Gantt Chart

Definition in Plain English

The Gantt chart is a scheduling chart based on time versus other methods such as production, weight, volume, quantity, etc. A Gantt chart is most widely developed using tools like Microsoft Project or Microsoft Excel, however, you can create one on graph paper if you wish.

A Gantt Chart has a horizontal axis based on time and a vertical axis based on "pieces" of a project. The horizontal bars in the chart represent the time it will take to complete each section of the project. See the example below.

History of a Gantt Chart

Henry Gantt, an American engineer, created the Gantt chart in 1917. He developed the chart to help in the production flow. Henry Gantt is best know for this chart, however, he also was key in developing more humanistic theories on management and his emphasizing better working conditions and its effect on the psychology of workers.

Examples & Developing a Gantt Chart

A Gantt Chart is a horizontal bar chart with time as the horizontal axis and a piece of a project broken down on the vertical axis. The horizontal axis can be broken down into any unit of time, though a traditional Gantt chart would show the entire project so a multi-week project broken down into hours would be huge! There is typically a line or arrows (as in the example) showing the date the chart was printer.

You can develop your own Gantt chart by building a table of cells that span the entire time frame of the project. Break each column down into a smaller equal span of time to go from the beginning of the project to the end. Break down your project into manageable pieces and list them from the first item you need to do to the final item. Draw a box for the time frame (days, weeks, months, etc) that you will complete that item in. You now have your Gantt chart!

Why do I need to know this?

Most major projects have an associated Gantt chart with it. You will need to know how to read the chart and possibly how to develop one if you are involved with a project.

More Links

Check out our free links section on Gantt charts and Project Management.

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