Project Timeline and Gantt Chart in Excel

What is a Gantt Chart?

A bar chart showing tasks over time, displaying:

• Task names and durations
• Start and end dates
• Progress tracking
• Dependencies between tasks

Building a Basic Gantt Chart

Step 1: Create Task Table

Columns needed:

• Task Name
• Start Date
• Duration (days)
• End Date (=Start+Duration)
• % Complete
• Assigned To

Step 2: Create Timeline

• Dates across the top row
• Tasks down the left column
• Use conditional formatting for bars

Step 3: Conditional Formatting Formula

=AND(B$1>=$C2, B$1<=$E2)

Advanced Features

• Milestones: Diamond shapes for key dates
• Dependencies: Arrow connectors
• Critical Path: Highlight tasks affecting end date
• Resource View: Show workload per person

Useful Formulas

Purpose	Formula
End Date	=WORKDAY(StartDate, Duration)
Days Remaining	=EndDate-TODAY()
Status	=IF(Complete=100%,"Done",IF(End<TODAY(),"Late","On Track"))

Conclusion

Excel Gantt charts are powerful for project tracking and team coordination.