Jutsu are bred from a shinobi's ability to merge and manipulate their chakra (mana). Based on the complexity, or strength of a jutsu, it will consume more chakra. Grasping the complexity of a jutsu is handled by mana slots (explained in the reply below). However, some jutsus are complex but demand a small amount of chakra (like kirin). You can even intentionally add or reduce the amount of chakra you apply in a situation. If its an attack, a boost, a wall, or anything, the chakra spent will determine it's efficiency.
Jutsu are split into 3 categories
Attack, Defensive, and Spplementary
Attack jutsu do damage equal to 1/10th of the chakra spent
Defensive jutsu can stave off damage/effects equal to 1/10th of the chakra spent
Supplementary jutsu effects vary a lot more but the 1/10th rule still applies
-i.e. (50 chakra) heal 5 points, produce 5 crows, capture 5 people, etc.
Wisdom allows jutsu to be cast by spending less chakra, but by default, 10 chakra would equal 1 point towards whatever effect you're trying to reach.