TemplateFREE⏱️ 15 minutes
Code Review Checklist Template for PMs
A structured code review checklist covering correctness, security, performance, readability, and testing.
Updated 2026-03-04
Code Review Checklist
| # | Area | Criteria | Score (1-5) | Findings | Action Required | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||||||
| 2 | |||||||
| 3 | |||||||
| 4 | |||||||
| 5 |
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
Edit the values above to try it with your own data. Your changes are saved locally.
Get this template
Choose your preferred format. Google Sheets and Notion are free, no account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a code review take?+
Aim for 15-30 minutes per review. Research from SmartBear suggests that review effectiveness drops significantly after 60 minutes. If a PR takes longer than 30 minutes to review, it is likely too large. Ask the author to break it into smaller, focused PRs. For large refactors, schedule a walkthrough meeting instead.
Should the checklist be used for every pull request?+
Use the full checklist for feature PRs that touch application logic, API endpoints, or data models. For documentation-only changes, dependency bumps, or config updates, a lightweight review (PR summary + correctness section only) is sufficient. Adapt the checklist to the PR scope.
How do I handle disagreements during code review?+
If a reviewer and author disagree on a Major or Minor item, the author gets the final call unless the reviewer escalates to a Blocker. For Blockers, the tech lead or a second reviewer should weigh in. Never block a PR over style preferences. Document the team's conventions so style debates do not repeat.
Should I review code I do not understand?+
Yes, but flag it. Write "I do not fully understand this section. Can you add a comment explaining the approach?" This is valid review feedback. If you cannot understand the code, the next engineer to debug it in production will have the same problem. Reviewing code you do not understand is how you learn the codebase.
How do I balance review speed with thoroughness?+
Set a team SLA for review turnaround (e.g., first review within 4 business hours). Use the checklist to ensure thoroughness within that time window. If you cannot complete a thorough review within the SLA, leave a comment saying "I will review the security section by EOD" so the author knows it is in progress.
Related Tools
Explore More Templates
Browse our full library of PM templates, or generate a custom version with AI.