How to Create a Gantt Chart in Excel - 9 Steps

In a Gantt chart he Horizontal Axis (Value Axis) represents the total time span of the project. Each Bar in the Gantt Chart represents the duration of a task.

This is an overview:

Step 1 – Create a Dataset

This is the sample dataset:

Step 2 – Create a Stacked Bar Chart

Select B4:D16.
In the Insert tab, go to:

Insert → Charts → Insert Bar Chart → 2-D Bar → Stacked Bar

By default, the following chart is created.

Step 3 – Reversing the Order of the Category Axis

Double click Category Axis.
In Axis Options, select Categories in reverse order.

This is the output.

Step 4 – Changing the Labels Position in the Horizontal Axis

Click Category Axis in Format Axis.
In Axis Options tab, select Labels.
Choose High in Label Position.

This is the output.

The Horizontal axis starts on 07/03/2013 (the date is selected by default).

You can set a different value.

Move the cursor over a Bar (Blue or Red) to see:

The Data Series name. Here, Start Date.
The Data Point name. Here, Planning Meeting.
The Value of the Data Series. Here, 03/05/2013.

Step 5 – Finding Days Between Two Dates

To find how many days are between 07/03/2013 and 03/05/2013:

Enter a date into a cell.
Change the cell format to General.

This is the output.

Observe the GIF:

For the Board Meeting data point, the blue bar is represents number 57 and the Red bar number 3.

Step 6 – Change the Minimum, Maximum and Major Values in the Horizontal Axis

Double-click the horizontal axis.
In Format axis, select Axis options.

The minimum value is 41340 (representing 07-03-2013).

Set the minimum value to 41397 (representing 03-05-2013)

The maximum value is automatically set.

Change it to 41480.
Change major units to 10.

Step 7 – Change the Date Format in the Gantt Chart

Enter dd/mm in Format Code (Number tab).

Step 8 – Use No Fill to make Blue Bars Invisible

Select the Blue bars.

In Format Data Series, select Fill.
Choose No Fill. You can also use Fill Color in the Home tab.

This is the output.

Step 9 – Formatting the Gantt Chart

Click the Duration data series (select a Red Bar).
In Format Data Series, select Series Options.
Change the Gap Width to 30% to decrease the Gap in the Category Axis.