business plan gantt chart sample

Gantt Chart Examples, Templates, and Styles

By Diana Ramos | October 31, 2022

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Gantt charts are the bread and butter of project scheduling. We’ve assembled dozens of example images and templates to help you make the best Gantt charts possible. 

Included on this page, you’ll find 30 downloadable Gantt charts, with helpful examples for marketing , software development , project management , product development , and human resources . Plus, read expert tips on making Gantt charts for various formats , including Google Sheets, Excel, Microsoft Word, and more.

What Does a Gantt Chart Look Like?

A Gantt chart is a simple bar chart that shows all the tasks, events, and milestones in a project. The x-axis depicts the project timeline, and the y-axis depicts project phases. Each horizontal bar represents a project task. 

In most Gantt charts, the current date is represented by a vertical line, which looks like a progress bar. 

Other common symbols are diamonds or stars, which represent milestones. 

Many Gantt charts use color-coding to separate project phases.

“When creating a Gantt chart, each task is represented by a bar that extends over the duration of the task,” says Danny Trichter, Co-Founder of AccessibilityChecker.org . “The length of the bar indicates the duration of the task, and the placement of the bar indicates when the task will begin and end. In addition, Gantt charts often include information such as task dependencies, milestones, and resources.” 

For some projects, especially those with tight deadlines, it can be helpful to include project dependencies in your chart. These are typically represented with arrows. You can use arrows to distinguish between the four types of dependencies: finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish, and start-to-finish.

You can also use Gantt charts to represent lead time, lag time, predecessor tasks, and successor tasks when necessary. 

“Gantt charts should be created in a way that is easy to read and understand. I believe if it's not simple, people won't use it,” says Chad Sibila , Sales Manager at VT Industries. “I really like to see a left-to-right, start-to-finish for one project, with the steps to complete along the way.”

For more detailed information about making and using Gantt charts for your upcoming projects, see this basic Gantt chart guide with how-to videos.

Gantt Chart Examples by Format

The format you choose for your Gantt chart depends on the type of project, accessibility needs, and preference. For example, if your team conducts most of their work in Microsoft Suite, then PowerPoint, Excel, and Microsoft Word are better options.

Gantt charts are popular because they are easy to use and adaptable. You can create them in any spreadsheet, word processing, or presentation software. For projects where collaboration and access are key, Google formats such as Google Docs and Google Sheets are the most useful.

Jan Schiller, Partner and Chief Project Officer at Berkshire Consulting, LLC , recommends that you select a tool that can create a Gantt chart from source data, such as Excel or Google Sheets. “The Gantt chart can be lifted into any format that is meaningful to stakeholders,” she explains. “I recommend using one format consistently. Why? For information integrity and transparency that supports informed decision-making. Seamlessly switching between source data and the Gantt chart improves trust and credibility while greatly reducing the effort of maintaining an accurate Gantt chart.”

Gantt Chart Example Template for Excel

Download the Sample Construction Project Gantt Chart Template for Excel Download the Blank Construction Project Gantt Chart Template for Excel

Microsoft Excel is a popular software for creating and designing Gantt charts. For example, streamlined formulas allow you to keep all of your data in a centralized location, while generating Gantt charts automatically. Download the sample or blank template to see an example Gantt chart in Excel for a new home construction project.  

“I prefer using Excel for creating Gantt charts because it is easy to use and provides a lot of flexibility,” says Trichter. “I can easily add more information, such as task dependencies, milestones, and resources. Also, I can easily format the chart to make it look more professional.”

Find a how-to video, a step-by-step guide, and helpful tips for creating your own Gantt chart with this comprehensive guide to creating Gantt charts in Excel .

Gantt Chart Example Template for PowerPoint

Download the Sample Architecture Project Gantt Chart Template for PowerPoint Download the Blank Architecture Project Gantt Chart Template for PowerPoint

Download a detailed example of a Gantt chart or a blank version in PowerPoint for an architecture project. This easy-to-use Gantt chart PowerPoint is the perfect solution for anyone looking to create or present a dynamic project schedule in a presentation format. 

“If I were creating a Gantt chart to share with a large group of people, I might choose to use PowerPoint so that I could include more visuals and make the chart easier to understand,” explains Trichter.

To learn how to create, import, and customize your own Gantt chart for a presentation, see this comprehensive guide to creating Gantt charts in PowerPoint .

Gantt Chart Example Template for Microsoft Word

Download the Sample Clinical Trial Project Gantt Chart Template for Microsoft Word Download the Blank Clinical Trial Project Gantt Chart Template for Microsoft Word

Get started with a blank Microsoft Word template, or download the sample template for a prepared version that shows real data for a research project. In this case, the example is for a clinical trial of a new product. Microsoft Word is a great format option if you need a simple, printable Gantt chart. Use this template to track daily project tasks in a single document. Assign start and end dates, responsible team members, and statuses for each task in the chart. 

“Microsoft Word and Google Docs are formats that I typically use for more static content, such as reports or articles,” says Tricther.

To learn how to make and customize a Gantt chart, use this step-by-step guide to creating Gantt charts in Microsoft Word .

Gantt Chart Example Template for Google Sheets

Download the Sample Business Plan Gantt Chart Template

Excel | Google Sheets

Download the Blank Business Plan Gantt Chart Template

Download the sample template in Google Sheets to see how a project manager might use a Gantt chart to make a business plan. Google Sheets is hard to beat for a collaborative, accessible option with lots of helpful formulas and features. Use this template to track every task in your project in one shareable, web-based document. 

For additional templates, guides, and helpful tips, see this comprehensive article on creating a Gantt chart for Google Sheets .

Gantt Chart Example Template for Google Docs

Download the Sample Sales Plan Gantt Chart Template

Microsoft Word | Google Docs

Download the Blank Sales Plan Gantt Chart Template

Google Docs is another easily shareable and printable format option for making a Gantt chart. Try this Gantt chart template to track the phases and milestones of any project. Download the sample template for a version of a Gantt chart for a sales plan.

Gantt Chart Examples for Marketing

Whether it’s a social media, print, email, or other type of marketing campaign, Gantt charts can help you account for every step along the way. We’ve gathered a helpful list of example images and templates for your next marketing project.

“I started using Gantt charts for mobile project development, as they were taking over two to three months and involving dozens of people,” says Benjamin Poirrier, Founder and CEO of the marketing agency Prodima . “Nowadays, I use them to manage smaller digital marketing campaigns with various stakeholders (developers, designers, content writers, account managers), so I can follow up on the progress of their tasks.”

Marketing Campaign Gantt Chart Example Template

Download a Sample Marketing Campaign Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Microsoft Word

Download a Blank Marketing Campaign Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Microsoft Word

This downloadable example template provides a roadmap for a basic marketing project. From project conception and initiation to launch and measurement, this template has you covered. Assign task owners, set deadlines, and track statuses of every step in the project.

Gantt Chart Example for Market Research

Download the Sample Market Research Gantt Chart Template for Excel Download the Blank Market Research Gantt Chart Template for Excel

Use this straightforward Gantt chart template to map all the phases of your market research project, from planning and developing a mission statement to conducting client surveys, focus groups, environmental studies, and more.

Gantt Chart Example for Video Production

Download a Sample Video Production Gantt Chart Template for  Excel | Microsoft Word

Download a Blank Video Production Gantt Chart Template for Excel for Excel | Microsoft Word

Use a Gantt chart for your next video production project to ensure that you account for all important tasks, from pre- to post-production. Download the blank template to begin mapping your project. For more guidance, try the completed template with sample text to see how someone might use a Gantt chart to schedule a video production project.

Digital Marketing Campaign Gantt Chart Example

Download a Sample Digital Marketing Campaign Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Google Sheets

Download a Blank Digital Marketing Campaign Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Google Sheets

A successful digital marketing campaign can significantly expand the reach and impact of your brand or product. Use this template to monitor the various components of a digital marketing campaign. Track the timelines of your local marketing, content marketing, social media, web, and sales campaigns all in one convenient Gantt chart.

Example Gantt Chart for an Email Marketing Campaign

Download a Sample Email Marketing Campaign Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Google Sheets

Download a Blank Email Marketing Campaign Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Google Sheets

Email marketing campaigns are an effective way to inform existing and potential customers of upcoming sales, events, initiatives, and more. Follow the steps and phases in the customizable sample Gantt chart template for an example of how to effectively design, write, review, and release an email marketing campaign. Download the blank Gantt chart template to start from scratch.

Social Media Campaign Gantt Chart Example

Download a Sample Social Media Campaign Gantt Chart Template for  Excel | Google Sheets

Download a Blank Social Media Campaign Gantt Chart Template for  Excel | Google Sheets

Use a Gantt chart to streamline your multiplatform social media campaign to ensure that posts are consistently on-brand, timely, and polished. In this example, the chart separates tasks by platform making it easy for your team to give the appropriate amount of attention to each advertisement, whether it’s on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or another platform.

Virtual Event Planning Gantt Chart Example

Download the Sample Virtual Event Planning Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Google Sheets

Download the Blank Virtual Event Planning Gantt Chart Template for Excel for Excel | Google Sheets

Event planning can be stressful and complicated. Use a Gantt chart to keep hiring staff, planning music and activities, and booking locations simple and organized. This Gantt chart demonstrates a timeline for planning a successful virtual event.

Gantt Chart Example for Event Marketing for Excel

Download the Sample Event Marketing Gantt Chart Template for Excel Download the Blank Event Marketing Gantt Chart Template for Excel

For an event to be successful, teams need to devote resources to promoting it, reaching out to donors or potential guests, and ensuring there is media in place so that the event will be adequately covered. Track every part of your event marketing campaign simultaneously with this comprehensive color-coded Gantt chart.

Examples of Gantt Chart for Software Projects

For software projects, opt for Gantt charts that support Agile methodology. These charts break down projects into sprints, allowing you to track requests from stakeholders and clearly depict key dependencies. 

“Gantt charts are used in both the Waterfall and Agile project management approaches,” says Rafał Gatkowski, Senior Python Developer at STX Next . “They perform especially well with Waterfall since a linear plan is developed to match customer expectations after gathering them at the beginning of a project. At STX Next, we mostly use the Agile approach to set our goals and use continuous customer feedback to update our plan in real time.”

Agile Gantt charts are a popular option for project managers leading software development projects. Assign various development teams to tackle different features, and trace dependencies using arrows. 

For projects with only one development team, you can use a simpler Gantt chart that tracks the status and dependencies of each individual task.

Gantt Chart Example for a Software Development Project for PowerPoint

Download the Sample Software Development Project Gantt Chart Template for PowerPoint Download the Blank Software Development Project Gantt Chart Template for PowerPoint

This presentation-ready, Agile Gantt chart will help you map out, schedule, and share your software development project roadmap. Diamond symbols represent key milestones, while arrows indicate the dependencies among tasks.

Gantt Chart Example for Website Development

Download a Sample Website Development Gantt Chart Template for  Excel | Google Sheets

Download a Blank Website Development Gantt Chart Template for  Excel | Google Sheets  

A user-friendly, functional website is key to the health of any company or brand. Account for every detail in the website development process by downloading a Gantt chart template for Excel or Google Sheets. Track due dates for design, features, development, and launch.

Gantt Chart Example in Software Engineering for Excel

Download the Sample Agile Software Engineering Gantt Chart Template for Excel Download the Blank Agile Software Engineering Gantt Chart Template for Excel

Track each phase in a software engineering project with an Agile Gantt chart. This Gantt chart tracks the development of each feature, separating each into sprints. Download and customize the blank Gantt chart template to create a dynamic timeline for any Agile project.

External IT Project Gantt Chart Template for Excel

Download the Sample IT Project Gantt Chart Template for Excel Download the Blank IT Project Gantt Chart Template for Excel

Use this sample template as a comprehensive tool to help you plan and schedule an external IT project. Customize the project name, task names, and start and end dates in the left-hand column to populate the Gantt chart on the right. Select and move the milestone markers to indicate the various stages or milestones of your IT project. 

Download the blank version to get started mapping your project timeline, or download the version with sample data to see how an IT project progresses from planning graphics to testing, rollout, and documentation.

Mobile App Development Agile Gantt Chart Example Template

Download the Sample Mobile App Development Agile Gantt Chart Template for Excel Download the Blank Mobile App Development Agile Gantt Chart Template for Excel

Gantt charts that incorporate Agile methodology are perfect for software projects such as mobile app development. In this sample template, you can see how to use an Agile Gantt chart to map the sprints in a mobile app development project, from research and analysis to launch.

See this comprehensive guide on using Gantt charts for Agile with a template and examples to learn more.

Project Management Gantt Chart Examples

Gantt charts are a fundamental tool in project management. These blank and example Gantt chart templates cover various areas of project management. Find samples that you can use as a guide for creating a proposal, planning, consulting on a roadmap, and more. 

“Once properly created and maintained, a Gantt chart brings clarity to a lot of information, which improves the success of the project manager and, therefore, of the organization,” says Schiller. “Gantt charts help to improve project performance by improving coordination, decision making, and communication.”

Whether you’re consulting, drafting a project proposal, or leading a construction project, Gantt charts will help you stay on schedule. Try Gantt charts that incorporate the critical path method.

Gantt Chart Example for a Project Proposal for PowerPoint

Download the Gantt Chart Project Plan Timeline for PowerPoint

Incorporate a Gantt chart into your project proposal presentation with this Gantt chart project plan timeline. This presentation-ready format is a great option for project managers who want to give a broad visual overview of the project timeline to stakeholders or company executives. Simply add this slide to your project proposal presentation to get the most out of this straightforward Gantt chart. 

For more resources and information on project proposals, see this article on writing a winning project proposal .

Project Plan Gantt Chart Example with Template

Download the Sample Gantt Chart Project Plan With Dependencies for Excel Download the Blank Gantt Chart Project Plan With Dependencies for Excel

A project plan is a more detailed version of a project proposal. Use a Gantt chart to allot your team enough time to research and write every section, including overview, scope, schedule, budget, and more. By doing so, you can rest assured that your project plan will be successful. Download the blank version to get started identifying your project plan phases, or download the version with sample data to see how much time to allow for each phase.

To learn best practices and find expert tips on creating project plans, see this guide to writing a winning project plan .

Gantt Chart Example for a Consulting Project Roadmap

Download a Sample Consulting Project Gantt Chart Roadmap Template for  Microsoft Word | PowerPoint | Google Slides  

Download a Blank Consulting Project Gantt Chart Roadmap Template for Microsoft Word | PowerPoint | Google Slides  

Create a consulting project roadmap as a Gantt chart to produce a clear and visually dynamic graphic of your timeline. In this example, every part of a consulting project, from developing partner strategy to reviewing the partnership development process, has a phase with individual tasks to which you can assign an owner, deadline, and status.

Construction Project Gantt Chart Example with a Critical Path

Download the Sample Construction Project Gantt Chart Critical Path Template for Excel Download the Blank Construction Project Gantt Chart Critical Path Template for Excel

By combining Gantt charts with the critical path method (CPM), project managers can optimize their schedules and minimize unexpected delays. Although CPM is appropriate for any project, it is particularly useful for those with many strict dependencies, such as construction projects. 

Try this free, customizable template that combines Gantt charts with critical path methodology. Download the blank version, and enter your tasks, start and finish dates, assignees, and statuses. The template will populate the Gantt chart at the bottom of the spreadsheet as you enter your data. You can also download the version with sample data for a construction project Gantt chart example. 

Learn about Gantt charts and the critical path method in this CPM guide with templates and examples .

Product Development Management Gantt Chart Examples

A Gantt chart can help simplify even the most ambitious product development project. From ideation and research to costing and commercialization, these Gantt chart examples can help set you and your team up for success.

“Gantt charts outline the proper order for completing tasks, as well as the amount of time required,” says Gatkowski. “Having this knowledge is useful while managing projects, as you can monitor the progress, plan the whole project, and manage resources. Project managers can check to see if specific activities are finished on time and modify the project plan accordingly.”

New Product Development Gantt Chart Example for Microsoft Word

Download the Sample New Product Development Gantt Chart Template for Microsoft Word Download the Blank New Product Development Gantt Chart Template for Microsoft Word

A new product development project requires careful planning. Try this simple Gantt chart to break down your project into manageable segments, such as developing a prototype, setting up materials acquisition, and creating a marketing plan.

Gantt Chart Example for Product Roadmap

Download a Sample Product Roadmap Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Google Sheets

Download a Blank Product Roadmap Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Google Sheets

Create a product roadmap using this comprehensive Gantt chart tool. Track every product feature as you move through the development process, from grouping management controls and notifications to drafting product segment reports.

Product Launch Gantt Chart Example for Excel

Download the Sample Product Launch Gantt Chart Template for Excel Download the Blank Product Launch Gantt Chart Template for Excel

This Gantt chart design for Excel allows you to track tasks and phases of a product launch. Copy and paste statuses from the color-coded key on the right-hand side of the template to ensure that anyone can take a quick look at your Gantt chart and understand the status of your product launch. Download the version with sample text to use as a guide to get started or the blank version to enter your own details.

Gantt Chart Example for the Manufacturing Process

Download a Sample Manufacturing Process Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Google Sheets

Download a Blank Manufacturing Process Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Google Sheets

Try this simple Gantt chart template to keep track of every phase in the manufacturing process. In this example, see how the manufacturing process moves from planning and product development to inspection, shipment, and delivery. Enter start and end dates for each task, and watch the Gantt chart populate with color-coded bars.

Gantt Chart Examples for Human Resources 

Human resources (HR) departments can use Gantt charts for varying projects. Download a sample template to help get you started on your HR Gantt chart, or use a basic Gantt chart template to plan your project schedule from scratch. 

“Gantt charts can be used for a variety of HR-related projects, such as onboarding new employees, planning company-wide training events, and tracking employee performance goals,” says Linda Shaffer, Chief People and Operations Officer at Checkr . “They are particularly useful for projects that involve multiple teams or individuals, as they provide a clear way to track progress and identify potential risks and issues.

“For example,” Shaffer continues, “if you're planning a company-wide training event, you can use a Gantt chart to track the progress of each team as they complete their training. This way, you can see at a glance which teams are on track and which ones are behind schedule.”

Gantt Chart Example for Interview Process

Download a Sample Interview Process Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Google Sheets

Download a Blank Interview Process Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Google Sheets

Hiring a new employee takes time, resources, and careful consideration. Stay organized throughout the process, from pre-interviewing to hiring, with a comprehensive and visually dynamic Gantt chart. Complete each section of the pre- and candidate-interview phases, candidate selection, and hiring. This interview process Gantt chart example sets a timeline that ensures everyone who needs to talk to a potential new hire does before you send the offer.

Employee Onboarding Gantt Chart Example

Download a Sample Employee Onboarding Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Google Sheets

Download a Blank Employee Onboarding Gantt Chart Template for Excel | Google Sheets

Well-organized employee onboarding processes help improve an employee’s long-term experience at a company and decrease overall employee turnover. This Gantt chart illustrates the path to preparing for a perfect first day on the job. 

Download these onboarding templates and checklists for more HR tools and advice.

Gantt Chart Example for Human Resources Planning

Download the Sample Human Resources Planning Template for Excel Download the Blank Human Resources Planning Template for Excel

Use this Gantt chart to ensure that your organization has all the required team members available to complete your next project. Follow the sample template for an Agile software development projec t, or enter your own data to manage human resources for any upcoming project or initiative.

Easily Track and Manage Your Projects with Gantt Charts in Smartsheet

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11 Gantt Chart Examples For Project Management

By Bronwyn Kienapple , May 10, 2023

Slack pings, client emails, subcontractor texts… it’s enough to drive anyone crazy. Stop the communication madness and make a Gantt chart .

A Gantt chart lets you communicate your project timeline visually in an easy-to-understand way. Everyone’s in the loop, so you can get work done faster and easier.

Want to see Gantt chart examples, plus get tips on how to create professional Gantt charts that are professional, attractive and simple to understand?

Stick around or check out our Gantt chart templates to start customizing right away.

Click to jump ahead :

• What is a Gantt Chart?

10 Gantt chart examples 

Why is a gantt chart important, benefits of using a gantt chart, what are the parts of a gantt chart, how to make a gantt chart, what is a gantt chart.

A Gantt chart is a timeline of a project. The top of the chart shows the time frame and the left side of the chart lists the project activities.

Here’s a Gantt chart example:

Each activity listed on the left-hand side of a Gantt chart has a colored bar next to it.

The position and length of that bar depends on the activity’s timeline and duration: when it starts and when it ends.

• For example, in the daily project status Gantt chart above, Activity 1 (Task 1) will take place from March 3 to 7 and then from March 10 to 13. The due date is Thursday of that week. Each week is color coded.

Here’s another example:

In short, a Gantt chart shows:

• What tasks need to be done to complete the project
• When these tasks need to be done

Now that you know what a Gantt chart is, let’s look at a few examples to better understand its usability and versatility.

1. Gantt charts for project management

Gantt charts can be a helpful visual to include in project management plans .

Like the previous example, this retro daily project Gantt chart example breaks down project activities day by day.

It also breaks down who’s responsible for what project activity.

• Sonya J. is responsible for it from September 3 to 14 (two weeks).
• Amir K. is responsible for it from September 17 to 21 (one week). Julia F. is in charge of Task 1/Activity 1 from September 17 to October 2. Her red bar shows that the due date is Wednesday.

The magic of a Gantt chart is that it lets you set the order in which tasks should be completed.

And since Gantt charts are in an easy-to-understand timeline format, the task order is crystal clear.

Your team and/or clients won’t need to ask you again and again when Mark is supposed to be working on link building. Phew .

Project management: simplified.

This template would work especially well for consultants , as the client can get a visual representation of the team working on their project.

Putting faces to the names creates confidence in the client and helps build your reputation.

Pro Tip : Use Venngage’s collaboration features to add team members (like your client) to your account and share your Gantt chart seamlessly. Or better yet, edit and customize your gantt charts with your team in real time with our new real-time collaboration feature!

Get feedback and approvals faster within one channel, without having to juggle Slack messages, emails, or G Suite comments.

This corporate weekly project Gantt chart example is more traditional than the previous example. The focus is on the activities and their types, not the individual people.

The types of activities, such as engineering or marketing, are color coded.

• For example, Task 3/Activity 1 is a marketing activity that will take place from the middle of week 3 to the middle of week 5. Julia K. is responsible for this activity.

This futuristic-looking Gantt chart example is perfect for teams who operate on the sprint system .

The template is divided into two-week sprints, but you can change this to a one week sprint (or longer) as needed.

The left hand side is divided by team and further divided by activity.

• For example, the engineering team will do planning from the beginning of week 3 to the end of week 5.

Pro Tip : When you’ve finished editing your Gantt chart in Venngage, click “Share” in the top right corner of the editor to email or get a link to your design.

Or click “Download” to download a PDF or PNG file to your hard drive (Premium and Business plans only).

Add your Gantt chart to your weekly team meeting presentation . Consultants can add them to their proposals or work plan templates  or integrate them into their project management tool .

2. Gantt Charts for Construction

Construction projects can suffer from “too many cooks in the kitchen” syndrome, making it really hard to meet deadlines.

Gantt charts are a great way to keep construction projects on schedule and make sure clients, crew members and subcontractors are in the loop.

This construction project Gantt chart example will make sure everyone’s on the same page. The chart’s simple format makes it easy to see what activity is due when .

You can edit the Gantt chart as the project progresses.

• For example, if an activity is taking longer than it should, extend the bar’s length and make that section red. That way, everyone is instantly aware of overtime and potential project delays.

This construction project Gantt chart example is almost the same format as the previous one, but the dots represent two day intervals.

• For example, demolition will run from Friday of week 1 to Friday of week 2 (six days).

Pro Tip : Venngage’s My Brand Kit tool lets you apply your brand colors to your Gantt chart template with one click. My Brand Kit also lets you include your logo and apply brand fonts.

For example, in the above template, using My Brand Kit would change the blue, yellow and green background color scheme to your brand’s color scheme. You can then click “shuffle” to cycle through the color combination options.

3. Gantt Chart Example for Project Proposals

New product in the works? Use this dark new product project Gantt chart example.

The far left hand column maps out the activities, while the far right column lists what department is responsible for each activity.

Product development typically involves multiple departments or teams of people. There may be no one project leader, or only multiple managers, on multiple teams.

A Gantt chart is the perfect way to manage tasks between multiple teams as all the information is in one place, in a crystal-clear format.

It eliminates confusion about dependencies i.e. who needs to finish what before another team can begin their task.

Pro Tip : You can also include the chart in your business report or presentation .  Download your finished Gantt chart as a PNG file (Premium and Business plans only). Choose a presentation template from our library. Once you’re in the editor, click the “Image Upload” tab to upload the Gantt chart and add it to your slides.

4. Gantt Chart Example for Business Plans

A business plan tends to contain a lot of information and can quickly become overwhelming to potential investors.

Visualizing schedules, research or data will help break up all the text and quickly communicate key deliverables.

Investors need to see that you have a concrete plan in place that will let you achieve your revenue goals. 

One strategy is to use a Gantt chart to visualize your business plan’s growth strategy or marketing plan .

Use the Gantt chart example above to plot your business strategy and major milestones. Edit the time frame on the bottom to plot out stages by quarter–over several years, if you like.

You can also include this Gantt chart in your project plan .

5. Gantt Chart Example for Consultants

Your client’s hired you to help them achieve their goals. But, let’s say they’re a new client and they need a little more reassurance that you, the consultant, is on top of things.

Show your client that you have a workable roadmap to success with a Gantt chart.

Edit the above Gantt chart example and divide tasks–between your team, any subcontractors and your client’s team.

Refer back to the chart during your weekly calls with the client to make sure you’re both on the same page.

If you’re overwhelmed by admin work, check out our job proposal templates , business proposal templates and consulting report templates and get important documents out the door a lot faster.

Find a hard time creating business proposals fast? Read our in-depth business proposal guide to whip up proposals quickly. 

They’ll also look plenty better than those Word documents you usually churn out!

Pro Tip : Love your Gantt chart’s layout and want to use it again for other consulting projects? Save it as a template in Venngage. That way, you can reuse it whenever you need to make a Gantt chart for another client.

Gantt charts are important because they make scheduling, planning and executing on projects easier. They also help a lot with general time management .

Projects often involve multiple stakeholders, activities and deadlines. Gantt charts visualize all these factors so that project managers and their teams can quickly understand who needs to do what and when .

This will help make sure each deliverable is completed on time.

Which in turn will prevent a snowball effect of missed deadlines, causing the  project price to go up and the completion date to be pushed back.

And no one wants that.

The benefits of a Gantt chart include:

• Scheduling and planning projects and tasks
• Plan work in sprints
• Visualizing how projects and tasks evolve over time
• Collaborate with your team
• Comparing planned versus actual timelines

Gantt charts are incredibly versatile — they’re useful for multiple roles, such as:

• Project managers
• Marketing managers
• Team leaders
• Operations managers
• Consultants

Gantt charts aren’t industry-specific, either. They’re a critical tool for anyone managing a long-term project that has lots of tasks and a complex schedule and that requires collaboration.

• For example, the Gantt chart example below can be adapted for any project simply by changing the tasks and milestones:

Industries that can benefit from Gantt charts include:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Product development
• Engineering
• Infrastructure
• Oil and gas
• Telecommunications
• Professional services and consultants

Telecommuting has risen 140 percent since 2005, according to Globa l Workplace Analytics .

As this number continues to skyrocket, a Gantt chart becomes even more critical for team management and to effectively plan and track work as a team.

When you first look at a Gantt chart, it might seem overwhelming.

What do the bars or lines mean? How do they relate to the x and y axes?

But, on second glance you’ll see that the beauty of a Gantt chart is actually in its simplicity.

A Gantt chart only has three main parts:

• Activities and/or tasks (left axis)
• Milestones (top or bottom axis)
• Activity and/or task bars

Take a look at this simple Gantt chart example:

Not intimidating at all.

• Tasks on the left axis
• Milestones on the bottom axis
• And bars that show when each task should begin and end

Of course, more complex projects, such as the construction of large urban infrastructures or complex software engineering services, require more complex Gantt charts.

The Gantt chart example below takes things a step further by dividing activities into smaller tasks.

• For example, “Planning” is divided into: needs assessment, project agreement and site map.

This Gantt chart also lists (on the right) who’s responsible for each task.

The good news is that you can now create a Gantt chart with Venngage in five steps:

1. Choose a Template

Choices, choices. Open our Gantt chart templates gallery .

Then, select the template for you by:

• Ex. Dark Home Construction Project Gantt Chart Template
• Ex. Dark New Product Project Gantt Chart Template
• Corporate Weekly Project Gantt Chart
• Ex. Detailed Project Gantt Chart

Hover over the template you like and click “Create.”

2. Lay Out Your Timeline From Left to Right

Start by laying out the timeline of your from left to right, creating divisions by day, week, month, or quarter.

In this Gantt chart template, click the text box you want to edit and start typing.

Or delete the days of the week and add months or quarters, instead.

Made a mistake? You can click “undo” in the top toolbar at any time.

To add a new column to the right, click “Resize” and increase the width of the custom page size. Try adding 200 more pixels and readjust as needed.

Then, drag and select all the orange icons to move them to the right at the same time.

Drag to select the entire dates section and click “copy” and move into place. Edit the dates.

Now, drag to extend the beige bars. Use the “snap to guide” feature to help you align everything perfectly.

3. Add Tasks From Top to Bottom

Click the tasks and activities to edit the text. Use the top navigation bar to change the font style, size, color etc.

If you need to add a new row, follow the same steps for adding a new column as above. Just adjust the height of the page size instead of the width. Then, copy the last row by dragging to select and pressing “copy.”

4. Adjust Each Bar Accordingly

Adjust each bar so it begins at the task’s start date and extend it to the end of the expected task deadline.

Click each bar to move it or drag it. The snap-to-guide feature will help you align the bar with the specific day of the week above.

Copy other bars with the right color and move them into place to extend the timeline of a task.

You can also click the orange circles to assign each task to a different person–in the above Gantt chart template they’re indicated by initials.

5. Brand Your Gantt Chart

Brand your Gantt chart with one click by opening the My Brand Kit tab. Drag your logo into place.

Then, click a “My Brand Colors” palette to apply these colors to the entire template. Click “Shuffle” to scroll through different color combinations. Very cool.

Want a different type of design? Discover even more Gantt chart templates .

Pro Tip : Struggling to customize your Gantt chart just the way you want it? Venngage offers priority support via email, chat and phone and 1-on-1 consultations to Business plan members. Ask our designers for tips on how to present your idea visually — whether in a Gantt chart or a presentation, report, white paper etc.

What’s your number one struggle with managing projects right now? Let us know in the comments below!

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Published: April 05, 2023

Gantt charts. Love ‘em, hate ‘em, or can’t live without ‘em, they’re a reality of a marketer’s life. But how do you make yours stand out from the rest?

Below you’ll see some of the best examples around, along with some free templates to get you started. Dive in below and find your favorite.

Table of Contents

What is a Gantt Chart used for?

How to make a gantt chart, benefits of using a gantt chart, ways to make gantt charts.

Gantt charts are project management tools that help marketers visualize project timelines, progress, and deliverables. Visual lines or bars clearly display which tasks are completed and what’s to come, allowing managers to allocate time and responsibility accordingly.

The elements within a Gantt chart can be grouped into four categories: resources, milestones, tasks, and dependencies.

• Resources. Project managers must have insight into what resources are needed for tasks outlined in a Gantt chart for each to be completed on time.
• Milestones. Along your timeline, there will likely be milestones, both small and large, that must be hit to keep your project on track. A milestone for a blog launch might be “ blog post draft due on 5/30. ”
• Tasks. There are specific things that need to be completed along the way of your project. In our blog post example, a task might be “edit blog post. ”
• Dependencies. Tasks on your Gantt chart will be related to each other, for example, the editor won’t be able to complete her task of editing the blog post until the writer has met their milestone and submitted their draft on 5/30. These are dependencies and should be noted in your chart.
• Update project name and start date.
• Configure the Gantt chart.
• Review project scope.
• Identify key tasks and milestones.
• Estimate task dates.

2. Gantt Chart in PowerPoint

Want to include a Gantt chart in your next PowerPoint presentation? Use this PowerPoint example as your guide.

PowerPoint doesn’t have a built-in Gantt feature, but you can build and edit a chart inside of the platform using their “Stacked Bar” feature.

What we like: This template allows you to clearly group subtasks together to coordinate all the components of your campaign with one Gantt chart.

4. Gantt Chart for Design Projects

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This Gantt chart template makes it easy to outline your project's key stages, deliverables, and dates.

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3 Gantt chart examples

At work, reinventing the wheel isn’t always necessary and this also rings true with Gantt charts— it’s sometimes helpful to take inspiration from existing Gantt chart examples, weaving all of those ideas into one perfect creation.

Sometimes, all we need is a little inspiration to get going. In the next few minutes, we’ll go over some Gantt chart basics and highlight some of our favorites. Up first, defining Gantt charts.

What do we mean when we use the term Gantt chart?

Gantt charts are a type of bar chart that allow project managers to visualize a project timeline, resource allocations, and how individual tasks within a project are interrelated. Gantt charts might be the oldest tool in your project management tool chest, dated right back to  1896  when they were first created by Henry Gantt. Now, fast forward to today. What are some of the ways modern professionals use Gantt charts? Let’s get into the specifics.

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What is the purpose of Gantt charts?

At the fundamental level, Gantt charts are used for planning and managing projects, though they are definitely stronger on the planning side of things (more on this later).

More specifically, Gantt charts are used by project managers to:

• Plan and allocate resources
• Determine task dependencies
• Understand project timelines
• Determine the  critical path
• Set project priorities

Fun fact: the  Hoover Dam ‘s builders used a Gantt chart to manage the construction.

What are some essential parts of a Gantt chart?

A simple Gantt chart is comprised of:

• Timeline:  the timeline spans left to right, is usually measured in days, and depicting the dates the project will take place.
• Tasks:  each rectangle on the Gantt chart represents an individual task that contributes toward the project.
• Duration:  the length of each task determines how long it is going to take. These are often marked by a start date and end date.
• Assignees : most Gantt chart software platforms allow you to assign tasks to different team members, which may be displayed in real time as names or images.
• Milestones : milestones are tasks with no duration, which are ticked off when a major section of the project is completed or major events occur. Often, larger projects will be split up into multiple phases, represented as milestones on a Gantt chart.
• Dependencies:  one of the most important features of a Gantt chart is its ability to show task dependencies, which are when a task can’t begin or end until another task has started or finished. Poorly planned projects (and unaccounted for dependencies) is a major reason why projects fail  12%  of the time, so a strong understanding of task order and duration is a major key to project success.

Read also our more in-depth article: Gantt charts explained

What is Gantt chart software?

You can imagine that some 120 years ago, when Gantt charts were first invented, creating and updating them was a bit of a nightmare. You’d have to draw up a completely new one every single time the project schedule changed.

Luckily for us, today we have an easier and faster way to create a Gantt chart.

Using a comprehensive Gantt chart software platform, project managers can simply punch in the project data, assign and notify team members responsible for specific tasks, and adjust as required.

Online Gantt charts can help you effectively manage everything from marketing campaigns to construction projects to social media strategies, but of course, this project planning technique looks different for everyone.

More about the Top Gantt chart software for project managers here .

3 different Gantt chart examples 

So, what do Gantt charts look like? Do they vary from use to use, or can you copy and paste each one? Let’s take a look at three simple Gantt chart examples ranging in functionality.

1. Gantt Chart for Project Management

Of course, the number one use for Gantt charts is project management.

We’ll start with an example built for teams company-wide. You’ll notice in this sample Gantt chart, the tasks are color coded and divided into several sections, such as Planning and Execution. The UX is clean, sleek, and intuitive.

Gantt charts like the above allow project managers to separate project schedule into phases for the sake of simplification. This also makes it easy for a team leader to quickly see where the project stands.

Some advanced Gantt chart tools even allow you to filter out data to really narrow down on a specific part of your project plan .

2. Gantt Chart for Business Plans 

If you’re thinking of starting up a new business, Gantt charts can be a great way to determine the steps you’ll need to take before going to market.

In the below project Gantt chart example, you’ll see that the stage ‘identify needed resources’ depends on the previous stage: ‘Interview owners of similar businesses.’

( Image Source )

Though this follows the standard organizational methods of a Gantt chart, this example is packed with text and information making it slightly harder to understand with a single glance.

3. Gantt Chart for Marketing Campaigns 

You can plan and manage all kinds of marketing campaigns with Gantt charts.

The below example, shows how a company might plan their communications around email campaigns, events and social media campaigns.

We’ve seen a few Gantt chart samples, but let’s get to the bottom line. Next, we’ll identify which platforms provide you with the tools you need to create your ideal Gantt chart.

Which Gantt chart tool is right for you?

Creating Gantt charts has never been easier. We have access to all kinds of online Gantt chart tools that allow project managers to have their project in a chart within minutes.

Even many of the software programs you use on a daily basis can be used to create Gantt charts (although it’s not always ideal). Take the following popular tool for instance:

Gantt Chart in Excel

It’s possible to create an Excel Gantt chart , but it’s not always easy to identify all the information you need to stay organized.

As you can see, it’s not the most detailed of Gantt charts. There’s no room for assigning people to tasks or to group items within a task. On Excel, creating dependencies and task updates takes more effort.

Pro tip: Look for softwares that have time and date customization, a way to assign tasks to teammates, a status column to to update stakeholders, and a view that makes it easy for anyone to understand project progress straightaway.

Gantt Chart in PowerPoint 

As PowerPoint is a more visual medium than Excel, there are slightly more customization options. In the example below, you see the addition of color coded months and teams, along with a clearer way to mark milestones.

Though more colorful, Gantt chart in Microsoft Powerpoint might not be the best option for ongoing project management, as they still lack the full picture more robust solutions provide.

Gantt Chart in Word 

Microsoft Word is one of the most widely used software product in the world, so it’s unsurprising that project managers have figured out a way to use it to create Gantt charts.

Here’s an example of a Gantt chart for a business plan.

Though much more detailed than the Excel version, it’s still lacking an interactive element that helps teams adapt to project challenges or updates on the fly.

We may have gone over some big names, but there’s one software we haven’t mentioned yet.

A truly interactive Gantt chart example that raises the bar

On monday.com, you can fully customize your Gantt chart and easily share it with your team! You can also assign tasks and notify team members of roadblocks or status updates, attach documents and comments, access the information in several different views, easily access your data, and much more.

Let’s take a look at some of these capabilities more in depth:

Assign and notify team members

With monday.com, you can assign tasks to new team members, tag them in comments, and send them reminders when tasks are overdue.

These reminders can even be integrated with other tools you might already be using, like Zoom. Once you assign a team member, they’ll receive a notification and be able to see all updates in real-time and follow up right from the chart.

Want to share your Gantt chart with external stakeholders but don’t want them having access to every aspect of your plan? Just jump into the settings window and set their individual viewing permissions.

Attach documents and comments to tasks for in-chart context

No need to scour your email trying to look for messages and important documents. On monday.com, users can attach documents and add comments to individual project tasks, ensuring one point of truth for smooth flowing projects.

All communications are within the context of that specific task or project so you and your team save time and increase efficiency.

See the same project in different views

Feel like a Kanban board might suit you better for day-to-day workflows? There’s no need to create an entirely new project in that view. With monday.com, you can simply choose a new view with all the same data.

You can even view your project in two views at once, using split-screen mode. In the image below, we see that this team member prefers to use a Gantt chart as well as board view to check the project status.

Create smart workflow automations that  work for you

Repetitive admin tasks like updating timelines and notifying your teammates take up time. Precious time that, is better used elsewhere.

With a monday.com Gantt chart, you can set up automation actions to automatically complete these simple tasks for you. We can in the below image the automations in progress, but you could create your own in the automations center using a variety of prebuilt recipes. Just choose your triggers, actions, and conditions and you’re all set!

Drag and drop tasks for easy updates to your chart

Projects are rarely linear; it will likely take a few twists and turns as it progresses. Being able to simply click, drag, and reorder tasks makes editing Gantt charts simple; exactly what you need when the project scope constantly changes.

Analyze intuitive reports

Visibility into completed work is easy with monday.com. Our software offers a host of reports and dashboard for quick project analysis.

You can view progress whichever way you prefer, including handy bar charts that break projects down by task, status, person responsible, or any other way you want to slice and dice it.

Start creating your personalized Gantt chart!

We hope by now you’re feeling inspired to create your very own Gantt chart.

It might feel a bit daunting at first, especially if you haven’t built one before, but softwares like monday.com take Gantt charts to the next level, make getting started a breeze, and support customization options to specifically fit your needs, even as the project scope changes. So if you’re looking to get started quickly, check out our example Gantt charts template below.

• Project schedule management

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Get organized with Gantt chart templates

Gantt charts give you a visual timeline of the steps in your project, and they've never been easier to put together than with these templates. with just a glance, you'll know exactly when and how things will come together, and these templates will be just the beginning of your journey to a successful, well-run project..

Let these Gantt chart templates guide your success

Let these customizable Gantt chart templates help your business see into the future. This staple of project planning just got easier to outline with templates where all you need to do is bring your parameters and yourself to get started. A Gantt chart is the ideal tool to coordinate groups of people and simultaneous goals and keep all aspects of a plan moving when they're supposed to. With these easy-to-use templates, your Gantt chart can be as colorful and as detailed as your organized heart desires. Make sure everything's going smoothly for your grand opening by know exactly what you have to do and when you have to do it. Or, add a compelling visual to a presentation by laying out the various elements of your project in a comprehensive yet comprehendible way. Dive into timelines and deliverables and let the planning stage of your project be the easy part—a Gantt chart is your business's new best friend.

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• What is a Gantt chart? A guide to mappi ...

What is a Gantt chart? A guide to mapping your project timelines

A Gantt chart is a horizontal bar chart used to illustrate a project’s schedule and related tasks or events during the project lifecycle. Find out how this type of chart can help you map tasks and keep deliverables on track.

While these charts can get quite complex, the basics aren’t hard to nail. In our guide, you’ll get a clear breakdown of what Gantt charts are, when to use them, tips for creating one, and more.

What is a Gantt chart?

A Gantt chart is a horizontal bar chart used to illustrate the timeline of a project and its tasks. This gives your team a visual overview of project information like your project schedule, upcoming milestones, and overall project timeline.

Each horizontal bar within the chart represents a task, and the length of each bar represents the amount of time that step or task will take. When you zoom out to look at the full picture, these charts give project managers and project teams an overview of what work needs to get done, who’s doing it, and when.

Gantt charts typically include the following components:

Task start date

Task duration

Task end date

Most Gantt charts also offer additional context about how project tasks connect to each other, who they’re assigned to, and what important deadlines and milestones are coming up. With a dynamic timeline, team members have at-a-glance insight into what they’re responsible for and how their work impacts the project as a whole.

History of the Gantt chart

Polish engineer Karol Adamiecki created the first iteration of a Gantt chart in 1896, which he called the harmonogram. Adamiecki published his findings in Russian and Poli

sh, which made them difficult to access in English-speaking countries. In 1910, American mechanical engineer Henry Gantt independently popularized a similar chart in the United States, which he devised in order to represent how long factory workers spent on a given task. These two systems have since been merged to create what we know today as the modern-day Gantt chart.

After tracking factory employees’ tasks, these charts became a popular way to track project schedules . Originally, these charts were drawn on paper, which meant that whenever the schedule changed, the charts had to be redrawn. Later, project managers used pieces of paper or blocks to represent the task bars, so they could move them around as needed.

Gantt chart example

Studying this example of a Gantt chart is helpful for understanding how to map out a project lifecycle effectively. 

Initial steps: The project starts with the "Identify key stakeholders" activity, which lays the groundwork for all other tasks that follow.

Planning phase and project launch: Tasks like "Map out dependencies" are scheduled alongside "Define project goals," due by December 15 to indicate tasks that can occur simultaneously. While the "Kick off project" action establishes a key milestone and planning deadline.

Task management: Tasks such as "Measure performance against goals" and "Assign action items" suggest a cycle of continuous evaluation and task distribution.

Finalizing and reporting: Activities that help team members and stakeholders recognize the steps needed as the project culminates to a conclusion include "Prepare presentation" and "Present to leadership." While the final phases of the project are represented by tasks like "Communicate results" and "Complete project," which concentrate on project wrap-up and outcome communication.

While every chart will look different, this example will help you grasp the fundamentals of task sequencing and time management critical for any successful project.

What is a Gantt chart used for?

While you can use a timeline view for a variety of projects and programs, it’s helpful to understand what these charts are commonly used for and why:

Build and manage complex projects: The bigger the project, the more tasks there are to manage. Gantt charts can help project managers when scheduling projects by allowing them to easily visualize a project and break it down into smaller tasks.

Monitor task dependencies: Project delays happen. Visualizing work in a timeline helps project managers automate task dependencies, which ensures that the next phase or task doesn’t start until the previous one has finished.

Keep track of project progress: Track progress and milestones, so you can quickly adjust your project plan if needed.

1. Mapping out a marketing campaign

Larger marketing campaigns require a lot of team collaboration and coordination—and it’s easy to lose track of all the moving pieces. That's why it's so important to visualize all of your work as a sequence of tasks with assignees and details about how long each initiative will take. This way, teams don’t just know who’s responsible for what, but also how their work impacts others or the larger goal.

2. Outlining deliverables for a client

When you show clients a timeline of all of your deliverables , you can clearly set expectations around how long each will take. By outlining plans this way, you can give stakeholders and clients a clear idea of the scope of your deliverables, and how long each one will take to accomplish—so they won’t just know when you’re delivering an item, but also the timeframe in which you’ll be working on it.

3. Planning a product launch

For product launches, you might use a timeline to map out the entire plan, from ideation to launch and beyond. By visualizing this in a timeline, you’re then able to more easily spot conflicts before you begin, see dependencies between steps, and get a clear overview of everything that’s happening leading up to the launch and when.

Parts of a gantt chart

Have you ever wondered what makes up a Gantt chart and how each component contributes to effective project management? Understanding the anatomy of a Gantt chart can help you leverage its full potential in organizing and visualizing your project timelines. Here are the essential components of a Gantt chart, each with an example:

Task list: A vertical list of project tasks on the left side of the chart, serving as the foundation for plotting the project timeline. For example, a project to develop a new website might include tasks like "design homepage," "write content," and "code website."

Task bars: Horizontal bars that represent the duration of each task, showing the start and end dates. For instance, the task bar for "design homepage" might span two weeks in April, visually indicating its planned duration.

Milestones: Markers that signify key dates or achievements within the project timeline. An example is marking the completion of the website prototype as a milestone, which indicates a significant achievement in the project's progress.

Dependencies: Lines or arrows that connect tasks to indicate the sequence in which tasks must occur. If "write content" cannot start until "design homepage" is complete, a dependency arrow would connect these tasks.

Critical path: Highlights the longest sequence of dependent tasks that determine the project's duration. In our website project, the critical path might include tasks such as "code website," directly impacting the project's end date.

Resource allocation: Information on which resources are assigned to specific tasks is often included alongside the task bars. An example would be assigning a specific web designer to the "design homepage" task.

Dates and time scale: The top of the chart features a calendar or time scale that tasks and milestones are plotted against to provide a temporal context. For example, the entire project might be set against a six-month time scale from April to September. This helps stakeholders visualize the project timeline at a glance.

Each of these components plays an important role in providing a comprehensive overview of the project's scope, duration, and dependencies.

How to make a Gantt chart

While no two Gantt charts look exactly alike, there are some basic steps you’ll need to take to get you off the ground, no matter what project management software you use. 

1. Define the time range

Your Gantt chart should be a project with a start and end date. Think of this chart as a way to represent your project over a timeline—your timeline needs a beginning and end point.

Tip: While all projects should have a clear end point, it’s likely that you’ll have some additional follow-up tasks with your client after crossing the finish line, so you may need to add in some dates after the fact for these items.

2. Add tasks with start and end dates

In order to effectively visualize your to-dos, make sure each individual task has a specified beginning and end date—this way they can be easily visualized on a bar chart. If you don’t add task start dates, then your tasks will show up as moments in time, which might be harder to visualize within the bigger picture.

Tip: Clear start and end dates also make it easy for your team to understand when they should begin working on a task. By doing this, they won't be unprepared for a big project that is due tomorrow.

3. Clarify dependencies

With large projects, it’s natural to have some tasks that can’t get started until other tasks are complete. To keep the project running smoothly and every team on the same page, you can visualize dependencies between tasks in your Gantt chart.

In the example below, the ability to publish the product blog post is dependent on reviewing the blog post, which in itself is dependent on drafting the blog post. Similarly, the team can’t launch the email campaign until it’s been drafted. Drawing dependencies between these tasks will help the next team stay up-to-date on what they’re able to start working on in their phase of the project.

4. Pinpoint milestones

Unlike most tasks in a Gantt chart, milestones are fixed points in time. Think of them as checkpoints to signify that large pieces of work are complete. They help your team know what to prioritize and can be great moments of celebration when they’re completed.

Tip: Milestones often take place at the end of project phases, but there’s no one single way to create milestones for your team, especially since every team and project looks different. Examples of milestones might look like:

Project approvals

Task starting points

Mid-phase check ins

Phase completion points

5. Modify work as plans change

Plans will inevitably change, which is why your Gantt chart software should be able to adapt to your needs. Look for a tool that allows you to easily drag and drop tasks, and that automatically updates dependencies in real time. That way, you can always keep your project on track, even as plans shift.

Gantt chart best practices

When teams first start using Gantt charts, they often encounter a few common hurdles. These challenges can lead to miscommunication, resource misallocation, and ultimately, project delays.

However, with the right best practices in place, Gantt charts become powerful tools for improving project visibility and team coordination. The following Gantt chart best practices are designed not just as tips but as solutions to these common initial stumbling blocks.

Determine the critical path

Establishing the critical path of a project timeline is key to understanding the sequence of tasks that directly affect the project's completion date. This practice involves identifying which tasks are critical (i.e., any delay in these tasks will delay the project) and which tasks have float (i.e., can be delayed without affecting the project timeline).

By focusing on the critical path, project managers can allocate resources more effectively and prioritize tasks that are essential for on-time project completion.

In a software development project, tasks such as requirement gathering, design, coding, testing, and deployment are mapped on a Gantt chart to identify the critical path. It reveals that delays in the coding phase directly affect testing and deployment timelines. However, tasks like documentation might have some float and can be adjusted if coding needs more time. This insight enables project managers to prioritize coding and allocate extra resources if necessary, ensuring the project remains on schedule despite potential bottlenecks.

Use a work breakdown structure

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a fundamental step in project planning that involves dividing a project into manageable tasks and subtasks. When applied to a Gantt chart, a WBS helps organize tasks visually, making it easier to monitor progress and allocate resources efficiently.

Consider a project to develop a new website. By using a WBS, you would break down the project into smaller tasks such as design, content creation, and coding. Each task would then be represented on the Gantt chart timeline, giving team members a clear overview of the project scope that helps them understand their responsibilities and deadlines.

Identify task dependencies

Understanding task dependencies is crucial for creating an accurate Gantt chart. Task dependencies indicate the relationship between tasks and subtasks, showing which tasks must be completed before others can begin. This ensures that the project flows logically and resources are allocated appropriately.

For a construction project involving the building of a structure, it's essential to complete foundational subtasks before advancing to subsequent phases, such as erecting walls. The Gantt chart efficiently maps out these work dependencies to ensure contractors realize the importance of completing the foundation to avoid scheduling conflicts and inefficient resource use.

Allocate resources wisely

Resource allocation involves assigning the appropriate resources, including team members, equipment, and budget, to specific tasks. A Gantt chart with integrated resource allocation allows project managers to see not only when tasks are scheduled but also how resources are distributed across the project.

For an event planning project, a Gantt chart can show that while one team works on venue setup, another is arranging catering. Task visualization ensures that resources are not overstretched and that tasks are adequately staffed. This helps prevent burnout and ensures that all project aspects are covered.

Monitor progress regularly

A Gantt chart is not a set-and-forget tool; it requires regular updates to reflect the project's current status. Incorporating dashboards into this practice provides a centralized, real-time view of project progress, task completion, and resource allocation. Dashboards complement Gantt charts by offering an at-a-glance summary of key project metrics, enabling project managers and team members to quickly assess project health and make informed decisions.

During a software development sprint in an agile project , if a sprint is behind, a dashboard updated alongside the Gantt chart quickly highlights delays and resource issues. This allows for immediate adjustments to make certain the project stays on track without extensive meetings or email updates. This streamlined approach keeps everyone aligned and responsive to changes.

Pros and cons of Gantt charts

While these charts can be helpful, they aren’t always the best for every project. To better understand if this type of project chart is right for you and your project vs. a timeline, here are a few considerations before you leap into creating one.

Get a bird’s-eye view of your project timeline: A Gantt chart is a roadmap of your project . This tool helps you track when you should reach each milestone—and whether or not you’re on track to do so. This type of timeline view offers a bird’s-eye perspective on your work, making it a particularly useful tool to present to senior management or clients for a quick overview.

See how tasks relate to each other: By adding start and finish dates to each task and drawing dependencies, you can visualize how each piece of work affects another. This helps you identify problems and fix dependency conflicts before you start.

Improve team resource management : Adding an owner to each piece of work can help you see who’s doing what and when to better manage individual workloads. Since everything is plotted out sequentially, you’ll be able to see if an individual teammate or team has too much to do at one time, then reassign or reschedule tasks as needed.

More time consuming to set up: Setting up a Gantt chart can be time consuming, especially if you’re using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Even if you use a template, you might still have to make adjustments to customize it to your team’s specific needs.

Difficult to manage the project in the same place you planned it: Traditional Gantt charts are most useful in the planning phase of a project. Once you’ve mapped out your work, you’ll likely need to use a different tool or platform to manage day-to-day activities, making it hard to know where your team’s single source of truth is.

Adding more details gets messy: Adding context around deadlines and collaborators to your project plan on a Gantt chart can turn it from easy-to-view map to overwhelming sheet of chaos.

Alternatives to traditional Gantt charts

Fortunately, there are alternatives to clunky charts that still give you a bird’s-eye view of how all your work fits together—without the typical limitations of a traditional, spreadsheet-based chart.

A work project management tool like Asana can help you manage, coordinate, and add details to your work in the same place you plan it—while also spending less time setting everything up.

For example, you could set up your project plan using Asana’s Timeline , a view that lets you map out how all the pieces of your project fit together. Like a Gantt chart, Timeline shows you when each step will happen, how long it will take, and who’s responsible. Unlike a Gantt chart, Timeline is easy to set up and maintain and lets your team collaborate on work in the same place you planned it.

Other types of visual project management

Depending on the type of work you’re managing, a calendar or a Kanban board could work as a more lightweight and quicker-to-setup alternative to visualizing your project plan in a timeline . With Asana, you can also switch between project views. View any project in either Timeline, List, Boards, or Calendar View, so your team can see their work in the way they prefer. You can test out all of these views with a free Premium trial .

Plan projects like a pro with Asana

Whether you end up using a Gantt chart or a similar alternative, visualizing your project plan is a key step for every team—whether you’re a project manager or not. It allows you to show how all the pieces of your project fit together, share it with your team, and adapt your plan as work progresses to keep everything on track.

Map out your project plan and watch the pieces come together with Asana.

Gantt Chart FAQ

What types of teams commonly use Gantt charts? Any team that needs to keep track of task progress can use Gantt charts. Typically, Gantt charts are used by project managers and team leads, but they’re also useful for business owners and C-level executives. Common industries that employ Gantt charts include marketing, software engineering, construction, graphic design, and event planning.

What are the typical components of a Gantt chart? At its most basic, a simple Gantt chart is composed of a vertical axis, which contains a list of tasks, and a horizontal axis, which maps out the project’s timeline. By visually displaying your project plan in a constrained timeframe, Gantt charts help you see at a glance the step-by-step actions you need to take to ensure project success.

What should I look for in a Gantt chart tool? When setting up an online Gantt chart, you should look for a tool with a user-friendly interface and features that make planning and coordinating your work easy, like start and end dates, dependencies, and milestones. Additionally, tools that utilize integrations to connect the chart with apps, like Google Sheets and OneDrive , help streamline workflows.

Related resources

15 project management interview questions, answers, and tips

Critical path method: How to use CPM for project management

Unmanaged business goals don’t work. Here’s what does.

How Asana uses work management to drive product development

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What Is a Gantt Chart? (Examples & Templates)

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What Is a Gantt Chart? Definition & History

What is the purpose of a gantt chart, what is included in a gantt chart, what is a gantt chart used for, how are gantt charts used in project management, gantt chart examples.

• Free Gantt Chart Templates

How to Use a Gantt Chart

Benefits and advantages of a gantt chart, disadvantages of using a gantt chart, gantt chart alternatives, what is gantt chart software.

• How to Make a Gantt Chart With Gantt Chart Software

Who Uses a Gantt Chart?

Gantt chart video for beginners, gantt chart faqs.

A Gantt chart is a project management tool that allows project managers to create a project schedule by mapping project tasks over a visual timeline which shows the order in which they’ll be completed, when they’re due, their duration and other details about them such as their percentage of completion. Every Gantt chart has two main parts, a grid or task list on the left side and a project timeline on the right.

The Gantt chart was created by Henry Gantt in the early 20th century to improve project planning, scheduling and tracking by illustrating completed work compared to planned work. Today, project managers and team members use Gantt charts to plan projects, create a project schedule, allocate resources and track progress with just one project management tool.

However, there’s so much more to know about Gantt charts beyond a simple Gantt chart definition. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the main aspects that you need to know about Gantt charts including what they’re used for and the different methods and tools you can use to make one, such as Gantt chart software .

This guide also has examples and free Gantt chart templates you can use to get started quickly. We’ve even created industry-specific Gantt chart templates so you can create project schedules for your business in minutes.

At a basic level, a Gantt chart allows project, program and portfolio managers to easily map out project plans by organizing project tasks on a visual timeline. However, Gantt charts are used for many other purposes in project planning, project scheduling, project tracking and resource management.

With ProjectManager’s Gantt chart, you can assign tasks to your team members, set due dates, estimate costs and monitor progress in real time. The best part is that it can be used along with other project management tools such as kanban boards, real-time project dashboards, timesheets and team collaboration tools.

There are two halves to most Gantt chart tools you see online today. On the left is a grid that lists project tasks and important information about them and on the right, there’s the Gantt chart timeline, a visual representation of the project schedule.

Gantt Chart Grid

The grid of a Gantt chart is where you list project tasks and project scheduling details about them. The Gantt chart grid is the most important component of your Gantt chart because the data you enter here will be used to populate the Gantt chart timeline.

The more details about your project tasks you can add to a Gantt chart grid, the more aspects of your project plan you’ll be able to track.

Basic Gantt chart software only allows you to assign tasks to your team members and create project timelines based on the due dates and duration of your project tasks. However, more advanced Gantt chart software like ProjectManager enables you to track other areas of your project.

Here are some of the key aspects of your project you can track with ProjectManager’s Gantt chart grid.

• Task name: Briefly describe your task. You can also add more task details using other project views such as kanban boards and task lists.
• Task owner: Assign tasks to team members.
• Task priority: Set a priority level for all your project tasks so you can better allocate your resources.
• Project phases: In most projects, there’s a set of well-defined phases that are made up of related tasks.
• Work breakdown structure level: The work breakdown structure level is a number that allows you to understand the order in which project tasks must be completed and what project phase they’re in.
• Project milestones: Track project milestones, which are major events, accomplishments or deliverables in your project timeline.
• Resource requirements: Indicate what resources are needed to complete each project task, including labor and non-labor resources such as raw materials, equipment or machinery.
• Estimated & actual costs: Estimate costs for each project task, create a project budget and then log the actual costs as tasks are executed so you can determine whether your project is on, over or under budget.

Now, let’s go over the other half of any Gantt diagram, the Gantt chart timeline.

Gantt Chart Timeline

The Gantt chart timeline is a stacked bar chart where each project task is represented by a bar that runs on the horizontal axis. The task bars start on the date that the work is scheduled to start and end on the date when it’s expected to finish. The longer the bar, the longer the task will take.

But that’s not everything a Gantt chart timeline shows. Based on the data from the Gantt chart grid, ProjectManager’s robust Gantt chart timeline lets you zoom in on the following details of your project schedule .

• Due dates & task duration: Add planned start and planned finish dates and adjust them at any time by dragging and dropping tasks on the Gantt timeline. You can also compare planned vs. actual task duration.
• Task dependencies: You can also show the task dependencies in number form. Choose the “Linked From” column in the column settings. Task dependencies are represented as arrows that link tasks in the Gantt chart timeline.
• Percent complete: A figure, mostly always based on an educated guess by the project team, of how much work they have done and how much is still to do.
• Critical path activities: ProjectManager’s Gantt chart maker automatically identifies the critical path based on your project task list, dependencies and due dates.

Free Gantt Chart Template

Need help building a Gantt chart? Try ProjectManager’s free Gantt chart template and practice adding tasks, dependencies, phases, milestones and more on a dynamic Gantt chart.

On the left-hand side is the data grid, where the various phases of the project are outlined. Under each color-coded phase are the tasks associated with it, including WBS, assignees, due dates and other resources needed to execute the scheduled tasks.

The visual timeline on the right is where things get interesting. You can see the entire project in one place, dependent tasks can be linked and milestones added to indicate important dates. Put your Gantt chart knowledge to the test and build one today. Get started for free.

Because the Gantt chart is such a diverse project management tool for identifying timelines and task dependencies, it can be used in any industry or field. Here are some examples.

• Gantt charts in project management : Gantt charts compile the information project managers need to create a visual timeline that shows all the elements of a project plan in one place. With Gantt charts, project managers can schedule projects, allocate resources, set cost and scope baselines, and identify the critical path.
• Gantt charts in construction: Construction Gantt charts are used by project owners, general contractors and construction project managers to plan the different phases of a construction project, such as initiation, pre-construction and procurement. However, Gantt charts can also be used on a smaller scale to manage everyday tasks.
• Gantt charts in software engineering: Software engineering teams use Gantt charts to create project roadmaps , which are essential for task management when developing new products. This is done by simply mapping software development tasks on a timeline, just as if it was a project plan.
• Gantt charts in manufacturing: Gantt charts can be used to plan, schedule and track multiple aspects of the manufacturing process. For example, you can use Gantt charts to create product roadmaps, production schedules and map the product development cycle.
• Gantt charts in project portfolio management: Gantt charts can be also used to create a portfolio roadmap, which is a timeline that allows project portfolio managers and project management offices (PMOs) to track the progress of multiple projects.

These are only some of the most common use cases for Gantt charts, but they can be used for managing projects across industries. Now, let’s take a closer look at how Gantt charts are used in project management.

Gantt charts can be used to plan, schedule and track projects of all sizes and industries, mainly because they’re compatible with most project management methodologies , such as waterfall and agile.

Gantt Charts in Waterfall Planning

Waterfall project management consists in planning a project in sequential phases. These project phases are planned in advance and then executed in order from beginning to end without making many changes to the original project plan. Gantt charts are ideal to map out such projects as they allow project managers to visualize task dependencies and establish task sequences on a project timeline.

Gantt Charts in Agile Planning

Unlike waterfall, agile planning consists in planning short iterations of work of one to two weeks known as agile sprints , where teams plan and execute their work. They then have short meetings where they review their performance and plan the next sprint. While Gantt charts aren’t commonly used to plan sprints, they help agile teams to map out their project plan or product development roadmap at large, which lets them see the bigger picture of their projects.

These two project management approaches are used to manage most projects, even though there are other methodologies that can be used for specific industries or scenarios. However, the best way to understand how Gantt charts are used in project management is to look at some Gantt chart examples.

We’ve created two Gantt chart examples using ProjectManager to see how Gantt charts can be used for managing different types of projects. These Gantt chart examples show a schedule for a construction and a manufacturing project, which are two of the industries where Gantt charts are used the most.

In these Gantt chart examples, you can easily see:

• The Gantt chart timeline
• What the project tasks are
• Which team member is working on each task
• When project activities start and finish
• The percent complete for each activity and work package
• How tasks group together, overlap and link with each other
• Task dependencies such as finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish and start-to-finish
• Milestones and project phases on the schedule

Construction Gantt Chart Example

This Gantt chart example shows a construction schedule that’s divided into six project phases: contracts, design, procurement, construction, post-construction and closing.

Defining project phases is the first step when using a Gantt chart for planning a project. It helps break down the project plan into smaller steps that are easier to manage. Once you’ve defined project phases, you can proceed to identify the individual tasks for each of them, as shown in the image.

Once you’ve identified your project tasks, you’ll need to add as much information as possible about them, such as their planned due dates, duration, dependencies, resource requirements, estimated costs and other relevant details.

Once you’ve added all these details to each project task column, the Gantt chart timeline will show your project tasks, their dependencies, assignee and percent complete.

The best part of using ProjectManager’s Gantt charts to create a project schedule is that you can simply drag and drop these bars in the Gantt chart timeline to adjust the project tasks’ due dates or their duration. You can easily add or remove dependencies and identify project milestones.

Our construction schedule Gantt chart template also allows you to use other advanced Gantt chart features such as creating project baselines, finding the critical path and tracking the resource utilization and costs for each of your tasks.

Manufacturing Gantt Chart Example

While managing the production process is completely different from managing a construction project , the steps for creating a schedule using a Gantt chart are the same. You’ll also need to define project phases, break down your project scope into tasks, identify dependencies and add project task details to the Gantt chart.

This Gantt chart example shows a manufacturing project that consists of creating a product from scratch and then creating a production schedule for manufacturing it. The phases for this manufacturing project are product ideation, design, prototyping, pre-production and production.

Our Gantt chart production schedule template allows you to track each step in the product development process, such as ideating your product, establishing its feasibility, creating a proof of concept, making a prototype, testing its quality and more.

Then, once you have a working prototype that’s ready to be launched into the market, you can use the Gantt chart to schedule the production process and estimate the time it’ll take to manufacture it, the needed resources and your production costs.

Using Gantt chart software for tracking the production process is ideal for manufacturing businesses that execute multiple projects simultaneously .

However, creating a Gantt chart from scratch can be an overwhelming process, especially for those who are just getting started with this project management tool. If you’re not ready to use Gantt chart software yet, you can try using a Gantt chart template for Excel, PowerPoint, Google Sheets or Word.

Free Gantt Chart Templates for Excel, PowerPoint & More

We’ve created several Gantt chart templates that can facilitate the process of creating and using a Gantt chart to manage your projects. Simply enter your project information and follow the instructions to create a Gantt chart for projects in minutes.

Free Gantt Chart Template for Excel

This free Gantt chart Excel template helps you build a Gantt chart and a project timeline in minutes. It gives you a visual overview of your entire project from start to finish.

Simply add all of the tasks needed to reach your final deliverable and manually update any changes during the execution of the project. It’s a great example of a Gantt chart in Microsoft Excel .

Free Gantt Chart Template for Google Sheets

This free Gantt chart template for Google Sheets is similar to an Excel Gantt chart, but it can be accessed by your team members online, instead of having to download a file and store it in their computers. This also means you can collaborate with your team online so any file changes can be seen by anyone with access to it.

Free Gantt Chart Template for PowerPoint

This free Gantt chart template for PowerPoint allows you to create a simple Gantt chart based on your project task names, duration and due dates. You can attach them to any PowerPoint presentation, which helps communicate the progress of your project in a visual format that can be easily understood by most people.

Free Gantt Chart Template for Word

While Microsoft Word might not be the first software you think of when looking for a tool to make a Gantt chart, it can be used to make Gantt charts. In fact, this free Gantt chart template for Word is as good as the Excel or PowerPoint Gantt chart. The key difference is that this Gantt chart template for Word is designed for adding a Gantt chart to project documents.

However, these free Gantt chart templates are best suited for creating simple Gantt charts , as they lack advanced project management features that are needed for larger projects such as resource management and cost tracking.

Now that we have more context about Gantt charts, let’s explore how to use a Gantt chart for planning, scheduling and tracking your projects . Below, we’ll explain some of the most common uses for Gantt charts in project management.

Create a Work Breakdown Structure

Before you can use a Gantt chart to create a project schedule , you’ll need to first identify all the individual tasks that make up the total amount of work that’s needed for your project. A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a tool that can help you with this process. It’s important that you do this during the project planning phase so you don’t miss any project tasks.

Create a Task List and a Gantt Chart Timeline

Now create a Gantt table by listing down your project tasks, their due dates, duration and any other details you’d like to track about them such has resource requirements or costs. Then Use this information to create Gantt chart timeline, which at a basic level should show the dates and duration of project tasks.

Identify Task Dependencies

One of the key aspects that differentiate Gantt charts from other project planning tools is that they allow project managers to identify and visualize task dependencies . A task dependency is simply the relationship project tasks have among each other that dictates the order in which they must be completed. While Gantt charts let you represent task dependencies, these can’t be automatically determined. It’s your responsibility as a project manager to define them, otherwise, the project schedule won’t be accurate.

Find the Critical Path of Your Project

The critical path of a project is the longest sequence of tasks that need to be executed. It’s important to determine what your critical path is because if those tasks are delayed the whole project completion will be delayed. Luckily some Gantt chart software alternatives will automatically do this for you.

Track Gantt Chart Milestones

Gantt charts allow you to track project milestones, which are important events that occur at some point in your project timeline. Project milestones can be used to create a milestone chart, which is a simplified version of your project timeline that summarizes major activities, project deliverables and accomplishments so that you can track how a project is progressing from a high-level view.

Allocate, Schedule and Track Resources

Gantt charts can be more than just a project scheduling tool, they can also be used to estimate what resources are needed to complete your project, allocate resources for the execution of work and track resource utilization throughout the project life cycle. ProjectManager’s Gantt chart, for example, syncs with real-time dashboards that allow you to monitor the utilization of project resources in real time and workload charts that let you balance your team’s workload.

Create Project Baselines and Compare Planned vs. Actual Results

Gantt charts should be used to map your project plan, but also record the actual results of your project. ProjectManager’s Gantt chart allows you to compare the estimated costs and due dates of your tasks against the actual values so you can determine whether your project is being executed within the boundaries of your project budget or schedule.

The Gantt chart is one, if not the most important project management tool to plan, schedule and track projects. Here are some of the main pros and cons of using Gantt charts to manage projects from any industry.

• Gantt charts allow project managers to turn complex project plans into a visual project timeline that’s easy to understand.
• Gantt charts are the perfect tool to compare the actual performance of your project team against the original project plan, schedule and cost baselines to determine whether a project is being completed on time and under budget .
• Gantt charts allow project managers to understand both the scope of a project and its schedule from start to end, including task dependencies.
• Gantt charts are also considered a resource management tool because they allow project managers to understand how they’re allocating their resources .

Even though Gantt charts are one of the most important project management tools, there are some cases in which they might not be the ideal solution.

• Gantt charts can be hard to understand for some team members and stakeholders who aren’t used to them.
• Not all Gantt chart software available in the market offers the same features, which is something to look out for as some lack important features.
• Other project tools such as task lists or kanban boards can be an easier method to keep track of tasks, such as when managing small teams, or short-term projects.
• Gantt charts operate in a linear fashion and aren’t very dynamic for agile projects.

Gantt charts are not the only project management chart you can use to create a project schedule or manage project tasks. There are other tools you can use such as PERT charts, kanban boards or network diagrams . Here’s how Gantt charts compare to these tools.

Gantt Chart vs. Network Diagram

Network diagrams are a project planning chart that can help you visualize the order in which tasks must be completed, so everyone on your team has a clear idea of how work will be executed. Additionally, project network diagrams can help identify task dependencies that might be in your project plan, which is an important factor to consider when creating a project schedule.

In project management, network diagrams are used as part of the program evaluation and review technique (PERT) and the critical path method (CPM), which are two important project scheduling methods.

However, network diagrams can only help you during the project scheduling process, but can’t be used for tracking the progress of your project, as they lack task, resource or cost-tracking features.

Gantt Chart vs. PERT Chart

PERT charts are a network diagram that allows you to map the task sequences that make up your project, estimate its total duration and identify critical path activities.

To do so, you’ll need to use the PERT chart formula, which factors in the start and finish dates of your project tasks, dependencies between them and estimated duration.

However, PERT charts aren’t as versatile as Gantt charts as they won’t allow you to assign tasks to your team members, create a project timeline or monitor the percentage of completion of tasks.

Gantt Chart vs. Kanban Board

Kanban boards are a popular task management tool that can be used for managing projects across industries. A kanban board consists of a set of columns and cards. The columns indicate the status of a project task, such as “to do” or “completed” while kanban cards represent project tasks.

Kanban boards are a great task management tool for managing the everyday tasks and workflows of your team but they won’t allow you to create a project timeline or get a high-level view of your project plan like a Gantt chart would. This makes Gantt charts a better tool than kanban boards for project planning and scheduling.

This doesn’t mean you can’t use Gantt charts and kanban boards for managing your projects. In fact, this is greatly advised, as each of these project management tools can help you manage your projects from different perspectives.

Once computers introduced new ways of working, project managers found they could save time in creating and updating their Gantt charts. Gantt chart software, also called project planning, project management, or even project scheduling software, was created to automate the process to support more advanced Gantt requirements like creating task dependencies, adding milestones or identifying the critical path of a project plan.

Watch the video below for a quick introduction to ProjectManager’s online Gantt chart maker and its benefits.

Many project managers traditionally used local desktop programs like Microsoft Project —and many still do. But today, most Gantt chart makers and project management software have moved online, enabling anyone to create shareable and collaborative Gantt charts and project plans.

Choosing the right project management tool for your team is an essential task, so we’ve reviewed the best free and paid Gantt chart software and ranked them based on their key features, pros and cons. It’ll help you better understand what to look for when comparing Gantt chart software.

Must-Have Gantt Chart Software Features

While no two Gantt chart tools are the same, there are key features that you'll need to get the most out of your Gantt chart tool:

Milestones are represented by a diamond symbol on the Gantt diagram and have no duration. A milestone marks the end of a piece of work, task sequence or project management phase. They’re often fixed dates or important dates on your project schedule that you need to be aware of. Read more: Learn how to use milestones in your scheduling.

Task Dependencies

These show which tasks are linked together. Links are shown with lines on the Gantt chart, and the arrow points to the task that comes next. Task dependencies can be set up as start-to-finish, start-to-start, finish-to-finish or finish-to-start. Read more: Learn how to manage task dependencies.

Summary Tasks

A summary task is a skinny ‘umbrella’ task above various individual tasks. It’s a good way of using a Gantt diagram to group activities together, especially as part of a project stage or phase. You can ‘roll up’ your tasks (in other words, hide them from view) so that only the summary task is shown. The summary task also displays the task progress with shading, so you can view the progress of all tasks underneath in that one bar.

Collaboration

A Gantt chart without collaboration is just a static plan. It’s nice to have, but it isn’t helping you advance the work your team is doing. Be sure that you can chat or comment around tasks to keep the workflow documented. Your team will then get alerts every time a task has been updated, so they know when new activity has occurred.

File Sharing

It’s important as you collaborate to also be able to attach files, images, videos or other notes to document the task progress and keep all the task information together. That way, you always know where to look to find the files related to the tasks you’re scheduling on your Gantt diagram.

Planned vs. Actual Progress

This is represented in a couple different ways on the Gantt diagram. Shading on the bar indicates how complete the planned work is. When the bar is shaded, the task is finished. You can also see just a view of the actual progress anytime in the settings. Don’t forget to set a baseline for the best tracking experience.

How to Make a Gantt Chart Online With Gantt Chart Software

Onboarding your team members with ProjectManager’s Gantt chart maker allows you to better plan, schedule and track all types of projects . Once you’ve invited your team members to the new Gantt chart tool, you can start improving the way you manage tasks, resources and timelines. But before we get to the benefits of using online Gantt chart software, let’s go through a step-by-step guide to making a Gantt chart in ProjectManager.

It’s easy for anyone to create a Gantt chart online in ProjectManager. You can import a task list from a CSV file, an Excel Gantt chart template, or a Microsoft Project file or create one from scratch. Unlike Gantt chart Excel templates, our Gantt chart maker does the heavy lifting so you can focus on what’s important.

Simply add project tasks to the tool, fill in the information and a fully-fledged Gantt chart will generate automatically. Our Gantt chart has advanced project management features that’ll let you set task dependencies, identify the critical path and use timesheets for resource tracking, just to name a few.

Also, since it’s an online Gantt chart maker, you and your team members can build the Gantt chart together in real time while you share files and documents with unlimited storage.

Now, without further ado, here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a Gantt chart with ProjectManager , one of the best Gantt chart software available in the market.

1. Create a New Project

When you first log in, you simply enter a project name and select “Create.” You’ll be directed to the Gantt chart view.

2. Add Project Tasks to Your Gantt Chart

As you add tasks, the default date will be today. Since you haven’t added a longer due date than today, the tasks appear in the Gantt chart tool to the right as circles, representing that they start and end today. The dotted line represents today’s date.

3. Assign Tasks to Team Members

You can easily assign or re-assign tasks to team members based on their availability in real time, which is ideal for workload management . When people are assigned tasks, their name appears above the taskbar on the Gantt chart. The Gantt chart maker lets you know whether your team members are available, or if they’re already scheduled for other tasks.

4. Add Due Dates to Your Gantt Chart

As you extend the start and end dates, the task bars on the Gantt chart view extend too, showing you how long each task will take. Add those dates under the planned start and planned finish columns.

5. Prioritize Your Project Tasks

The Gantt chart maker has a task prioritization feature that allows you to establish a priority level for each task so you and your team can focus your efforts on the most important activities. Best of all, this priority tag can also be used in other project views, like task lists and kanban boards for better task tracking.

6. Estimate Task Costs

Add the estimated costs for each task. Our Gantt chart maker helps you estimate labor costs for each project task based on how many team members are working on it and their hourly rate. On top of that, these labor costs are also updated on timesheets you can easily share with your team members.

7. Link Task Dependencies Using the Gantt Chart Timeline

Linking task dependencies is an advanced project planning feature that lets you create a realistic project schedule. There are four types of task dependencies that allow you to understand how your projects’ task sequences are interrelated. In the picture below, you can see how Gantt chart bars are connected by arrows, which indicates there’s a dependency between tasks.

8. Identify Critical Path Activities & Project Milestones

The Gantt chart maker automatically identifies the critical path of your project, which helps you focus on the critical tasks or the tasks that must be completed on time so that your project is completed on time. In addition, you can mark any project task as a milestone, which lets you pinpoint an important achievement, deliverable or the end of a project stage for detailed project tracking .

9. Customize Your Gantt Chart

You can customize your Gantt charts in whatever way suits your team. Here, you can see that different people are represented by different colors on the Gantt taskbars so it’s easy to see at a glance who is responsible for which tasks. Others might use colors on the stacked bar chart to represent different phases of a project or different teams responsible for a group of tasks.

10. Attach Files, Comments or Notes

When your team works collaboratively on an online Gantt chart maker, you can do so much more than just plan tasks. You can add images, videos, links, notes or comments right at the task level, so all the relevant task work is captured and easily accessible in one place.

11. Track Your Team’s Progress

All the updates on the Gantt diagram can be seen in one view. You can see what the team is working on and when tasks have been updated. Team collaboration is easy with online Gantt charts.

It used to be that Gantt charts were the exclusive tool of formally trained project managers. These were people planning complex projects of all different types: construction , engineering, military, manufacturing, infrastructure, IT and more. Creating long task lists and complex project schedules with lots of moving parts, required training in the art and science of task management, critical path analysis, baselining and so on.

Today, nearly everyone can use a Gantt chart to help them visualize their tasks. Because all the difficult work is now done by project management software, anyone can just create a simple task list , add start and end dates, and the software does the work instantly by displaying your tasks over a project timeline.

Gantt charts can be used by all kinds of teams, such as:

• IT & software development teams
• Project management teams
• Marketing teams
• Professional services teams
• Engineering & architectural teams
• Construction teams
• Manufacturing teams
• Product development teams

Here are some examples of potential users of Gantt charts:

• Project managers
• General managers
• Team leaders
• Operations managers
• Scheduling managers
• Marketing managers
• Executives such as CEOs & CTOs
• Anyone who wants an instant view of a project timeline

If you still need help setting up and understanding your Gantt chart, watch this video by Jennifer Bridges, PMP.

If you still have questions about Gantt charts, they should be answered in the following frequently asked questions.

Can You Make a Gantt Chart Online?

Yes, there are online Gantt chart tools such as ProjectManager that allow you to create a Gantt chart online without having to install any software on your Mac or PC.

Can You Make a Gantt Chart in Excel?

Microsoft Excel doesn’t have a Gantt chart feature but you can create one by customizing the stacked bar chart or using one of the free Gantt chart templates available online.

We’ve created a how-to guide with detailed instructions on how to make a Gantt chart in Excel from scratch. Learning to do so allows you to better understand how an Excel Gantt chart works as well as its key features and limitations.

Can You Make a Gantt Chart In Word?

Making a Gantt chart in Word can be very useful as most project teams use Word for creating their project documents. You can create a Gantt chart in Word by inserting a stacked bar chart into a document, adding your project schedule information (such as start, end dates and duration) and customizing the Gantt diagram for greater readability.

Then, once you’ve created your Gantt diagram in Word , you can copy and paste it into any project document you’d like such as a project plan or project proposal.

Can You Make a Gantt Chart in PowerPoint?

Like Word or Excel, PowerPoint allows you to insert stacked bar charts which can be transformed into a Gantt chart. We’ve created a how-to guide with detailed instructions you can follow along if you’d like to make a Gantt chart in PowerPoint.

The best part is that once you create a PowerPoint Gantt chart , you can use it for all your project presentations. Simply copy and paste the PowerPoint Gantt chart into a new presentation and edit its data.

Can You Make a Gantt Chart in Microsoft Project?

Yes, Microsoft Project is project management software equipped with a Gantt chart tool. Some of the key features of Microsoft Project’s Gantt chart are its cost and resource monitoring, critical path analysis, task dependency mapping and milestone tracking.

If you’d like to try Microsoft Project’s Gantt diagram, but need help to get started with this tool, check out our blog on how to make a Gantt chart in Microsoft Project . This blog also goes over the key features, pros and cons of a Microsoft Project Gantt chart.

Can You Make a Gantt Chart in Google Sheets?

To make a Gantt chart in Google Sheets, open a new blank spreadsheet, add the tasks data for your project (including duration, start and end dates), insert a stacked bar graph and then transform the bar graph into a Gantt chart. There are Gantt chart templates for Google Sheets too.

We also have a blog that explains how to make a Gantt chart in Google Sheets , with easy-to-understand steps and images, which makes it ideal for sharing with your team members.

What Does Gantt Stand For?

The Gantt chart was named after Henry Gantt , and many think he was the one who first had the idea of project planning on bar charts. This isn’t entirely true.

Left: Henry Gantt | Right: Karol Adamiecki

Karol Adamiecki devised the first Gantt diagram back in 1896. He was a Polish engineer turned management professor who came up with the idea of displaying processes visually so that he could make it easier to see production schedules. (He did most of his work in the steel industry.) He called it the harmonogram (a much better word) but Adamiecki published his articles on it in Polish and Russian, so the English-speaking world didn’t know much about it.

Henry Gantt had the same idea as Karol Adamiecki, but about 15 years later. In 1910, Gantt started planning visually with bar charts to allow supervisors in the steelworks to see if production was on track or behind schedule. It was Gantt’s name that got attached to this way of project planning, but today it’s generally recognized that Adamiecki had the idea first.

Gantt Chart Resources

• Gantt Chart Software
• Project Scheduling Software
• Project Planning Software
• Project Management Templates
• Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Template
• Gantt Chart Template for Excel
• Gantt Chart Template for PowerPoint
• Project Plan Template
• Best Gantt Chart Software: Paid & Free Options Ranked
• Gantt Chart Task Dependencies
• Easy Ways to Make a Gantt Chart with Google Sheets
• How to Make a Gantt Chart on Mac
• How to Make a Gantt Chart In PowerPoint
• How to Make a Project Schedule
• How to Make a Project Plan
• The Ultimate Guide to the Critical Path Method
• The Ultimate Guide to Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

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5 Gantt chart examples for better project management

Browse topics.

Gantt charts are indispensable tools in project management that visually represent project timelines, tasks, and dependencies. Gantt charts simplify task management, foster team collaboration, and enhance project visibility.  We'll explore several Gantt chart examples and their diverse applications across various project types, from dependency mapping to date shifting and resource allocation. You'll discover how Gantt charts streamline every project phase, from project planning to execution, and adaptation, making them invaluable for both simple and complex projects. 

Whether you're a project manager, team lead, or collaborator, understanding how to leverage Gantt charts effectively can elevate your project management capabilities.

What is a Gantt chart?

A Gantt chart is a visual project management tool that illustrates tasks and their timelines within a project workflow . It has three parts: a list of tasks on the left and a timeline on the right, with schedule bars representing the duration of each task. 

A Gantt chart example can include additional details, such as task start and end dates, milestones, task dependencies, and the individuals or teams responsible for each task. It offers a comprehensive view of a project's tasks and their sequencing, making it a valuable resource for effective project management.

5 examples of Gantt charts for project management

Gantt charts aid in planning, scheduling, and tracking projects. While versatile, their core purpose is consistent: enhancing project visibility and aiding decision-making. 

Let's explore several Gantt chart examples and how they aid in managing simple and complex projects.

1. Dependency mapping

Dependency mapping is a cornerstone in project management, not only for identifying, analyzing, and documenting task interdependencies but also for prioritizing them effectively. 

Gantt charts are often the go-to visual tool for this purpose, with horizontal bars indicating the duration of each task and connecting lines specifying the dependencies among them. They offer dynamic benefits like enhancing sequencing and scheduling, particularly in projects with multifaceted dependencies.

Modern Gantt chart software further elevates the practice by providing real-time updates, allowing for Agile adaptability. These charts foster team collaboration by presenting a centralized, coherent view of the project, thereby minimizing misunderstandings and closing knowledge gaps.

Example : Imagine orchestrating a large-scale cybersecurity update across multiple teams. You need to complete some tasks, such as coding the software before rolling out the update. But other tasks, like employee training, can occur in parallel. Gantt charts illustrate these complex interdependencies, empowering project managers to allocate resources optimally and proceed with a well-timed execution.

2. Task management

Gantt charts offer a structured and visual approach to planning, scheduling, and resource allocation, making them invaluable in project management. 

Here are some reasons why Gantt charts excel in task management:

• Task planning provides a clear project task overview regardless of complexity.
• Task allocation allows effortless assignment to team members, promoting collaboration.
• Timelines offer precise scheduling with defined start and end dates, preventing overwork.
• Task dependencies highlight interdependencies for correct task sequencing.

Progress tracking helps every stakeholder keep a tab on a project’s lifecycle through a chart.

Gantt charts streamline complex task information, facilitating decision-making, promoting organization, clarifying roles, and ensuring smoother project execution.

Example : A software development sprint includes coding, testing, and debugging. Gantt charts allow developers to assign tasks precisely, setting clear timelines for each sprint. Maintaining alignment, reducing overwork risks, and tracking progress visually helps teams meet release deadlines.

3. Project planning

Gantt charts provide an all-encompassing perspective on project scope, going beyond task enumeration to deliver strategic insight. These charts act as strategic roadmaps, meticulously aligning with overarching objectives. 

They serve the dual purpose of guiding immediate action and facilitating long-term planning. Their high-level timelines are tailored for diverse project scales, from short-term bursts of activity to long-term strategic initiatives, offering stakeholders a robust framework for decision-making and resource allocation.

Beyond this, Gantt charts break down tasks into manageable steps, assigning ownership and establishing logical sequences. This task breakdown enhances resource optimization and accountability, while identifying dependencies ensures smooth project progress. 

Gantt charts empower project planners to plan, visualize, and execute projects, making them invaluable for comprehensive project views, roadmap creation, and efficient task management.

Example : Marketing campaigns require the project team to juggle multiple tasks, such as market research, content creation, and campaign execution. Gantt charts serve as a visual roadmap for breaking down these tasks, assigning them to team members, and setting clear deadlines.

4. Date shifting

Gantt charts are versatile tools for managing project timelines and adapting to dynamic situations. They excel in date shifting, allowing you to add specific due dates for task alignment and clarity. 

When adjustments are necessary, Gantt charts simplify the process with a user-friendly drag-and-drop feature, ensuring task flexibility. They also help manage scheduling delays by visualizing their impacts and enabling resource reallocation and schedule modifications. 

During resource conflicts or unexpected emergencies, Gantt charts facilitate swift responses, providing the tools for task reassignment or deadline extensions. These capabilities make Gantt charts a reliable compass for navigating unexpected changes while keeping your project on course.

Example : Supply chain issues may delay a product launch. Using a Gantt chart, project managers can easily adjust the dates for dependent tasks, such as marketing and distribution. Adaptability minimizes the impact of delays and keeps the project on schedule.

5. Resource allocation

Resource allocation is a cornerstone of effective project management, and Gantt charts are instrumental in this process. Here's how to use Gantt charts for resource allocation:

• Identifying resource needs : Gantt charts document resource requirements, associating them with tasks or milestones for clarity.
• Checking availability : Gantt charts align resource timelines with project schedules, identifying conflicts and enabling adjustments.
• Managing constraints : Gantt charts accommodate limitations, such as working hours, allowing parameter definition for adherence.
• Optimizing usage : The visual representation of Gantt charts helps identify underutilization or overallocation, enabling task adjustments.

Example : Academic research projects use various resources, such as research assistants, lab equipment, and computing power. Gantt charts can determine when a project needs each resource, identify their availability, and optimize resource usage by avoiding bottlenecks.

A good Gantt chart example serves as a professional framework for resource allocation, ensuring judicious resource deployment, reducing bottlenecks, enhancing productivity, and achieving project goals within set timelines and budgets. Try out our Gantt Chart Template and get started managing your next project today!

Jira for software teams

Trusted by millions of high-performing agile teams, Jira is the leading project management tool for software development. It serves as a central hub throughout the development cycle, enabling effective planning, tracking, and release management. 

Jira emphasizes the product backlog , prioritizing tasks from the project roadmap. This ensures high-priority items are at the forefront, enhancing development efficiency. 

As an alternative to Gantt charts, teams can select tasks based on capacity using continuous flow ( Kanban ) or structured iterations ( Scrum ), aligning work with capabilities and improving responsiveness. While Gantt charts provide a visual representation of a project timeline with dependencies, Jira’s backlogs and timelines offer dynamic adaptability, accommodating change swiftly.

Jira for business teams

Jira is a valuable solution for diverse business teams, promoting seamless collaboration and efficient project delivery. Tailored for business teams such as marketing, operations, sales, and HR, Jira offers a user-friendly interface. For project planning, Jira uses dynamic calendars instead of traditional Gantt charts. Gantt charts show tasks in a fixed line, making it difficult to change plans. Dynamic calendars make it easy to move tasks around, so teams can adapt more quickly.

With integrations such as Slack, HubSpot, and Google Workspace, Jira is highly customizable, giving business teams flexibility and control in managing their work efficiently.

Plans, available in the Premium edition of Jira , is a powerful tool for planning, tracking, and gaining insights into complex projects, especially for distributed teams. 

Unlike traditional Gantt charts, it handles intricate scenarios with multiple teams, projects, and dependencies, offering a high-level view of work across teams. 

Custom fields and labels categorize work, enhancing visibility and tracking. It simplifies dynamic planning, adapting to reorganizations or shifting priorities without manual adjustments. Integration with multiple Jira boards, projects, and filters allows customized planning. 

It's a versatile and more robust alternative to Gantt charts, providing teams with efficient project management tools and clear progress visibility.

Create Gantt charts with Jira Software

Jira has a robust selection of agile project management features that support the needs of any team, such as dealing with complex timelines. More dynamic and robust than a Gantt chart, Jira makes it easy for teams to organize work, stay aligned, and build better products.  Jira Plans , available in the Premium edition of Jira, enhances your planning with data-driven outcome forecasts. For teams seeking further diversification, Jira offers tailored solutions to meet specialized project management needs of business and product teams.

Gantt chart examples: Frequently asked questions

What types of projects are suitable for gantt charts.

Gantt charts are well-suited for various projects, including business plans, product management, and design projects. They offer a visual and organized way to outline tasks, allocate resources, and establish timelines, making them valuable tools for managing various project types effectively. 

Can you use Gantt charts for team collaboration?

Yes, Gantt charts are a valuable tool for team collaboration. They provide a clear visual representation of project timelines, tasks, and dependencies, making it easier for team members and stakeholders to coordinate efforts, track progress, and communicate effectively throughout the project's lifecycle.

What software can I use to create Gantt charts?

If you're aiming to create Gantt charts, consider using Jira as your go-to platform. Jira excels in offering features for dependency mapping, team collaboration, and real-time project tracking, making it ideal for handling complex projects.  Get started for free with Jira and explore Gantt chart functionalities as well as other planning tools.

How to Manage Scrum Remote Teams

Learn about what scrum remote teams are, as well as how to manage them. Read about benefits, challenges and helpful tools to use.

Distributed Teams: Strategies for Success

Do you work on a distributed team, maybe remote or virtual? Learn how to manage, structure and build culture with a distributed agile team.

Run and collaborate on creative projects more smoothly.

Plan, manage, and track product launches and campaigns.

Stay organized and communicate critical details to teams.

Streamline and scale manufacturing operations.

See how TeamGantt helps teams like yours meet deadlines, streamline communication.

Successful marketing project starts with a plan.

Track event details and to-dos.

Scope out roadmaps and manage backlogs.

Manage design, copy, and video work.

Learn all about gantt charts and how to use them to manage projects more easily.

Hear real testimonials from real TeamGantt customers.

How to Create a Simple Gantt Chart in Excel: The Best Free Template

Create an easy Excel gantt chart with our free template

Our easy premade Excel gantt chart template can save you tons of time by organizing your project plan and tackling the tedious scheduling work for you! Use this Excel gantt chart to simplify complex projects into an easy-to-follow plan and track the status of tasks as work progresses. This free template is also useful for keeping track of project deadlines, milestones, and hours worked.  Learn more about gantt charts . Before you get started,  check out this quick Excel vs. TeamGantt comparison  to see how you can save time and effort managing gantt charts in TeamGantt.

How to use our free gantt chart Excel template

We made this Excel gantt chart template easy, powerful, and painless to use for projects of any kind—from construction projects to website redesigns and beyond. It’s great for scheduling simple projects that don’t require real-time collaboration. 

TeamGantt’s free Excel gantt chart template enables you to:

• Customize the gantt chart to fit your project needs
• Set up new tasks
• Assign task dates and team members
• Automate task durations and timeframes
• Track task progress

You can customize our Excel template to view and manage projects over any time period, whether it’s weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Simply plug in your tasks, dates, and resources, and you'll have a presentation-quality Excel gantt chart. Be sure to update the percent complete as work progresses to stay on top of project tracking. Want to learn how? First, download the Excel gantt chart template , then watch our Excel gantt chart template tutorial on YouTube below.

Additional Excel project management templates

If you want to spend less time building spreadsheets, check out some of our other Excel project management templates. Here are a few you can download for free:

• Excel timeline template
• Project schedule Excel template
• Excel to-do list template and task tracker
• Work breakdown structure (WBS) template in Excel

How to make a simple gantt chart in Excel

Want to learn how to build an Excel gantt chart from scratch? This step-by-step tutorial guides you through how to do an Excel gantt chart that maps out dates on your project timeline.

Note: We performed the following steps in Microsoft Excel 365 for Mac, but the basic workflow should be the same on a PC or in any version of Excel with minor changes.

• Add basic task details to the Excel worksheet
• Apply a formula to calculate task duration
• Insert a stacked bar chart
• Set up your Excel gantt chart data
• Add the project title to your chart
• Change the chart’s date range
• Format the horizontal axis as dates
• Set your Excel gantt chart at weekly intervals
• Reorder tasks and move the date axis to the top
• Format your stacked bar chart to look like a gantt chart
• Change taskbar colors for a customized look

1. Add tasks and dates to the Excel worksheet for your gantt chart.

Create columns for Task Name , Start Date , End Date , and Duration , and fill those cells with the basic details for your project tasks.

Format these columns as follows:

• Task Name = Text format
• Start Date and End Date = Date format
• Duration = Number format

Want to organize your Excel gantt chart into phases with subtasks? Add a row before the first task in each project phase, and enter the following dates for each task group:

• Start Date  = Start Date of your first task or milestone in the group or phase
• End Date = End Date for the last task or milestone in the group or phase

2. Apply an automatic formula to calculate task duration

Use a simple formula to subtract the start date from the end date. That way your Excel worksheet will automatically calculate the length of each task in your gantt chart. For instance, we entered =C2-B2 into the Duration field for our first task.

Tip: If you started in different cells in your worksheet, be sure to adjust this formula accordingly.

Place your mouse on the right corner of D2 until you see a black + sign and double-click or drag your mouse down to paste the formula in the remaining cells in column D.

3. Insert a Stacked Bar Chart from the Insert menu

Click the Insert tab, and select the bar chart icon. Choose Stacked Bar from the 2-D Bar section to add a chart to your Excel worksheet. This chart type most closely resembles a gantt chart.

4. Set up your Excel gantt chart data

You should see a blank chart in your Excel worksheet now. Right-click the chart, and choose Select Data .

Click the plus sign (+) under the Legend entries section to add the first data set. Name it "Start Date." Then click on the Y values field, and select the data in the Start Date column.

Repeat this process to add a second entry called “Duration,” making sure to select the data in the Duration column for the Y values . Click the Horizontal Axis Labels field, and select the entire Task Name column.

Tip: Make sure the Show data in hidden rows and columns checkbox is ticked so your Excel gantt chart will still work if you decide to hide any of the columns or rows in the worksheet.

5. Add the project title to your chart

Double-click the Chart Title textbox to select the full title. Enter the name of your project to replace the generic placeholder text.

6. Change the chart date range to your project start and end dates

Copy the Start Date for the first task in your project into a blank cell below your task list, and format that cell as a number rather than a date. Repeat this process for the End Date for the last task in your project.

Tip: Excel stores dates as numbers. In our gantt chart example , Excel converts the Start Date for our first task from 9/1/22 to 44805.00, while the End Date for our last task becomes 44865.00 instead of 10/31/22.

Now select the horizontal axis of your gantt chart, right-click, and choose Format Axis . Under Bounds , there are fields for Minimum and Maximum . These are the first and last “dates” in the chart. Change the Minimum value to the number you got when you converted the first task date into a number and the Maximum value to the number for your last task date.

Hit Enter to remove the extra time from the beginning of your chart.

7. Format the horizontal axis as dates

If the labels on the horizontal axis of your gantt chart show numbers instead of dates, click the Number section of the Format Axis window to expand it. Change the category from Number to Date . Now the horizontal axis will show readable dates.

8. Set your Excel gantt chart at weekly intervals

Under Units in the Axis Options section, you’ll find Major and Minor fields. These determine the timeline intervals for your Excel gantt chart. Enter 7.0 into the Major field to set the project timeline in your Excel gantt chart at weekly intervals.

Tip: Want a monthly gantt chart? Set the Major field at 30.0 for monthly intervals.

9. Reorder tasks, and move the date axis to the top of your gantt chart

Select the vertical axis, right-click, and choose Format Axis .

Tick the Categories in reverse order checkbox.

This also moves the date axis to the top of the chart where it’s a little more useful.

10. Format your stacked bar chart to look like a gantt chart

Click on the first portion of a taskbar with 2 colors to select all of the bars in your first data series. In the Excel chart below, our first data series is represented by the blue taskbars.

Then click the Paint Bucket tab, and expand the Fill section. Select No fill to remove the blue bars that precede your task start dates.

11. Change taskbar colors for a customized look

Click on a single bar twice. Don’t double-click it—click it once to highlight all the bars in that color, then click it again to highlight a single bar. Click the Paint Bucket icon, and choose the color you want from the color fill options.

Tip: Differentiate project phases from subtasks by giving phase taskbars a neutral color, such as gray.

Tip: Color milestones yellow or gold in your gantt chart so they stand out easily from other tasks.

Repeat this process for the rest of the bars in your newly made gantt chart to change their colors.

Congratulations! You’ve created your very own weekly gantt chart in Excel. That was probably a few more steps than you bargained for. Especially if you have to do that every time you need to create a gantt chart for a new project. That’s where TeamGantt comes in.

Build a gantt chart in minutes with TeamGantt

A better, faster, and more collaborative way to create, update, and track gantt charts.

Gantt charts that are simple, beautiful, and super-easy to manage and update is exactly what TeamGantt was designed from the ground up to do.

Comparison: TeamGantt vs Excel gantt chart

Forget having to keep track of multiple Excel gantt chart files for each project and wasting time making sure all your charts are presentation-ready. TeamGantt makes it easy—and dare we say FUN—to create and manage your projects with shareable online gantt charts. Here’s a quick peek at how you can save time and headaches making gantt charts and managing projects with TeamGantt compared to Excel:

The best collaborative gantt chart template

No need to build your plan from scratch with TeamGantt’s collaborative gantt chart template! We’ve plugged in some basic project elements for you. Feel free to duplicate task groups to speed up your gantt chart setup. ‍ Try our basic project gantt chart template! Or browse our full library of free collaborative gantt chart templates .

How to create a gantt chart in TeamGantt

Ready to get started? Follow these easy steps to set up your first project in TeamGantt.

1. Go to teamgantt.com/signup to sign up for your free account to get started.

2. Once you log in, go to My Projects in the sidebar, and click + New Project , then Create New Project .

3. Give your project a name, and choose a project template to get you started if you want. Choose your default project view and the days of the week you want to be able to schedule work in your project. Then click Create New Project .

4. Your project is created, and you’re ready to start adding your tasks!

5. Once you’ve added your tasks to the task list, just click and drag each taskbar to set the dates and duration.

6. If you have tasks that can’t begin until another task is complete, you can add a dependency to your gantt chart to make sure those tasks are always done in the proper order. Simply click the gray dot to the right of the first task, and drag the dependency to the dependent task.

You’re all done! Congratulations on creating your first project in TeamGantt!

How to save a TeamGantt project as a gantt chart template

In TeamGantt, you can create unlimited gantt chart templates from the projects you build. Here are 2 easy ways to save a project as a template from Gantt view:

• Option 1 : Click Menu > Save as Template .
• Option 2 : Go to Menu > Project Settings , and click the Mark as Template toggle on.

Your gantt chart template evolves with your root project so it stays up-to-date.

How to apply a gantt chart template to any TeamGantt project

Using a template to create a new project is as easy as clicking the Template dropdown on the project creation screen and choosing the one you want to use from the template library. No more starting from a blank screen!

Any gantt chart templates you save will be listed under the My Templates section. Once your gantt chart template loads, simply update the tasks and invite your team.

Get started with TeamGantt today

You can create a beautiful project plan in just minutes with TeamGantt. And because everything happens online, it's easy to track project progress and collaborate with your team in real time.

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Excel Gantt Chart FAQs

Is there a gantt chart template in excel.

Unfortunately, Excel doesn’t come with a built-in gantt chart template. You’ll need to create a gantt chart manually in Excel, then save it as a template for future project use.

How do I create a gantt chart template in Excel?

You can save any Excel file you make as a template. Simply follow these steps to build a gantt chart of your own in Excel . Then click File > Save as template to create an Excel gantt chart template you can use again and again to schedule project timelines.

How do I format a weekly Excel gantt chart?

To format your Excel gantt chart by week, right-click on the date axis, and select Format Axis. Expand the Axis Options section, and enter 7.0 into the Major field below Units for weekly intervals.

How do I format a monthly Excel gantt chart?

To format your Excel gantt chart by month, right-click on the date axis, and select Format Axis. Expand the Axis Options section, and enter 30.0 into the Major field below Units for monthly intervals. It won’t be a perfect monthly picture since some months have more or less days, but it should provide a decent visual approximation for your Excel gantt chart.

How do I track work progress in Excel?

Start by downloading our free gantt chart Excel template , which has progress bars built-in. Then all you have to do is update progress in the Percent Complete column, and Excel will adjust the taskbar on the gantt chart to reflect the current status.

Try TeamGantt for free today!

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Gantt Chart for Business plan

You can easily edit this template using Creately's gantt chart maker . You can export it in multiple formats like JPEG, PNG and SVG and easily add it to Word documents, Powerpoint (PPT) presentations, Excel or any other documents. You can export it as a PDF for high-quality printouts.

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Starting A Business Gantt Chart Template

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
• Get started in seconds

Starting a business can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing multiple tasks and deadlines. That's why entrepreneurs and business owners rely on ClickUp's Starting A Business Gantt Chart Template.

This powerful template helps you:

• Plan and track every step of your business journey, from market research to product development and marketing strategies
• Identify dependencies and critical paths to ensure smooth execution and timely completion of tasks
• Collaborate with your team and assign responsibilities to keep everyone aligned and accountable
• Visualize the overall progress of your venture, making it easier to identify areas that need attention

With ClickUp's Starting A Business Gantt Chart Template, you'll have all the tools you need to launch your business successfully. Start using it today and streamline your path to success!

Benefits of Starting A Business Gantt Chart Template

Starting A Business Gantt Chart Template provides a comprehensive and strategic approach to launching your business. With this template, you can:

• Visualize and organize all the tasks and activities required to start your business
• Identify dependencies and ensure that tasks are completed in the right order
• Track the progress of each task and ensure that everything is on schedule
• Collaborate with your team and assign responsibilities for each task
• Easily make adjustments to the timeline and prioritize tasks as needed
• Gain a clear overview of the project and identify potential bottlenecks or areas that need attention
• Improve efficiency and productivity by eliminating guesswork and maintaining a structured approach to starting your business.

Main Elements of Starting A Business Gantt Chart Template

Starting a new business can be overwhelming, but ClickUp's Starting A Business Gantt Chart template can help you stay organized and on track with your project timeline. Here are the main elements of this template:

• Custom Statuses: Keep track of the progress of each task with statuses like Complete, In Progress, and To Do, allowing you to easily visualize the current state of your project.
• Custom Fields: Use 3 custom fields, such as Project Phase, Project Progress, and Attachment, to add important details and attachments to each task, ensuring that all relevant information is in one place.
• Custom Views: Access 3 different views, including the Project Gantt view, Project Plan view, and Template Guide view, to get a comprehensive overview of your project timeline, plan tasks effectively, and refer to a step-by-step guide for starting your business.
• Project Management: Utilize ClickUp's powerful project management features, including dependencies, task assignments, due dates, and notifications, to ensure smooth coordination and collaboration throughout the entire process.

How to Use Gantt Chart for Starting A Business

Putting together a marketing campaign can be a complex process, but with the help of the Marketing Campaign Template in ClickUp, you can streamline your efforts and achieve success. Follow these {{Steps_Random #}} steps to effectively use the Marketing Campaign Template:

1. Define your campaign objectives

Before you start creating your marketing campaign, it's crucial to clearly define your objectives. Are you trying to increase brand awareness, generate leads, or drive sales? Identifying your goals will help you align your strategy and tactics accordingly.

Use Goals in ClickUp to set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives for your campaign.

2. Identify your target audience

To ensure that your campaign resonates with your audience, you need to identify and understand who they are. Conduct market research and collect data about your target audience's demographics, interests, pain points, and preferences.

Use custom fields in ClickUp to store and organize information about your target audience.

3. Plan your campaign activities

Based on your objectives and target audience, plan the specific activities you'll undertake for your marketing campaign. This may include creating content, running advertisements, conducting email marketing, or organizing events.

Use tasks in ClickUp to outline and schedule each activity, assign responsibilities, and set deadlines.

4. Track and measure campaign performance

Once your campaign is live, it's essential to track and measure its performance to determine its effectiveness. Monitor key metrics such as website traffic, click-through rates, conversion rates, and social media engagement.

Use Dashboards in ClickUp to create visual representations of your campaign's performance and track important metrics in real-time.

5. Analyze and optimize

Regularly analyze the data you've collected to gain insights into your campaign's performance. Identify what's working well and what's not, and make data-driven decisions to optimize your campaign accordingly. This may involve adjusting your targeting, refining your messaging, or reallocating your budget.

Use the Gantt chart in ClickUp to visualize your campaign timeline and make adjustments as needed.

6. Collaborate and communicate with your team

Effective teamwork is crucial for a successful marketing campaign. Collaborate with your team members, communicate goals and progress, and ensure everyone is aligned and working towards the same objectives.

Use the Board view in ClickUp to manage tasks, track progress, and facilitate communication within your marketing team.

By following these steps and utilizing the Marketing Campaign Template in ClickUp, you can streamline your marketing efforts, maximize your campaign's impact, and achieve your desired results.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Starting A Business Gantt Chart Template

Entrepreneurs and business owners can use the Starting A Business Gantt Chart Template to effectively plan and manage the launch of their new venture.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to start your business:

• Use the Project Gantt View to visualize the timeline of tasks and dependencies for your business launch
• The Project Plan View will help you outline and detail each task required to start your business
• Utilize the Template Guide View for step-by-step instructions and guidance on how to use the Gantt chart effectively
• Organize tasks into three different statuses: Complete, In Progress, To Do, to keep track of progress
• Update statuses as tasks are completed to stay informed on the overall progress of your venture
• Monitor and analyze tasks to ensure maximum productivity

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Business plan - Gantt chart example

The Business Plan is initiated with comprehensive market research, leading into critical stages like product development and financial projections. Concurrently, an active marketing strategy unfolds. Sequentially, the plan progresses through drafting, investor pitch preparation, and finalization before culminating in the critical milestone of Investor Pitch on December 15, 2023.

Edit this diagram in Gleek

Business plan diagram code in Gleek

/g Business Plan

     Market Research

        Done

        2023-09-01

     Product Development

        Critical

        => Market Research

     Marketing Strategy

        Active

     Financial Projections

     Business Plan Drafting

        => Product Development

     Investor Pitch Preparation

        => Financial Projections

     Finalize Business Plan

        => Business Plan Drafting

     Investor Pitch

        Milestone

        => Finalize Business Plan

        2023-12-15

About Gantt charts

Gantt charts, named after Henry Gantt, aid in project organization and monitoring, showcasing task timelines, durations, and overlaps. They're versatile tools used across industries, offering an overview of project lifecycles, beneficial for planning, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication. These charts assist in scheduling, dependency identification, and progress visualization, enhancing task management and resource allocation for effective project execution.

Similar gantt chart examples

Supply chain management gantt chart

Construction Project Management gantt chart

School management system project gantt chart

App development project gantt chart

Research project proposal gantt chart

Marketing campaign gantt chart

Event planning gantt chart

How to Make a Gantt Chart in Excel (+ Free Template)

Table of Contents

A Gantt chart is an indispensable tool for any project manager who needs to have a simple and intuitive overview of their project. It’s extremely useful when it comes to providing insight into the project schedule and task dependencies .

In this article, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide that will help you create a Gantt chart in Microsoft Excel. You’ll also find a comprehensive free template you can use to set up a Gantt chart faster.

Making a Gantt chart in Excel

There are several ways you can make a Gantt chart in Microsoft Excel, and you will find a step-by-step guide for each method below.

Method #1: How to make a basic Gantt chart in Excel

A basic Gantt chart in Excel is easy to make, and it can be used for tracking project tasks and project milestones without being cluttered with any but the most important information.

Step #1: Create a table

First, you need to create a table with the following data:

• Start date,
• Start day, and

Column A should be formatted as Text, and columns B and C should be formatted to show dates. 

Now, you can add tasks and specify start and end dates for each task.

Step #2: Calculate task start days and duration

Excel can’t generate a Gantt chart based on dates alone, so the next step is to determine the start day of each task relative to the start of the project, as well as the duration of each task.

To calculate the Start day of a task, use a formula to subtract the start date of the project from the start date of the task. To start, double-click D2 (the first cell in the Start day column) and type in the following formula:

Repeat this process for each row in the D column, as pictured below. 

Once you’ve added the formula several times, you can use AutoFill to complete the column. If this feature isn’t working or is not available in your version of Excel, you’ll have to do it manually.

Next, calculating the duration of each task is just as simple, as you need to subtract the task’s end date from its start date.

To start, double-click E2 and type in the following formula:

Repeat this for each task, as seen in the image below.

Step #3: Insert a stacked bar chart

Next, it’s time to insert the actual chart. 

First, select columns A, D, and E.

Then, go to the Insert tab, click the Bar button in the Charts section, and choose the stacked bar chart.

Step #4: Format the bar chart

Now, all you need to do is format the bar chart to make it look like a Gantt chart.

To do this, simply click the Start day bar in the chart (which should be dark blue by default), click the Fill Color button in the Home tab or by right-clicking the bar, and choose the No Fill option .

Finally, right-click the chart, select Format , and click the Vertical Axis category in the menu that opens up. Tick the checkbox next to Categories in reverse order to reverse the order the tasks are listed in.

With that, you have successfully created a basic Gantt chart in Excel.

You are also free to customize the chart further in the Format menu and tweak it until it suits your needs and preferences.

💡Plaky Pro Tip

If you’re currently looking for a tool to help you track tasks more accurately, you should take a look at the article below:

• 10 Best Task Management Software Solutions

Method #2: How to make an advanced Gantt chart in Excel

If you need a Gantt chart with more options for more precise project management, here’s how to make a chart that includes progress tracking.

Similar to the simple chart, the first step is to create a table that includes the following information:

The first 5 points are set up the same way as with the basic chart above.

Next, create the Progress column.

Left-click column F to select all cells, then right-click it and select Format cells. In the new menu that opens up, select Number , and then select Percentage from the drop-down menu. 

After this, the Decimal places box will appear underneath, and you can specify how many decimal places the cell should show.

Step #2: Calculate completed days and remaining days

Now, it’s time to add the Completed days and Remaining days columns so that the chart can reflect task progress.

To track completed days, start by adding the following formula to column G:

=IF((C2)=””,””,(D2*F2))

The first value is the end date, the second is the duration, and the third is the task progress.

Next, in column H, add the following formula:

=IF(G2=””,””,(D2-G2))

Step #3: Insert the stacked bar chart

When creating the stacked bar chart, select the following columns:

• Completed days, and
• Remaining days.

With the columns selected, simply go to the Insert tab > Bar > Stacked Bar .

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Step #4: Format the chart

To format the bar chart to look like a Gantt chart, first right-click the chart, select Format , and under Vertical Axis, tick the box next to Categories in reverse order.

Then, right-click the bar showing data from the Start day column, click the arrow next to the Fill button, and choose No Fill.

Do the same for the Completed days and Remaining days bars, and choose colors that fit your preference. 

I prefer dark blue for completed days and light blue for the remaining days, as it’s easy on the eyes and creates the impression of a bar filling up.

Looking for some additional advanced templates for Excel? One of the following articles might pique your interest:

• Top 16 Automated Project Management Excel Templates
• 11 Free Project Timeline Templates

Method #3: How to create a manual Gantt chart in Excel

If you want a simpler, more direct, and more intuitive way to manage your project, you can create a manual Gantt chart. With this chart, there aren’t many formulas to worry about, and it’s all quite straightforward.

As before, the first thing you need to do is create a table with the following data:

• End date, and

This time, merge cells A to D vertically in rows 1 and 2, as seen below, as we’ll need 2 rows to create the calendar.

Step #2: Create the calendar

To create the calendar, start by formatting columns E and onward. To do this, simply select the entirety of row 1 and then deselect columns A-D. 

Click the Format button in the Home tab and select Column Width from the dropdown menu, and type in 2.5 as the new width.

Starting in E2, begin entering dates from the start date of the first task. However, only enter the day in the unformatted cell, not the month and year. 

This can be done quickly with AutoFill, but if you’re using a version of Excel that doesn’t support AutoFill, you can manually insert numbers 1 through 31, then copy-paste the selection for each month and delete the extra days for shorter months.

Finally, merge the row 1 cells corresponding to each month, and specify the month and year as pictured below. 

Step #3: Add borders to the table

To give the table a clearer outline, select all columns from E and onward, just like before. Right-click the selection and click Format Cells .

From here, select Border , and pick the All Borders option.

Finally, to make sure the title bar and the days/months are always visible — select row 2, go to the View tab, click the Freeze Panes button, and then click Up to row 2.

Create an easy project timeline in no time at all! Automate your schedule management with Plaky.

Step #4: Add tasks to the chart

To add tasks to the chart, simply select cells corresponding to the task’s specified start and end dates.

Then, click the downward arrow next to the Fill Color button on the ribbon and choose whichever color you wish to use.

Plaky Gantt template in Excel

If you’d prefer to get started quickly and skip the hassle of setting a Gantt chart up in Excel yourself, you can try out the template below:

⬇️ Plaky Gantt Chart Excel Template

This template includes multiple sheets with all 3 types of Gantt charts we’ve mentioned here:

• Advanced, and

Moreover, the basic and advanced templates come in both single-project and multi-project variants.

Need a more user-friendly alternative to Excel? Here’s a comprehensive guide on making a Gantt chart in Google Sheets, too:

Gantt Chart in Google Sheets: How to Create It + Free Templates

Pros of using excel for gantt charts.

If you’re wondering whether Excel is the best software for Gantt charts, here are the main benefits it brings to the table.

Benefit #1: Flexibility

Spreadsheets provide a great deal of flexibility, and it’s precisely why spreadsheet apps such as Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are so widespread and used for a wide variety of tasks across different industries.

Benefit #2: Free web app

A web-based version of Microsoft Excel is available for free as part of the Microsoft 365 suite. While it doesn’t have the full feature set of the desktop version, it has all the features necessary to set up a Gantt chart. 

Cons of using Excel for Gantt charts

On the other hand, here are some notable drawbacks when it comes to using Excel for Gantt charts.

Drawback #1: Steep learning curve

Getting used to Excel’s functions and advanced features can take time, and this can make the program particularly unappealing for those who aren’t quite tech-savvy. 

Drawback #2: Not optimized for Gantt charts

As you can tell from this guide, Excel doesn’t actually have native support for Gantt charts. As such, it’s simply not as efficient nor as intuitive as specialized software that comes with Gantt functionality built in.

Drawback #3: Increased risk of error

A lot of formulas need to be set up manually in Excel. This, combined with limited automation, means there’s a significantly higher risk of error. This can lead to setbacks, and identifying the error can take a lot of time on its own.

Why make it hard when you can make it simple? With Plaky, an interactive Gantt chart is only 3 clicks away.

Drawback #4: Limited collaboration

Many versions of Microsoft Excel have been released over the years, and this creates lots of potential compatibility issues that make project collaboration more difficult. 

For example, a Gantt chart made in Excel 2021 might not show up properly in Excel 2016 or Excel 2013. Moreover, document sharing and real-time collaboration can also be complicated for those using the desktop version of the app.

Plaky — the better way to use Gantt charts

Plaky offers a much simpler and more straightforward way to generate and manage Gantt charts. Here’s a quick guide on how to set up a Gantt chart in Plaky.

Step #1: Create a project board

After creating a Plaky account, the app will take you to your main Space. Here, click the Add button to create a new board.

Boards can be created from scratch, or you can use one of Plaky’s many project management templates .

Step #2: Set up your project

Once the board is created, you can add all relevant project data, including:

• Start dates,
• Task duration,
• Budget, and more.

You can add new fields to the board, much like you can add new columns in Excel. Doing this is as simple as clicking the plus icon at the end of the row, as seen below.

Moreover, you can easily filter your project view, sort tasks by whatever parameters you need, and even hide certain fields to create a clearer overview of the project.

Step #3: Add a Gantt view

The table view is the default view in Plaky, but creating a Gantt chart is much simpler than in Excel. 

To do it, click the cog icon next to the Main table button, and select Create new view.

In the new menu that opens up, click Choose view type , and select Gantt . Here, you can give the view a custom name, and choose whether to make it private.

The app will then automatically generate a fully interactive Gantt chart with no additional input required on your part. 

Step #4: Customize the Gantt chart

With the Gantt view set up, you’re free to customize it. 

Like with all other view modes, you can search the board, as well as filter and sort items in ascending or descending order based on data in the fields.

Moreover, you can compress the chart to only show item groups, which is quite useful when managing multiple projects .

More importantly, you can easily adjust the project timeline based on the length of your project. The view modes you can select here include:

• Quarters, and

For added convenience, you can click the Autofit button and the app will select the optimal option based on the length of your project automatically. Meanwhile, the Now button will take you to the current date.

You can see a brief overview of all other customization options in the image below:

How do you make a Gantt chart for beginners?

To create a simple Gantt chart in Excel, you need to create a task table, determine start and end dates for each task, calculate each task’s start day relative to the start of the project, as well as project duration. Then, you need to insert a bar chart, remove the color for the start day bar, and flip the vertical axis.

Is there a free Gantt chart template in Excel?

Yes, Microsoft offers a basic free Gantt chart template for Excel. You can also use a more advanced free template provided by Plaky.

How do I make a Gantt chart in Excel without dates?

If you’re wondering how to make a Gantt chart in Excel without dates, you can simply exclude start and end dates from the table and set up the start day and duration for each task manually. 

Say goodbye to errors and say hello to automation — try Plaky for free

There’s no denying that Excel is a powerful and versatile tool that we just couldn’t do without. However, as it usually goes, a jack of all trades is a master of none. So, while Excel can be used to create Gantt charts, it’s simply not the best tool for the job.

Plaky was designed to be a comprehensive project management tool with a strong feature set, intuitive interface, and maximum ease of use. There’s very little manual setup required, and you can rest assured you won’t be hunting for errors in your formulas or having trouble sharing the chart with coworkers.

Do you think Plaky is the right choice for you? There’s only one way to find out. Sign up for a 14-day free trial and try Plaky today.

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Filip Colovic is a project management researcher and author with over six years of professional experience as a writer and editor. At Plaky, he strives to create comprehensive, informative, and accessible high-value content for project managers, new and experienced alike.

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