If you’ve ever struggled with mapping project tasks or keeping track of dependencies, we have the

perfect solution for you.

A PERT chart, also known as a PERT diagram, is a tool used to schedule, organize, and map out tasks
within a project.

PERT stands for program evaluation and review technique. It provides a visual representation of a
project's timeline and breaks down individual tasks. These charts are similar to Gantt charts, but
structured differently.

This diagram consists of a few steps to get you from a project start date to end date. In this article, we’ll
cover the five steps, show you an example, and explain how to effectively use a PERT chart to your
advantage.

How a PERT chart works

A PERT chart works by visually representing a project’s tasks and the dependencies connected to each
one. You might use one to create an initial project schedule and estimated timeline to share with project
stakeholders before the project actually begins.

Creating a project roadmap such as a PERT chart can help you accomplish several project planning
activities, including:

Getting schedule and timeline signoff from leadership

Communicating project objectives to stakeholders

Visually mapping out a complex project and its interdependencies

Estimating the time needed to complete individual tasks

In order to make the most of your PERT chart, you should first understand the steps needed to complete
one and how to visually map out your diagram.
How to make a PERT chart

To create a PERT chart, follow the five steps of the process lifecycle, which includes everything from
mapping out project scope and identifying tasks to managing project completion.

How to make a PERT chart

1. Identify project tasks

The first step in creating a successful PERT chart involves identifying and collecting necessary project
information and tasks. You can begin the project planning stage similar to how you’d typically start the
initial project management phase. This can include:

A business case

A communication plan

An initial kickoff meeting

Early planning ensures that you’re prepared to defined dependencies and connect tasks during the next
phases.

2. Define task dependencies

A task dependency is a task or milestone that relies on another task to be completed before the task at
hand can be started. This is sometimes referred to as a logical relationship and is often used in a work
breakdown structure.

Creating dependencies can help you properly track work, ensure tasks are completed, and establish clear
communication. For complex projects, plan timelines and project duration properly ahead of time.

In a PERT diagram, dependencies are visualized by connecting and numbering tasks. While not as
comprehensive as other methods like a work breakdown structure, it helps to show a high-level
visualization of tasks and the work needed to complete them.

Read: 12 tips to effective communication in the workplace

3. Connect project tasks

Once task dependencies have been created, you can work on creating your PERT chart by connecting
project tasks to one another. These connections consist of arrows, which represent tasks, and nodes,
which represent events or milestones.

Parts of a PERT chart

For example, place parent events within your nodes (represented as numbered circles or squares) and
draw task arrows to represent the dependencies needed to complete your events.

This layout provides a simple project structure that, while not overly specific, is easily comprehensible
for project stakeholders.

4. Estimate project time frame

Now it’s time to estimate your overall project time frame using the critical path method (CPM) and the
PERT formula. The critical path is the longest sequence of tasks that must be completed to successfully
finish an entire project.

The objective is to find the longest path that will take the most time to complete in order to estimate the
shortest overall project duration. Time estimates can be calculated based on the following:

Optimistic time: The minimum amount of time needed to accomplish a task.

Pessimistic time: The maximum amount of time needed to accomplish a task.

Most likely time: The best estimate of how long it will likely take to accomplish a task.

You can use the PERT formula to calculate the expected duration of a task and completion time using: (O
+ (4 × M) + P) ÷ 6. This can be measured by minutes, hours, days, or even weeks.

For example, if the optimistic time is 30 minutes, the pessimistic time is 60 minutes, and the most likely
time is 45 minutes, the PERT formula would be: (30min + (4 × 45min) + 60min) ÷ 6 = 45 minutes.
Once you’ve calculated the expected time per task, you can then add each of the estimates of your
critical path together to get an average project timeline.

5. Manage task progress

The final step in creating a PERT chart is to manage task progress to project completion. This can be done
by closing dependencies and mitigating issues along the way until all tasks and project milestones are
completed.

Remember that a PERT diagram should be updated in real time as changes occur. This could be paired
with a change control process, which helps map and communicate project changes.

Once all tasks within the project have been completed, you can archive materials in a shared space to be
referred to later on if needed.

Read: Why a clear communication plan is more important than you think

PERT chart example

Now that you understand the five steps of a PERT chart, it’s time to create one of your own. Since all
diagrams differ depending on the complexity and time frame of a given project, yours might look slightly
different.

To start your chart, begin by:

Drawing your numbered nodes: Remember, these are the parent tasks of your project which, when
completed, will make up the project at hand. Your diagram may have any number of tasks, but 10 is a
good number to start with.

Connect your nodes to tasks: Draw arrows to represent task dependencies. These tasks are what need to
be done for the events to be completed. Your diagram should have a clear beginning and end, though
the middle may look more complex.

Here’s an example of what your PERT chart should look like:

PERT chart example

Here is a breakdown of common terminology you may include in your PERT chart and the definition for
each:

Nodes: Nodes represent project events. These events are the large components that make up your
project. For example, when launching a website design, a node might represent a new logo design.

Tasks: Your tasks are what need to be completed in order for your nodes to be implemented. For
example, a task might represent designing three logo mockups.

Dependencies: A dependency is when a task is connected to another task. These tasks rely on one
another and one cannot be completed without the other.

Dependencies without resources: A dependency without resources is one that, while connected to
another, doesn’t have tangible tasks that need to be completed. For example, while a product launch
and landing page might be correlated, no one task is connected to each.

PERT charts can be created using a variety of tools, including project management software. Tools can
help you properly plan, visualize, and set up task dependencies and reminders in order to track project
progress and easily spot bottlenecks.

Plus, using a project management tool to create a PERT chart or PERT chart template allows you to
integrate with visual tools and apps, such as Lucidchart or Miro. These integrations help streamline
workflows by letting teams collaborate and map out processes in one place.

Try Lucidchart integration with Asana

When to use a PERT Chart

Project managers use PERT charts to evaluate and complete a given project. But with so many other
methods to choose from, how does a PERT diagram compare?

For starters, a PERT chart is a good method when you’re looking to evaluate the timeline, resources
needed, and a project’s critical path. Let’s look at each of these a little closer.
To determine the critical path: One of the key features of a PERT chart that sets it apart from other
methods is its ability to determine a project’s critical path. This is important when visualizing the overall
timeline of a project.

To evaluate resources: With the unique features a PERT chart offers, you can easily display which tasks
require resources and which don’t. This saves both you and project stakeholders time by having that
information upfront and accessible.

To estimate time: Since a PERT chart evaluates both individual task duration and overall project duration,
it’s a great tool when you need to understand the expected timeline during the initial project planning
phase.

Overall, creating a PERT chart is a good option for a simple project plan that can easily be shared with
team members. Use this chart to quickly share resources and timelines.

PERT chart vs. Gantt chart

PERT charts and Gantt charts are often confused, though they have a few key differences. Not only do
they differ in their visual appearance, but they also provide different features depending on what your
team needs.

PERT chart vs Gantt chart

Here are a few key features to note when deciding on which one is right for you:

PERT charts are flowcharts while Gantt charts are bar graphs: One of the biggest differences is their
visual layout. While Gantt charts take on a traditional bar chart approach, PERT charts are less structured
in appearance and take on different layouts depending on the project.

Gantt charts offer organization while PERT charts offer customization: Gantt charts are more structurally
organized. On the other hand, PERT charts allow simple layout customization which is better for high-
level project needs.

PERT charts can be used before the project begins: Since PERT charts offer a simple project plan and
timeline layout, they’re often used as visual guides during the project kickoff. Project managers then use
another method, like a work breakdown structure or Gantt chart, to specifically map project tasks and
dependencies.

In general, Gantt charts are more popular for mapping out project activities and tasks throughout the
project lifecycle while PERT charts are popular for time mapping in the initial project stages. They can be
used separately or together to create a comprehensive plan.

Plan ahead with a PERT chart

By implementing a PERT diagram of your own, you can be sure your next project is planned accurately
and correctly. With a simple layout and timeline estimates, your team will have clear direction on project
tasks and be prepared for whatever comes their way.