What Is an Executive Summary? How to Write One (+ Example & Template)
An executive summary is a short section at the start of a longer document — a report, proposal, or business plan — that gives busy readers the key points at a glance. Decision-makers often read the executive summary alone, so it has to stand on its own and deliver the essentials fast. This guide explains what an executive summary is, what to include, how long it should be, and how to write one, with a template and example you can copy.
If you want the basics of summarizing first, see our guide on what a summary is.
What is an executive summary?
An executive summary is a brief, standalone overview of a larger document, usually written for top-level managers and other decision-makers. It condenses the full report into its most important points — the problem, the recommendation, and the expected impact — so the reader understands the whole thing without reading every page.
Unlike an abstract (which is common in academic writing), an executive summary is action-oriented: it exists to help someone make a decision quickly. It should read as a distilled version of the full report, covering the same points in the same order.
What to include in an executive summary
Most executive summaries contain four core parts:
- The problem or need — state the core issue the document addresses.
- The solution or recommendation — outline your proposed approach or project plan.
- The key findings — share the most important data or evidence that supports your idea.
- The impact and next steps — explain the value, financial results, or actions you’re asking for.
For a business plan, the executive summary often expands to include a short company description, market analysis, the management team, the product or service, and any funding request. Keep each point to a sentence or two and use bullet points for scannability.
How to write an executive summary
Here’s how to write an executive summary step by step:
1. Write it last
You can only summarize a document that’s finished. Draft the full report first, then pull the executive summary from it.
2. Know your audience
Identify who will read it and what they care about. A decision-maker wants the bottom line and the key takeaways, not the methodology.
3. Lead with the problem, then the solution
Open with the problem statement, then move straight to your recommendation. Don’t bury the main point.
4. Add the key findings and impact
Back up the recommendation with your strongest evidence, then state the expected results and next steps.
5. Keep the language plain
Use short sentences and simple words so anyone can read it fast. Cut jargon, then revise until every line earns its place.
How to start an executive summary
To start an executive summary, open with one or two sentences that state the document’s purpose and its most important point. Then discuss the main points in the same order they appear in the full report — a short paragraph (or a bullet) for each. Starting with the purpose tells the reader immediately why the document matters.
How long should an executive summary be?
As a rule, how long an executive summary should be depends on the document, but aim for one page or less — roughly 250–400 words, or about 5–10% of the full document. Most are one to two short paragraphs. If it runs longer than a page, it’s no longer a summary.
Executive summary format and template
A clean executive summary format follows the document’s structure. Use this executive summary template as a starting point:
Executive Summary
Purpose: [One sentence on what this document is and why it matters.]
Problem: [The core issue or need.]
Solution / Recommendation: [Your proposed approach.]
Key findings: [2–3 bullets with your strongest evidence.]
Impact & next steps: [Expected results and the action you’re requesting.]
Fill each field with a sentence or two, keep it under a page, and you have a working draft.
Executive summary example
Here’s a short executive summary example for a fictional business proposal:
Purpose: This report proposes launching a same-day delivery service for our online store.
Problem: 38% of abandoned carts cite slow shipping as the reason for leaving.
Solution: Partner with a regional courier to offer same-day delivery within the metro area.
Key findings: A pilot in one city cut cart abandonment by 22% and lifted average order value by 15%.
Impact & next steps: We project a 12% revenue increase in year one. We request $80,000 to expand the pilot to three additional cities by Q3.
Notice how it fits on a few lines, leads with the problem, and ends with a clear ask.
What is an executive summary in a business plan?
In a business plan, the executive summary is the opening section investors read first. It packs the company description, market opportunity, product, team, and funding request into a single page — a snapshot compelling enough to make a reader want the full plan.
A faster way to draft your executive summary
Since an executive summary is a distilled version of a finished document, AI can give you a strong first draft. Paste your report into our free AI text summarizer to pull out the key points and findings in seconds, then shape them into the template above in your own words. It’s a fast way to go from a long report to a one-page summary without missing the main ideas.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main parts of an executive summary? The problem or need, the recommended solution, the key findings that support it, and the impact or next steps. Business plans also add company, market, team, and funding details.
How long should an executive summary be? Usually one page or less — about 250–400 words, or 5–10% of the full document.
How do you start an executive summary? Begin with one or two sentences stating the document’s purpose and main point, then cover the key points in the same order as the full report.
Can I use AI to write an executive summary? Yes. An AI summarizer can turn a finished report into a first draft of key points, which you then refine into a clear, standalone summary in your own words.