A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart, developed by Henry Gantt in the 1910s, that illustrates a project

schedule. Gantt charts illustrate the start and finish dates of the terminal elements and summary
elements of a project. Terminal elements and summary elements comprise the work breakdown
structure of the project. Modern Gantt charts also show the dependency (i.e. precedence network)
relationships between activities. Gantt charts can be used to show current schedule status using
percent-complete shadings and a vertical "TODAY" line as shown here.
Although now regarded as a common charting technique, Gantt charts were considered extremely
revolutionary when first introduced. This chart is also used in information technology to represent
data that have been collected.
Example:
In the following example there are seven tasks, labeled A through G. Some tasks can be done
concurrently (A and B) while others cannot be done until their predecessor task is complete
(C cannot begin until A is complete). Additionally, each task has three time estimates: the optimistic
time estimate (O), the most likely or normal time estimate (M), and the pessimistic time estimate (P).
The expected time (T
E
) is estimated using the beta probability distribution for the time estimates,
using the formula (O + 4M + P) 6.
Activity Predecessor
Time estimates
Expected
time
Opt. (O) Normal (M) Pess. (P)
A 2 4 6 4.00
B 3 5 9 5.33
C A 4 5 7 5.17
D A 4 6 10 6.33
E B, C 4 5 7 5.17
F D 3 4 8 4.50
G E 3 5 8 5.17
Once this step is complete, one can draw a Gantt chart or a network diagram.

A Gantt chart created using Microsoft Project (MSP). Note (1) the critical path is in red, (2) the slack is the
black lines connected to non-critical activities, (3) since Saturday and Sunday are not work days and are
thus excluded from the schedule, some bars on the Gantt chart are longer if they cut through a weekend.
The Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that is helpful in laying out the tasks associated with a given project. When
executed properly, the Gantt chart helps to ensure that the project schedule is maintained at a reasonable pace, and
that the individual tasks that make up the work breakdown schedule logically progress in a manner that moves the
project closer to completion. A Gantt chart can be used for just about any type of project, from laying out a
marketing strategy or planning a building project.
The chart is named after Henry Laurence Gantt, who refined the concept of using a bar chart to control steps relevant
to the process of shipbuilding. During the 20th century, the essentials of his process chart were applied to projects
that had nothing to do with the building of ships. Today, the Gantt chart is used to establish a precedence network
that determines the priority level of each task associated with the project. At the same time, the chart also evaluates
the dependency relationships of each of the tasks. Together, these two aspects of the Gantt chart make it possible
arrange and project the completion time of various tasks in a manner that shows a logical progression toward the
successful completion of the project.
In most cases, the Gantt Chart appears as a horizontal bar chart. Each task associated with the project is accounted
for on the body of the chart. Because the Gantt chart is concerned with executing the project in the most efficient
manner, it also helps to define the amount of time required to complete each individual task. The chart also helps to
define tasks that can be completed concurrently and which tasks cannot be addressed until other tasks are fully
complete. This function helps to project both the sequence and the duration of each task involved in the project.
One of the main advantages of preparing a Gantt chart is that it provides an easy reference for how to carry out a
given project by breaking it down into specific phases and tasks. This visual charting often helps to identify potential
bottlenecks in the project, as well as make it easier to identify tasks that may have been overlooked in the original
layout of the project. As with any type of planning tool, it is also possible to adjust the components of a Gantt chart to
accommodate any unforeseen circumstances that take place during the life of the project.
Gantt charts are useful tools for analysing, planning and controlling complex multi-stage projects. It very helpful for a
manager for his project management.
Gantt charts can:
Assist in identifying the tasks and sub-tasks to be undertaken
Help you lay out the tasks that need to be completed
Assist in scheduling when these tasks will be carried out and in what order
Assist in planning resources needed to complete the project
Assist in working out the critical path for a project where it needs to be completed by a particular date
When a complex or multi-task project is under way, Gantt charts assist in monitoring whether the project is on
schedule, or not. If not, the Gantt chart allows you to easily identify what actions need to be taken in order to put the
project back onto schedule.
An essential concept behind project planning is that some activities depend upon other activities being completed
first. For example, it is not a good idea to start building the walls in an office block before you have laid the
foundations; neither is it a good idea to put the cake mix into the tin without greasing the tin first.
These are dependent activities which need to be completed in a sequence, with each stage being more-or-less
completed before the next stage can begin. We can call such dependent activities sequential.
Non-sequential activities are not dependent on the completion of any other tasks. These activities may be done at
any time before or after a particular stage in the project is reached. These activities are called are non-dependent or
parallel tasks.
To create a Gantt chart:
Step 1. List all Activities/Tasks in the Plan
For each task, show the earliest possible start date, how long you estimate the length of time it should take, and
whether it is parallel or sequential. If tasks are sequential, show which stages they depend on.
Head up a sheet of graph paper (using pencil and a ruler) with the days, weeks or months through to task completion
on the top x-axis. The y-axis can be used to itemise each task in its order. You may want to use a spreadsheet for
this instead of graph paper if you prefer.
Step 2. Plot the Tasks onto the Plan
Next list the tasks in the first column on the left hand side of the page, the y-axis. To draw up a rough first draft of the
Gantt chart; plot each task on the plan, showing it starting on the earliest possible date. Draw each task as a
horizontal bar, with the length of the bar being the length of time you estimate the task will take. Above each task bar,
mark the estimated time taken to complete the task. At this stage there is no need to include scheduling all you are
doing is setting up the first draft.
Step 3. Schedule the Tasks/Activities
Now on a fresh sheet redraw the Gantt chart to schedule actions and tasks. Schedule these in such a way that
sequential actions are carried out in the desired sequence e.g. dig holes, lay foundations, begin construction. Ensure
that these dependent activities do not start until the activities they depend on have been fully completed.
Where possible, schedule parallel tasks so that they do not interfere with sequential actions on the critical path. While
scheduling, ensure that you make best use of the time and resources you have available. Do not over-commit
resources and allow some time in the schedule for holdups, overruns, quality rejections, failures in delivery, etc.
Once the Gantt chart is drawn, you can see how long will it take to complete your project. The key steps to be carried
out to ensure successful completion of the project should be clearly visible.
In practice professional project managers use sophisticated software like Microsoft Project or Microsoft Excel to
create Gantt charts. Not only do these packages make the drawing of Gantt charts easier, they also make
subsequent modification of plans easier and provide facilities for monitoring progress against plans. Tables and
spreadsheets can also be used to create simple and easy to change charts without Microsoft Project. Spreadsheets
with coloured bars are most useful for the simplest projects.
Microsoft Excel 2002
There are many ways to create a Gantt chart. For example,
Microsoft Project, a task-planning program, makes it easy to
track and chart project timelines with a built-in Gantt chart
view. Another option is to use Excel. Excel does not contain a
built-in Gantt chart format; however, you can create a Gantt
chart in Excel by customizing the stacked bar chart type.
This article shows you how to create a Gantt chart like the
following example.

Step 1: Enter the sample data
Step 2: Create a stacked bar chart
Step 3: Make the chart look like a Gantt chart
After completing these steps, you should have a chart that
looks similar to the example. You may need to resize the chart
using the mouse to see all of the labels present in the chart.
Additional formatting can be added as needed.