How to Create a Project Network Diagram in Excel

A project network diagram contains segments referring to different activities. Each segment indicates Start, Finish and Float time.

Step 1 – Entering Activities and Scheduling Time

• Divide the entire project into multiple activities (A, B, C, etc).
• Determine the activities that need precursor activities.
• Enter all the activities and schedule time.

Step 2 – Maintaining a Fixed Cell Measurements for Segments

Box segments are used to display project network diagrams, so strict cell measurements need to be followed.

To format cells:

• Go to the Home tab > Format.
• Select the entire worksheet and right-click a column.
• Choose Column Width in the Context Menu.
• Enter a Column Width (e.g., 3).

• Enter a Row Height (e.g., 19).

Step 3 – Craeting Segments with Custom Borders and Labels

• Create Box Segments with Labels. The segment labels are:
• Early Starting (ES)
• Duration (D)
• Early Finishing (EF)
• Late Starting (LS)
• Float Time (F)
• Late Finishing (LF)

• Each box segment must be the same size and format.

• Customize borders: Home > All Borders (in Font).

Step 4 – Project Network Diagram Layout in Excel

• Select a diagram layout.

Step 5 – Creating the Project Network Diagram 

• The project network diagram has 2 parts; Project Activities and Network Diagram:  replicate them using box segments.
• Compile all box segments for an assigned activity.

• Copy each box segment using CTRL+C or Right Click > Copy.
• Right-click outside the Project Activities section > Choose Paste Special > Select Paste as Image (in Other Paste Options).

•  Repeat the previous step to replicate all box segments as shown below.

•  Enter Shapes to indicate the network flow: go to Insert > Illustrations > Shapes.

•  Select a shape. In the Shape Format tab you can modify the inserted shapes.

This is the output.

⧭ Notes: Time frames or days may be inserted in the box segment labels.

Read More: How to Create a Network Diagram in Excel

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