Guides
Gantt charts, explained without the jargon.
Short, practical guides for anyone planning a project on a timeline. Most of them work whatever tool you use; where NeoGantt helps, we say so and keep it brief.
Gantt chart basics
What a Gantt chart is, how to read one, and the parts that matter.
- What is a Gantt chart?A Gantt chart is a bar chart of a project schedule. Learn its parts, where it came from, what it's used for, its pros and cons, and whether it's outdated.
- How to read a Gantt chartHow to read a Gantt chart you've been sent: rows, bars, dates, milestones, the today line and your own tasks, plus five questions to ask the person who sent it.
- Gantt chart milestonesWhat a milestone is on a Gantt chart, how it differs from a task or deliverable, examples by project type, client-approval milestones and how many to use.
Making one
Step by step, whichever tool you use.
In a spreadsheet
Excel and Google Sheets methods that work, and where they stop working.
- How to create a Gantt chart in ExcelCreate a Gantt chart in Excel with a stacked bar chart or a conditional-formatting grid, count working days with WORKDAY, and download a free template.
- How to make a Gantt chart in Google SheetsMake a Gantt chart in Google Sheets with Timeline view, conditional formatting, SPARKLINE bars or a stacked bar chart, and see what Google offers for free.
Sharing plans
Getting a timeline in front of clients and stakeholders without confusion.
- How to share a Gantt chart with clientsHow to share a Gantt chart with clients: live link vs PDF vs slide, what to show and what to keep internal, marking client tasks, and communicating changes.
- How to handle changes to a project timelineWhen a project date moves: update the knock-on work, record what changed and why, tell people in the right order, and keep the agreed version to compare against.
Gantt charts compared
How Gantt charts relate to timelines, roadmaps and boards.
Put it into practice
Start from a template or a blank timeline. Free for one person.