
The bars are arranged on a progressive timeline, with each bar following the end of the previous bar. In a Gantt chart, each horizontal bar represents a task, with the length corresponding to the time required to complete it. It's one of the most popular project management tools.

In this article, you'll learn all about Gantt charts, when and why to use them, and how to create one.Ī Gantt chart organizes tasks and statuses for a project so that timelines can be visualized in a bar chart designed for project managers. It is essentially a bar chart that conveys a project's timeline, tasks, and the team members associated with each task. Just like an architect creates a blueprint for a new project, a project manager makes Gantt charts to outline a project's roadmap. Microsoft 365 subscription offers premium Gantt chart templates designed to help you track project tasks with visual reminders and color-coded categories.A Gantt chart is a key tool used in project management. Hold CONTROL and click in the chart, and then select Save as Template. To reuse your customized Gantt chart, save it as a template. To change the colors for the chart, click Change Colors. To fine-tune the design, tab through the design options and select one. To add elements to the chart, click the chart area, and on the Chart Design tab, select Add Chart Element. You can customize the Gantt type chart we created by adding gridlines, labels, changing the bar color, and more. Select Format Axis, and under Axis Position, choose Categories in reverse order. Hold the CONTROL key, and select the vertical axis (Tasks). Let’s also reverse the task order so that it starts with Task1. If you don’t need the legend or chart title, click it and press DELETE.

In the chart, click the first data series (the Start part of the bar in blue) and then on the Format tab, select Shape Fill > No Fill. Next, we’ll format the stacked bar chart to appear like a Gantt chart. Find out more about selecting data for your chart.Ĭlick Insert > Insert Bar Chart > Stacked Bar chart.

Tip: If you don't want to include specific rows or columns of data you can hide them on the worksheet.
