Smartsheet Contributor Diana Ramos Show
February 25, 2021 Gantt charts and PERT charts are popular project management tools. In this article, we explain their differences and similarities, as well as when to use them. Plus, you can learn their connection to the critical path method. Included on this page, you can find a comparison of the two types of chart, how to decide which works best for your needs, and an example project represented in both PERT and Gantt charts. In this article
PERT Chart vs. Gantt ChartPERT and Gantt charts enable project managers to track tasks and project status. PERT charts display tasks in a network diagram, highlighting dependencies; Gantt charts show tasks and timelines in a bar graph. Both have a place in the PMBOK’s work breakdown structure (WBS). PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) charts are often part of planning, and project managers use them before the start of a project to determine the anticipated length of each task. Here’s how organizations can use a PERT chart for projects:
Read our guide to PERT charts to learn about their origin, common terms, and ways to use them effectively. Organizations generally use Gantt charts for tracking the status of tasks and highlighting scheduling constraints. Project managers might also use them before a project to break down tasks into smaller tasks. Here are some characteristics of a Gantt chart:
Read our article on Gantt charts to learn more about their history, benefits, and use cases. You can also learn how to create a Gantt chart or download Gantt chart templates and other WBS-related templates. Differences Between PERT Charts and Gantt Charts
PERT Chart and Gantt Chart FormatsPERT and Gantt charts have some commonalities. You can use them to chart the same activities, but they differ in appearance. A Gantt chart is a bar chart with the x-axis and y-axis representing tasks in a timeline. A PERT chart is a flow chart or network diagram that displays project tasks in boxes and links them with arrows that outline dependencies. Advantages of PERT Charts over Gantt ChartsPERT charts are network diagrams, so they are useful for showing dependencies between tasks. They have three options for activity duration: Most Likely, Optimistic, and Pessimistic. PERT charts are a more flexible planning tool than Gantt charts. Advantages of PERT Charts over Gantt ChartsA Gantt chart shines at monitoring the status of tasks. It might take some work to create one (though software solutions greatly reduce the load), but they’re well worth the effort for the following reasons:
When to Use a PERT Chart Over a Gantt Chart (and Vice Versa)Here are some tips to help you choose between a PERT chart and a Gantt chart, depending on your goals:
PERT Chart vs. Gantt Chart in ActionPERT and Gantt charts highlight different aspects of tasks in a project. Here are examples of each chart type covering the same tasks in a project. In this case, these sample charts look at the first steps in building a house. You can see the differences between the two charts below. Compare the information displayed in each and the variations in how the charts present the same information.
How to Make a PERT Chart from a Gantt ChartYou might be able to convert a Gantt chart to a PERT chart in Microsoft Project by changing the data display. Microsoft Project does most of the work when you switch the view to Network Diagram. If not, try this:
You’re done. Admire your new PERT chart. PERT Charts, Gantt Charts, and the Critical Path Method
PERT charts and Gantt charts can be used to track the critical path of a project. But since part of the critical path method (CPM) involves estimating the completion time by the best, most likely, and worst-case options, the PERT chart is a better option. The critical path method (CPM) is a project management technique in which you add all tasks for a project and their dependencies to a chart. Then you calculate the project duration based on estimated durations for each task and the associated dependencies. Once you add all tasks and dependencies to the chart, you can uncover the critical path by tracing the tasks and dependencies. The critical path is the longest sequence of tasks in a project plan that, when you finish each on time, enables the project to be completed on schedule. A delay in any task on the critical path pushes back the timeline for the entire project. Most projects have a single critical path, but some projects have multiple critical paths. Read more about the critical path method. Create Interactive Gantt Charts with SmartsheetEmpower your people to go above and beyond with a flexible platform designed to match the needs of your team — and adapt as those needs change. The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done. Report on key metrics and get real-time visibility into work as it happens with roll-up reports, dashboards, and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed. When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time. Try Smartsheet for free, today. What could show how a specific information system fits into a company's overall business plan and strategy?An information systems plan shows how specific information systems fit into a company's overall business plan and business strategy.
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