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Free Gantt Chart Template

Blank printable Gantt chart template for project planning. Task rows, weekly columns, milestone markers, and status legend — ready to download or print.

Template Overview

Duration: 12-week grid (adjustable)
For: Project managers, teams
Works in: Word, Google Docs, Excel
Level: Beginner-friendly

Use this blank Gantt chart template to plan any project: product launches, software builds, marketing campaigns, events, or construction. Download in your preferred format, then fill in your tasks and dates.

Sample: 12-Week Project

Build your own →
Phase123456789101112
Planning
Design
Development
Testing
Launch
Task 6
Task 7
Task 8
Task 9
Planning
Design
Development
Testing
Launch

Project Header

Record key project information at the top of your Gantt chart

  • Project Name: _________________________________
  • Project Manager: _________________________________
  • Start Date: _____________ | End Date: _____________
  • Version / Last Updated: _________________________________
  • Stakeholders: _________________________________

Task List

List all tasks/phases in the order they occur

  • Task 1: _____________ | Owner: _____________ | Priority: _______
  • Task 2: _____________ | Owner: _____________ | Priority: _______
  • Task 3: _____________ | Owner: _____________ | Priority: _______
  • Task 4: _____________ | Owner: _____________ | Priority: _______
  • Task 5: _____________ | Owner: _____________ | Priority: _______
  • Task 6: _____________ | Owner: _____________ | Priority: _______

Timeline (Weekly Grid)

Mark start and end weeks for each task using the grid

  • Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6
  • Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11 | Week 12
  • Use ██ to mark active weeks for each task row
  • Use M to mark key milestones
  • Use D to mark dependencies between tasks

Milestones

Key checkpoints and deliverables within the project

  • Milestone 1: _____________ | Due: Week _____
  • Milestone 2: _____________ | Due: Week _____
  • Milestone 3: _____________ | Due: Week _____
  • Milestone 4 / Final Delivery: _____________ | Due: Week _____

Status Indicators

Colour-coding legend for your chart

  • ■ Blue — Planning phase
  • ■ Purple — Design phase
  • ■ Indigo — Development / Build phase
  • ■ Amber — Testing / QA phase
  • ■ Green — Launch / Release phase
  • ■ Red — At risk or delayed

Notes & Assumptions

Capture context that affects the schedule

  • Assumptions: _________________________________
  • Dependencies: _________________________________
  • Known risks: _________________________________
  • Approved by: _____________ | Date: _____________

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a Gantt chart template include?

A Gantt chart template should include a project header (name, manager, dates), a task list with owners, a weekly grid showing task bars, milestone markers, a status colour legend, and a notes section for assumptions and dependencies.

How do I make a Gantt chart in Google Docs or Word?

Download the .doc version of this template, open it in Word or Google Docs, then replace the sample tasks with your own. Colour the cells in your timeline grid to show task duration. Alternatively, use our interactive Gantt Chart Generator and print the result.

Is this Gantt chart template free?

Yes — free to download in all formats (TXT, Markdown, Word/Google Docs, PDF). No account required.

Gantt Chart Tips

Start with the deadline

Work backwards from your launch date to set realistic start weeks for each phase.

Include buffer weeks

Add 10–20% buffer to each phase. Testing and development always take longer than planned.

Mark dependencies

Clearly show which tasks cannot start until another completes. These drive your critical path.

Review weekly

A Gantt chart is only useful if it reflects reality. Update it every week against actual progress.

Interactive Builder

Want to build your Gantt chart visually? Use our free interactive generator — add tasks, set durations, and download instantly.

Open Gantt Chart Generator