11 Best Excel Gantt Chart Template Sites (2024) [FREE]

1. Introduction

In today’s fast-paced, project-centric work environment, the efficient management of time, resources, and tasks is a high priority. Gantt charts serve as an extremely effective tool to aid in this matter. Developed by Henry Gantt in the early 20th century, these charts help project managers visualize the sequence of project activities, their dependencies, and the start and end dates for each task. This eases the tracking of project progress and enables the prevention of potential delays.

1.1 Importance of Excel Gantt Chart Template Site

To make the most of Gantt charting, many professionals prefer using Excel Gantt chart templates available from various online sources. Microsoft Excel offers high flexibility, with the possibility to customize the Gantt chart according to individual project requirements. Excel also provides a familiar interface to most users, decreasing the time and effort needed to learn a new tool. By turning to a reputable template site, users can access expertly-designed, powerful Gantt chart templates that can be easily downloaded and used instantly for project management.

1.2 Objectives of this Comparison

This comparison aims to provide a comprehensive review of some of the best Excel Gantt chart template sites currently available. The goal is to make the selection process easier for users by discussing the pros and cons of each site and offering an overall summary at the end. Whether you’re a project management newbie or a seasoned professional, this comparison guide aims to assist you in making an informed decision that will benefit your project management process.

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2. Microsoft Gantt Chart Templates

Microsoft, known for its comprehensive range of office software, provides a stable of Gantt chart templates that can be directly integrated into their Excel software. With Microsoft Gantt chart templates, users can manage and track projects effectively right within the familiarity of Excel’s interface.

2.1 Pros

• Seamless integration: As these templates are developed by Microsoft for their own software, they offer excellent compatibility and integration with Excel.
• Diverse range: Microsoft provides a variety of Gantt chart templates designed for different project types and complexity levels, offering users a bank of options to choose from.
• Free access: Most of the Gantt chart templates provided by Microsoft can be accessed and downloaded free of charge, which is an advantage for budget-conscious users.
• Detailed instructions: Microsoft’s Gantt chart templates come with detailed instructions for use, simplifying the process for those unfamiliar with Gantt charts.

2.2 Cons

• Limited customization: While Microsoft’s templates are professional and effective, they may not offer the level of customization some users may require for complex projects.
• Manual updates: Tasks, dates, and progress must be manually updated in these templates, which can be time-consuming for large and frequently-changing projects.

3. Vertex42 Gantt Chart Template for Excel

Vertex42 is a leading provider of a wide array of Excel templates, including Gantt chart templates. With a focus on usability and simplicity, Vertex42’s templates cater to a variety of project needs and user proficiency levels.

3.1 Pros

• Easy to use: Vertex42’s templates prioritize user-friendliness. This makes them a good choice for beginners or those who prefer a straightforward design and interface.
• Fully customizable: Users can easily tweak Vertex42’s Gantt chart templates according to their project requirements, including changes in color, size, and layout.
• Variety of templates: Vertex42 offers a broad variety of Gantt chart templates, including daily, weekly, and monthly view options, catering to various project scales and durations.
• Good customer support: Users have noted Vertex42’s prompt and effective customer support. This could be an important factor for users encountering difficulties or requiring advanced help.

3.2 Cons

• Limited advanced features: While Vertex42’s templates are straightforward and easy to use, they may lack some advanced features available in other dedicated Gantt chart software.
• Dependent on Excel competency: Although the templates are easy to use, the extent to which a user can customize the template may depend on their proficiency with Excel.

4. ProjectManager Gantt Chart Template

ProjectManager is a cloud-based project management platform that features easy-to-use Gantt chart templates for Excel. Their templates are designed for dynamic project management and offer an array of features to effectively monitor and track projects.

4.1 Pros

• Cloud-based: Because ProjectManager operates on a cloud-based system, its Gantt chart templates are accessible from any internet-connected device, promoting collaboration and remote accessibility.
• Interactive templates: Unlike static Excel templates, ProjectManager’s Gantt chart templates are interactive, enhancing the user’s ability to manage project tasks and deadlines efficiently.
• Advanced features: These templates boast advanced features, such as task dependencies and critical path, which are beneficial for managing complex projects.
• Integration with ProjectManager software: The templates can be integrated with ProjectManager’s own project management software for a more comprehensive project management solution.

4.2 Cons

• Learning curve: The advanced features and interactivity of ProjectManager’s Gantt chart templates mean there can be a learning curve for new users.
• Cost: While the templates are free to use, full functionality requires a subscription to ProjectManager’s software, which may not suit all budgets.

5. Smartsheet Gantt Chart Templates

Smartsheet is a dynamic workspace that empowers teams to manage projects, automate workflows, and rapidly build new solutions. It offers a selection of Gantt chart templates that provide powerful planning and scheduling features while keeping the familiar user experience of Excel.

5.1 Pros

• Interactive Gantt charts: Smartsheet’s Gantt chart templates are interactive and can be directly linked to task lists, offering a dynamic approach to project planning.
• Collaboration features: Smartsheet templates support real-time collaboration. Users can share their charts, add comments, and attach relevant documents directly within the template.
• Integration capability: Smartsheet Gantt charts can be seamlessly integrated with common worktools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and many other applications.
• Automation feature: Smartsheet allows users to set up automated update requests and approval workflows, helping to dramatically reduce manual efforts and enhance productivity.

5.2 Cons

• Subscription cost: While Smartsheet offers a free trial, continued usage requires a paid subscription, which may not be affordable for all users.
• Learning curve: Smartsheet is a powerful tool and, as a result, new users may face a learning curve to fully leverage all the features and benefits of Smartsheet templates.

6. TeamGantt Gantt Chart Template

TeamGantt offers a free Excel Gantt chart template that aims to bring the power of their online project scheduling software to your Excel spreadsheets. They specialize in making project management more efficient, intuitive, and collaborative with their user-friendly Gantt chart templates.

6.1 Pros

• Easy to use: TeamGantt’s Gantt chart templates are designed to be user-friendly, making them suitable for those new to Gantt charts or preferring an uncomplicated interface.
• Design and visualization: The templates are visually appealing and offer clear visualization of tasks, durations, and dependencies, assisting in effective project management.
• Free access: TeamGantt’s templates are free of charge, making them an ideal choice for individuals or businesses on a tight budget.
• Compatibility: While TeamGantt has its own software platform, it offers an Excel Gantt chart template for those who prefer working in the familiar environment of Microsoft Excel.

6.2 Cons

• Limited Features: The free Excel templates may not possess all the features available in TeamGantt’s online project scheduling software.
• Manual Updates: Project details, such as tasks, dates, and progress, need to be manually updated within the Excel template, which can be time consuming for larger projects.

7. GanttPRO Gantt Chart Templates

GanttPRO specializes in project management through Gantt charts. The company provides a range of Gantt chart templates that are built for a diverse array of industries and project types. Whether you’re managing a construction project or planning a marketing campaign, GanttPRO offers a template that can be tailored to your unique requirements.

7.1 Pros

• Wide variety of templates: GanttPRO offers a comprehensive range of Gantt chart templates specific to different industries and project types, making them adaptable to a broad array of project management needs.
• Features for project management: GanttPRO’s templates come with capabilities for task assignment, setting dependencies and deadlines, changing statuses, and tracking progress, which can enhance the overall project management process.
• Interactive and intuitive: The templates are interactive and offer a user-friendly interface for creating and managing Gantt charts.
• Sharing capabilities: GanttPRO allows users to share their Gantt charts with team members or stakeholders, promoting collaboration and transparency in projects.

7.2 Cons

• Cost: GanttPRO’s Gantt chart templates are accessible through their software, which requires a subscription after a free trial, making it a costlier option compared to some free Excel-based templates.
• Requires adaptation: Users used to traditional Excel Gantt chart templates might require some time to adapt to GanttPRO’s interface and functions.

8. TemplateLab Gantt Chart Templates

TemplateLab is a comprehensive resource for a vast array of document templates and tools, including Gantt charts. The site offers a diverse selection of downloadable Gantt chart templates for Excel, catering to a broad spectrum of project management needs and styles.

8.1 Pros

• Extensive template collection: TemplateLab hosts an extensive collection of Gantt chart templates in different formats, styles, and complexities, presenting users with a multitude of choice.
• Free to use: All templates on TemplateLab can be downloaded for free, making it a great resource for users working within a budget.
• Versatility: The range of Gantt chart templates available means that they can be applied to a wide array of project types, from simple task tracking to complex project management.
• Guidance offered: Many templates come with guides and instructions, making them approachable for Excel beginners or those new to Gantt charts.

8.2 Cons

• Lack of support: As a resource site rather than a dedicated software, TemplateLab may not offer the kind of user support found on software-specific sites.
• Varied quality: The quality of templates may vary as they come from different sources. It’s crucial for users to ensure the template chosen meets their needs and quality expectations.

9. Instagantt Excel Gantt Chart Template

Instagantt is known for its online project management application, providing powerful tools for creating, monitoring, and adjusting a project’s timeline. In addition to their online application, they offer a free Excel Gantt chart template for users who prefer to work within the familiar Excel environment.

9.1 Pros

• User-friendly: Instagantt’s Excel template is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it straightforward and easy to set up, even for beginners.
• Stylish design: The template features a clean, professional-looking design, making it a visually appealing choice for presenting project timelines to stakeholders.
• Compatibility: The template is fully compatible with Excel, allowing users to leverage Excel’s capabilities for customizing and enhancing the functionality of their Gantt charts.

9.2 Cons

• Limited functionality: Compared to the full Instagantt online software, the Excel template may offer more limited functionality and fewer features.
• May require manual effort: As with most Excel templates, users may need to manually input and update project data, which can be time-consuming for larger, more complex projects.

10. Gantt Excel Gantt Chart Excel Template

Gantt Excel is a company that specializes specifically in providing Gantt chart templates for Microsoft Excel. Their templates can quickly turn an Excel spreadsheet into a project management tool, offering users the ability to plan and manage their projects efficiently within Excel.

10.1 Pros

• All-in-one solution: Gantt Excel provides a comprehensive set of features for project management in their templates – from task scheduling to resource management and cost analysis.
• Ease of use: The templates are designed to be user-friendly, offering a simplified experience for creating and managing Gantt charts.
• Compatibility: The templates are compatible with all versions of Excel, from Excel 2007 to Office 365, providing a solution for a wide pool of Excel users.
• Support and updates: Gantt Excel offers prompt customer support and regular updates, ensuring users can work with their templates smoothly and securely.

10.2 Cons

• Cost: Gantt Excel’s templates are not free. Though they offer a one-time purchase with lifetime updates, this might be a deal-breaker for users seeking free solutions.
• Learning curve: Some users might require time to familiarize themselves with the breadth of features and functionalities offered by Gantt Excel.

11. Orangescrum Excel Gantt Chart Template

Orangescrum is well-known for its web-based project management and collaboration tool, but also offers free Excel Gantt chart templates. These templates are designed to help teams manage and streamline their projects effectively with minimal effort, all within a familiar Excel workspace.

11.1 Pros

• Free access: Orangescrum’s Excel Gantt chart templates are available free of charge, making them an excellent option for businesses looking to manage costs.
• User friendly: The templates are easy to use and navigate, making them suitable for individuals new to Gantt charts.
• Comprehensive features: Despite being free, the templates offer a range of project management features, such as task creation, scheduling, and progress tracking.
• Integration: The templates can be integrated into the broader Orangescrum platform for expanded project management capabilities.

11.2 Cons

• Manual updates: Like many Excel Gantt chart templates, updates to tasks, deadlines, and progress status must be input manually, which may be time-consuming for larger projects.
• Limited customization: The level of customization available might not be as extensive as some other dedicated Gantt chart software.

12. HiveDesk Gantt Chart Template In Excel

HiveDesk, a robust project management and collaboration software, offers a functional Gantt chart template for Excel. The template is designed to assist teams, especially those in a remote work setting, with project planning, task scheduling, and progress tracking.

12.1 Pros

• Free template: HiveDesk’s Gantt chart template can be downloaded for free, making it a practical choice for cost-conscious project managers.
• Comprehensive features: The template offers key Gantt chart features including task coordination, mapping dependencies, and project timeline tracking.
• Flexibility: The template is flexible and enables customization to fit different project sizes and complexities.
• Collaboration focus: The template is geared towards promoting team collaboration, which is beneficial for teams working remotely.

12.2 Cons

• Manual entry: Updating task information, tracking, and reporting need to be done manually in Excel, which can be time-consuming for large projects.
• Learning curve: Working with Gantt charts can have a learning curve, particularly for users with little experience in such kind of project visualization.

13. Summary

13.1 Overall Comparison Table

Site	Template Count	Features	Price	Customer Support
Microsoft Gantt Chart Templates	Multiple	Integration with Excel, varied templates, detailed instructions	Free	Through Microsoft Support
Vertex42 Gantt Chart Template for Excel	Multiple	User-friendly, fully customizable, good variety	Free	Email Support
ProjectManager Gantt Chart Template	Single	Cloud-based, interactive, advanced features, integration with ProjectManager software	Free for template, Paid subscription for full functionality	Online Support
Smartsheet Gantt Chart Templates	Multiple	Interactive, collaboration features, integration capability, automation feature	Paid subscription after free trial	Email and live chat
TeamGantt Gantt Chart Template	Single	User-friendly, stylish design, compatibility with Excel	Free for template, Paid subscription for full software	Email Support
GanttPRO Gantt Chart Templates	Multiple	Wide variety, advanced features, sharing capabilities	Paid Subscription after free trial	Online and live chat
TemplateLab Gantt Chart Templates	Multiple	Wide variety, downloadable, includes guides	Free	Limited
Instagantt Excel Gantt Chart Template	Single	User-friendly, stylish design	Free for template, Paid subscription for full software	Through Instagantt platform
Gantt Excel Gantt Chart Excel Template	Single	All-in-one solution, compatibility with all Excel versions	Paid	Email Support
Orangescrum Excel Gantt Chart Template	Single	User-friendly, comprehensive features, integration with Orangescrum platform	Free for template, Paid subscription for full software	Email and live chat
HiveDesk Gantt Chart Template In Excel	Single	Free template, comprehensive features, flexible	Free	Email Support

13.2 Recommended Template Site Based on Various Needs

For users seeking a rich array of features and seamless integration with their current Excel workspace, Microsoft’s Gantt Chart Templates or Vertex42 are good options. If the focus is more on collaboration and managing complex projects, Smartsheet may be the ideal tool. For users focusing on visual presentation, TeamGantt’s colourful and eye-catching templates may have the edge. For those seeking templates tailored specifically to various industries and project types, GanttPRO provides a wider selection. Ultimately, the best Gantt chart template site will depend on unique project requirements, budget considerations, and personal preferences.

14. Conclusion

14.1 Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Choosing an Excel Gantt Chart Template Site

In conclusion, the diversity of Excel Gantt chart templates available online is vast, catering to varying project requirements, team sizes, and complexity levels. The choice of a template site should be influenced primarily by your specific needs.

For example, are you managing a simple or complex project? Are you looking for basic or advanced features? Would you prefer a free or premium template? How much customization do you need in your Gantt chart? Having clear answers to these questions will help navigate the wide-ranging options and identify the most fitting solution.

Furthermore, remember that a Gantt chart is an aiding tool in project management, and its ultimate effectiveness is closely related to how well it’s integrated within a comprehensive project management approach. Regardless of the platform you choose, the successful completion of your projects will depend largely on strategic planning, efficient resource allocation, regular progress monitoring, and effective communication among team members.

Author Introduction:

Vera Chen is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, which provides a wide range of products, including a powerful tool to recover AutoCAD DWG drawing files.