Getting Started With DecisionKits: How to Use Our Templates Like an Pro
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Decision Kits templates are built around one idea: you should be able to open a file, enter your numbers, and get a clear answer — without building anything, learning any formulas, or hiring anyone to explain it. This guide shows you exactly how to do that in under 10 minutes.
The colour system — learn it once, use it everywhere
Every template across all 5 suites uses the same colour-coded structure. Once you understand it, every file in the catalog works the same way. There are three colours and three rules.
🔵 Blue — Input
These are your cells. Enter your numbers here. Revenue, costs, headcount, ad spend, units — anything that comes from your business goes in a blue cell.
🟡 Yellow — Calculated
Do not edit these. They contain the formulas that process your inputs. If you delete or overwrite a yellow cell, the model breaks. Leave them alone.
🟢 Green — Output
These are your answers. KPI totals, margin percentages, risk flags, status indicators — everything the model calculated from your inputs appears in green.
Every sheet has a colour key on row 2 that reminds you of this system. If you're ever unsure whether a cell is editable, check its colour first.
Step-by-step — your first template in 10 minutes
- Download and open the file. Every purchase delivers an instant download. Open the Excel file — do not open it in Google Sheets first if you can avoid it, as some formatting renders better in Excel directly.
- Read the How to Use tab first. Every template has a third tab called "How to Use" that explains each input, the formulas used, and what the outputs mean. Takes 3 minutes to read