How to create a Gantt Chart in Excel | Step-by-Step project timeline guide

🗂️ Step 1: Prepare Your Data

Set up your Excel sheet like this:

🔍 Step 2: Calculate Duration

Add a new column Duration using this formula:

=End Time - Start Time

Now your table will look like:

📊 Step 3: Insert a Stacked Bar Chart

1. Select your Start Time and Duration data.
2. Go to Insert → Bar Chart → Stacked Bar.
3. Excel will generate a basic bar chart.

⚙️ Step 4: Format the Gantt Chart

✅ A. Add Task Names on Y-Axis

1. Right-click the chart → Select Data.
2. Under Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels, click Edit.
3. Select the Process Name column.

✅ B. Reverse Task Order

1. Right-click on the vertical axis → Format Axis.
2. Check Categories in reverse order.

✅ C. Hide Start Time Bars

1. Click on the Start Time bars in the chart.
2. Right-click → Format Data Series → Fill → No Fill.

🎨 Step 5: Customize Your Chart

• Adjust bar colors for better visibility.
• Add labels for clarity.
• Resize or reposition chart as needed.

✅ Bonus Tips

• Add milestones by using markers or colored labels.
• Use conditional formatting for overdue tasks.
• Keep your table dynamic by using Excel Tables.

Example: