it lean.
- 5
Validate and share
Check for one A per row and too many Cs, then share the matrix with everyone involved.
Rules and common mistakes
Do
- Exactly one Accountable (A) per task — accountability isn't divisible.
- At least one Responsible (R) per task, or the work doesn't get done.
- Name roles, not individuals, so the matrix survives staff changes.
- Phrase tasks concretely and at a single level of abstraction.
Avoid
- Multiple or zero As per row — the classic source of confusion.
- Too many Consulted roles; it slows decision-making dramatically.
- Giving every role a letter everywhere; blank is fine, not everyone is involved.
- Building the matrix once and never updating it again.
From a loose matrix to RASCI on the process step
A RASCI matrix in a spreadsheet is a fine starting point, but it has a structural problem: it stands apart from the process it describes. When a step changes, the table quietly falls behind. That's why the strongest approach is to attach RASCI to the process step itself.
That's exactly what Proceshuis does: RASCI is first-class data on the process step, validated for exactly one Responsible and one Accountable, and connected to the risks, controls and systems of that same step. Role clarity you can report on, instead of a spreadsheet you have to maintain. Want to understand how that link to control works? Read about the risk & control matrix or what a process house is.
RASCI connected to your real processes
In Proceshuis, role division hangs off the process step and moves with it as the process changes — with validation for one R and one A.
Frequently asked questions about the RASCI matrix
What is a RASCI matrix?+–
A RASCI matrix is a table that records, per task or process step, which role is Responsible (does the work), Accountable (final sign-off), Support (assisting), Consulted (asked for input) or Informed (kept in the loop). It makes role division and accountability explicit and discussable.
What is the difference between RASCI and RACI?+–
RACI has four roles: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. RASCI adds the S for Support: roles that actively assist with delivery without being accountable. RASCI is therefore a refinement of RACI; otherwise they work identically.
How many Accountables can a task have?+–
Exactly one. Accountability isn't divisible — if two people are accountable, nobody feels they are. One A per row forces a clear choice. Responsible, on the other hand, may be plural.
Is there a free RASCI matrix tool?+–
Yes. With the free RASCI generator from Proceshuis you build a matrix online: tasks as rows, roles as columns, and you assign R/A/S/C/I per cell. The tool validates for one Accountable per row and exports to CSV or PDF. No account needed; everything runs in your browser.
How do I keep a RASCI matrix up to date?+–
A loose RASCI table goes stale the moment the process changes. So it's best to attach RASCI to the process step itself. In Proceshuis, RASCI is first-class data on the step, validated for one Responsible and one Accountable, so role division and process stay current together.