20 Simple Gantt Chart Examples for Project Management
Udn Webber
Customer Support Lead
For most project managers, a Gantt chart is like the internet.
You can love it, hate it, but you can’t live without it.
But honestly, not many people know that these charts are super versatile and can be used across industries. There are even Gantt chart examples you could use for your side hustle on YouTube . 😎
Moreover, Gantt charts are super easy to make with project management software.
In just a few clicks , you can map out tasks with start and end dates to watch your very own Gantt chart come alive.
In this article, we’ll explore what Gantt charts are, how to create one , and highlight an elaborate list of Gantt chart examples .
Let’s go.
What Is a Gantt Chart?
A traditional Gantt chart , at a glance, can be intimidating.
Is it a horizontal bar chart with lines? A stacked bar chart with time?
Basically, a Gantt chart is a simple project timeline in the form of a bar chart. The top part displays the time frame, and the left side of the chart lists the project tasks and activities.
Check out our article on Gantt charts vs timelines if you want to know the differences.
Here’s an example Gantt chart:
The purpose of a Gantt chart is to help you:
You can plot every individual task, event, outcome, and progress in your project on this horizontal bar chart.
Who can benefit most from Gantt charts?
Gantt charts are effective tools for project managers , HRs, team leaders, CEOs, CTOs, consultants, general managers, marketing teams, and so on.
Honestly, anyone who wants an instant picture of a project timeline can benefit from a Gantt chart!
3 Key Benefits of Gantt Chart Project Management
Clearly, we love Gantt charts.
But this fandom is based on some hard evidence.
Here are the top three reasons why you need to use Gantt charts for managing your projects:
You know that nagging feeling when you sit down to work but think you’ve forgotten something?
You can avoid feelings like this with a Gantt chart in hand. It shows you everything in your project plan in one glance, so you never feel like you’ve missed anything.
Kinda like a to-do list for multiple projects that just updates itself.
Today, you can track your cab ride and fast food delivery in real-time.
So why not do the same for your project schedule?
Gantt chart is like a geo-tracking device for your project.
Feed it with information on project activities, update it a few times, and off it goes on its own.
In fact, a Gantt chart takes it one step further by telling you the critical path for your project schedule. This is the minimum set of tasks you’ll need to complete to meet your project deadline.
The Gantt chart was originally a project management tool used by managers to make high-level decisions.
However, modern Gantt charts are an essential tool for all members of a project team.
Project managers can routinely update and share a Gantt chart with the project team. This lets every member see how they’re working together to achieve the same results.
In other words, it’s the most reliable way of showing everyone the big picture and helping everyone feel on board.
To sum it up, having a Gantt chart for your project management is as important as carrying a map on your road trip.
How do you create a Gantt chart?
You can create Gantt charts in Microsoft Word , Excel , PowerPoint, Google Sheets , and more.
But if you don’t want to be “wifi down-level” frustrated, you should do what smart people do.
Create Gantt charts using a project management tool !
Usually, with such tools, all you have to do is create a task list, add the start date and end date. The tool then works its magic to display your project tasks over time as intuitive Gantt charts.
But which tool should you use? Explore the 13 best online Gantt chart software to find the right one.
To save you time, we’ll give you the answer right here.
The only online Gantt chart tool you require is UDN Task Manager . It’s one of the world’s highest-rated productivity tools used by teams in several companies worldwide .
And you can create a simple (and pretty!) Gantt chart with our Gantt Chart view in three easy steps:
Modify what you see in your Gantt charts using the expandable and collapsible side menu.
You can use the chart to:
But that’s not all!
Do you often use the same Gantt chart?
Just template the Gantt Chart you built and reuse it anywhere in your Workspace .
Looking for some Gantt chart template options? Check out our Gantt chart project management guide for some handy template options.
20 Gantt Chart Examples
Here are 20 ways you can use a Gantt chart for different projects and industries.
These are just examples to give you an idea of what to include in your charts. To start creating them right away, just sign up for UDN Task Manager today !
1. Construction
“The bathroom will be ready in a week.” “Construction will begin in 3 weeks.”
We’ve all heard the site manager or engineer say that.
And as a construction project manager, if these responses make you scoff, you know construction projects often don’t meet deadlines .
Fortunately, a simple Gantt chart is perfect for keeping construction projects on schedule and ensuring crew members, clients, and subcontractors are in the loop.
Just ask Jennifer Vollbrecht, PMP certified Project Manager and Principal Consultant at JVC.
“We use Gantt charts to highlight critical tasks and use a three-week-lookahead to communicate upcoming milestones on our construction projects. Gantt Charts are a great way to visualize many moving parts and pieces during construction.
I send the Gantt chart out to all project stakeholders a few days prior to a status meeting so that it can be reviewed, and everyone comes to the meeting prepare to discuss their upcoming activities.”
Looking for free construction project software? Check out these top seven free construction project management software options.
2. Human resources
Going through piles of resumes, handling onboarding, updating policies, streamlining interview processes… being in HR is no easy task.
However, with Gantt charts at your disposal, you’ll be able to tackle most human resource tasks with ease.
Use it to:
Make your own human resource management Gantt chart on UDN Task Manager ! Start with our templates for human resources .
3. Business plan
Effective business management needs a very, VERY elaborate plan.
There’s company description, market analysis, competitive analysis, financial projections, and so much more.
It clearly involves loads of information that can quickly become overwhelming to you and your potential investors.
Let’s not panic. Let’s visualize.
With a Gantt chart, you can strategically:
This way, you can create a proper business roadmap. One that makes you feel confident about your project’s growth and helps your investors visualize every detail.
4. Marketing
Are you a marketer who keeps finishing tasks only to find more things on your to-do list?
You need Gantt charts.
Use it to plan marketing campaigns , visualize your strategy, set marketing goals and milestones, etc., and observe how much time you can save on planning.
You also end up saving time on communication by sharing a Gantt chart for your team and stakeholders to track the goal’s progress.
The best part?
You and your team can plan continuously since marketing project management tools like UDN Task Manager offer interactive Gantt charts that update in real-time.
Here’s an example:
Dear marketers, we’ve got your back. Check out these 20+ project management tips for marketers .
5. Product management
Product roadmaps and Gantt charts are like Sundays and brunch. A perfect fit, minus the Mimosas. (That’s for the launch party!)
And with a Gantt chart, there’s no better place to plan your product development, launches, and manufacturing .
You can track:
A Gantt chart is a real blessing for a complex project that relies on multiple teams and departments.
With all the perfect planning, you might just have the time for Mimosas.
Here’s an example of a product development roadmap:
Want to learn how to create a product roadmap? Check out our ultimate guide to roadmapping .
6. Media
Lights, camera, Gantt!
Yes, even media teams can benefit from Gantt charts.
You can easily:
Whether it’s a YouTube video or a motion picture, a simple Gantt chart can help you deliver blockbuster content.
Here’s a simple video production Gantt chart example:
7. Project management
Gantt charts are a must for all types of project management . It can be a helpful visual that lets you break down your project plan and activities day by day.
You can:
And since everything is plotted right on the chart, neither your team nor clients need to ask you for project updates.
Pro Tip: With an online Gantt chart software like UDN Task Manager , you can share the chart with clients or anyone outside your Workspace with Public Sharing .
8. Social media
Social media is… modern-day oxygen?
A lot of us live and breathe it.
And some of us even have built a career around it. This involves tracking social media posts, content, engagement , and so much more.
But how can you do all that without succumbing to a scrolling frenzy?
Create a social media planner in a Gantt chart to plan campaigns, collaborate with the social media team, and ensure you’re posting on schedule.
You can even collaborate with your team to create the entire social media timeline with details of:
Got to be on your toes if you want to break the internet, right?
Here’s an example:
Bonus Guide: How to Create a Gantt Chart in Google Docs
9. Event Planning
Event planners have tons of details to juggle to ensure events go smoothly.
And once the ticket sales pick up?
You need all the help you can get.
That’s where Gantt charts come in. Use it to break down your event plan into all the granular details. You can even group tasks by planning phase or vendor.
Fun fact: You can even promote your event with a Gantt chart.
Create a promotional strategy and schedule tasks on the timeline to create all the hype you need for your launch event.
Make people show up for the venue you fought for!
Bonus: Learn about event project management here .
10. Consultants
Let’s take an example: your client has appointed you to help them achieve their goals.
However, they’re new clients and need a little more reassurance from you (the consultant) regarding progress.
No worries.
You can show your client that you have a practical roadmap to success with a Gantt chart.
Divide all the tasks between your team and the client’s team. You can also refer back to the chart during weekly huddles with the client to ensure you’re both singing the same song.
Make your own consultant’s Gantt chart on UDN Task Manager !
11. Design projects
Surprised to see this on the Gantt chart example list?
Well, designers and teams can use Gantt charts too.
From design planning and drawing to approving final designs and showing them to the world, Gantt charts can be helpful throughout the design workflow. You can also easily plan your design launch and track bookings.
And who knows, the Gantt way might just land you on the Milan runway.
Here’s a general design project Gantt chart example:
12. Mobile app development
Every brand has an app today. If you don’t…
Whether you’re a business that creates mobiles or a company that develops apps for others, a Gantt chart can be your go-to.
Use it to layout and visualize the steps in the development process. It can include everything from designing the app’s looks to its features such as:
Since you’ll have to work with different people, departments, and more, Gantt charts can improve your chances of getting it done correctly and more quickly.
Successful launch, here we come!
Marcos Isaias , PMP certified Project Manager at Claro has this to say about using Gantt charts in mobile app development:
“By having a collaborative exercise over the Gantt chart with the team, we often discover unseen tasks and validations missing to have a successful and quality application.
It has helped us identify hidden tasks that would have caused delays if not mapped correctly. For example, we often plan QA for the software but maybe [forget to do the same] for the servers that would hold it. “
13. Email marketing
Why did the ghost’s email marketing campaign fail?
You could see right through it.
Don’t ghost your email campaigns. Plan and execute them with Gantt charts.
Track things like dates, times, contacts, subjects, etc.
You can manage everything related to your emails, contacts, and leads on a single chart, so you don’t miss sales opportunities nor waste time.
Make your own email marketing Gantt chart on UDN Task Manager !
14. Software development
When it comes to software development, a Gantt chart is like a cake cutter. It can help you visualize your project by cutting it into smaller working stages that you easily
eat
manage.
You can track:
And that’s not it.
Gantt charts are also perfect for software bug tracking. 🐛
A Gantt chart lets your team submit bug reports and track issues while developers quickly get to the bottom of the problems. You can even set priorities so everyone knows which bugs to exterminate first.
Here’s a sample example of software development Gantt chart:
15. Employee onboarding
With newly hired employees, it can be difficult to keep track of what they need to know and what training they’ve already completed.
Fortunately, a Gantt chart can help.
Create sections and tasks for each new employee and ensure that you go through each task with them. This way, you can ensure each new employee fits in with the team easily.
Make your own onboarding Gantt chart in UDN Task Manager !
16. Digital marketing
If you want people—especially the right ones—to find you, digital marketing must be your top priority. It can be advertising through social media, SEO, email marketing, etc.
With a Gantt chart, you can plot the start date, end date, budgets, tasks, and subtasks for all of your digital marketing strategies.
You don’t want to wing it unless…*whispers* you want to land on page two of Google search .
Here’s a sample Gantt chart:
Bonus: Check out this guide on marketing project management !
17. Education
Remember when education was all about classrooms, libraries, whiteboards, and last-minute exams preps?
Well, most of that remains, except digitization has taken over.
Whiteboards are digital, libraries are a Google search away, and semester planning happens on Gantt charts.
Teachers and students can track their semesters, programs, and exam dates on them.
Pro-tip for history teachers: Gantt charts are perfect for a visual representation of the timeline of historical events.
Learn the science of Gantt charts and prepare to make history this academic year!
Make your own education Gantt chart on UDN Task Manager and check out our templates for students !
18. Sales
If you’re on the sales team , you must know:
And a whole lot more.
If you don’t keep track of these aspects, you risk missing out on major profits.
Don’t worry; a Gantt chart ensures you don’t miss such money-making opportunities. You can track all your sales, contacts, leads, customer onboarding, deal progress, etc.
Nothing slips through the cracks because the chart holds everything you need to know.
Now all you have to worry about is waiting for a prospect to call you back.
(Sorry, even Gantt charts can’t help you there)
19. Finance
Sure, money might make the world go round. But it shouldn’t spin your head.
And that’s why many financial institutions and banks use Gantt charts.
A bank manager is a good example of someone who can track their tasks, plans, customer service, team performance, etc., on a Gantt chart.
It can also help prepare new banking products such as loans, deposits, and credit cards. It’s also a great tool to manage marketing campaigns in banks.
Here’s an example:
20. Content management
If you’re on a team that publishes a steady stream of content, deadlines are always on to you. Like a puppy, when they hear you open a bag of chips. But less adorable. 😞
With Gantt charts, you’re always prepared for deadlines. Use it as an editorial calendar to see what’s coming up next on the schedule.
You can organize specific task groups by month and article and set milestones to track final approvals and “go-live” dates.
Gantt Charts for off the Charts Management
Now, are you convinced that a Gantt chart is pretty much like the internet?
It can take any project, industry, or team to the next level.
You can create one in PowerPoint, use an Excel Gantt chart or even download a chart template.
But nothing beats UDN Task Manager ’s three-step Gantt chart maker .
With UDN Task Manager , you can customize it to fit your needs, manage resources , dependencies, and so much more with ease. Additionally, this Gantt chart software can be your time tracker , task manager, flowchart maker , proofing tool … just name it.
Join UDN Task Manager for free to create awesome Gantt charts for any project, any industry.
