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How to Write a Formal Report [10+ Templates to Download]
Feb 14, 2025
Writing any kind of report (whether for work or for school) can be tedious especially if you do not know the basics of report-writing. To make this process easier, we have created a guide on how to write formal reports. You may also check out all the downloadable simple report templates that we have curated below.
Report Template Bundle
5 Steps To Make a Formal Report
A report is any document that contains a review, summary, recommendations, or investigation of a product, topic, service, an occurrence, or a combination thereof. It is considered a formal report if the document is submitted to and/or used for official purposes.
Shared below is a step-by-step guide on how to create these kinds of reports. Study each step well so that you will have an easier time creating your own document reports.
Step 1: Determine what kind of formal report are you creating.
The first and the most obvious step is to know what kind of formal report you need to write. Different industries will require different kinds of reports. After determining what specific type of report you need to write, you can narrow down the type of content and the standard format to follow.
Step 2: Gather all the relevant data.
The second step is to gather all the data you need to write the report. To illustrate, if you are tasked to write a formal sales analysis report for your company’s annual shareholder’s meeting, you will need to know all the sales and income figures of your company.
Step 3: Choose or follow a report outline.
Based on the amount and type of data that you have obtained, you must now choose an outline or format. Ask your professor, manager, or the government agency where you are submitting the report if they have a standard report format that you need to follow or not. Most reports follow the IMRAD format where you write an Introduction, Methodology, Results, and the Discussion of the results.
Step 4: Download a printable report template.
Next, download a printable formal report template. These are pre-formatted report template files that will contain all the formatting elements you will need in making a formal report. With these printable templates, you do not have to come up with a report format or layout from scratch. Just follow the template’s text placeholders and replace them with your own content.
Step 5: Write the report.
The last step is to actually write your formal report. Remember, a printable report template only serves as a guide. It will be up to you on what and how you want to present your research or investigation findings on your formal report.
10+ Formal Report Templates
Embedded below are multiple examples of editable formal report templates in MS Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, and PDF file formats.
1. Formal Report Template
The Formal Report Template (shown above) is a great blank report template to use for whatever kind of report you may be tasked to write. It includes 11 pages of pre-formatted cover page, cover letter, confidentiality agreement, an executive summary, table of contents, list of tables and illustrations, a general discussions page, and a conclusion.
2. Annual Report Format Template
The Annual Report Format Template (pictured above) is best used by companies and organizations who conduct yearly shareholder’s meetings or conferences. All components of this document template is fully editable so you may add, modify, or remove any report heading as your writing needs require.
3. Formal Business Annual Report Template
Use the Formal Business Annual Report Template (embedded above) if you want comprehensive report content without doing as much work. By using this template, you have access to a 12-page document includes a professionally worded cover letter, executive summary, table of contents, introduction, findings, conclusion, and recommendations.
4. Formal Sales Analysis Report Template
Are you an entrepreneur or business manager who wants to be updated of your company earnings? Then, you will find the Formal Sales Analysis Report Template (pictured above) useful in compiling your business’ relevant sales data. As an editable template, you may change the report’s title to match the scope and time period the sales report was conducted.
5. Formal Training Report Format
Use the Formal Training Report Format (embedded above) if you mainly want to create a formal and organized list of training participants. This form template serves as a good formal report template because the form itself can be used as proof of participation for a training event.
6. HR Investigation Report Template
The HR Investigation Report Template (embedded above) is the best template to use if you want to avoid labor law violations when conducting audits or inquiries on matters affecting employees and the human resource team. This template also includes tables that you can use to present information in an easy-to-understand manner.
7. Professional Report Template
Check out the Professional Report Template (featured above) if you are looking for a report template that includes an executive summary, a formal cover letter, an introduction, an employee satisfaction survey, an introduction, a conclusion and recommendations section. This template file also comes with a professionally designed cover page.
8. Sample Formal Report Template
The best formal reports outline are those that are packed in engaging and data-backed findings and recommendations. With the Sample Formal Report Template (shown above), you can be one step closer to achieving this goal. This printable template contains thirteen pages of pre-formatted text and data visualization placeholders that you can readily edit.
9. Formal Engineering Report Template
Try out the Formal Engineering Report Template (pictured above) if you are looking for a sample report template that can be used in the engineering industry. Note that this is a short four-page template so you need to write an equally concise content.
10. Sample Formal Nuclear Lab Report Template
bnl.govAs its name suggests, the Sample Formal Nuclear Lab Report Template (embedded above) is a formal scientific report template. Use this simple template as a guide in writing academic reports or papers. If you intend to use this template, make sure that you follow any citation or formatting rules that your academic institution or organization has required.
11. Free Formal Report Example Template
wright.eduCheck out the Formal Report Example Template (shown above) if you are looking for workplace management report template. This template includes detailed introduction and findings/conclusions/recommendations sections. When using this template, do not forget to include a copy of your study questionnaire on the report’s appendix.
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