24 PERT Chart Templates

A PERT chart (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) is a project diagram that maps tasks as a network, showing which ones depend on others and how long each is likely to take. Project managers, engineers and event planners use it during planning to estimate a realistic finish date and find the critical path: the chain of tasks that cannot slip without delaying everything.

Below are 24 PERT chart templates, editable and free to download. Each gives you a ready PERT diagram of nodes and arrows, so you only add your own tasks, links and time estimates instead of drawing the network from scratch. Many teams pair it with a Gantt chart: the PERT view shows the logic, the Gantt view shows the calendar.

Before drawing anything, list every task and agree on the dependencies with the people doing the work. Then update the chart whenever a task finishes early or late, because the critical path can shift.

PERT charts are often used with other scheduling tools. You can also check out our critical path analysis templates, work breakdown structure templates to list the activities, and task list templates for daily follow-up.

Best PERT Chart Templates

How to prepare a PERT Chart?

In order to prepare an effective PERT chart, make sure to follow these easy steps:

First of all, you should be clear about the tasks or activities that are required to be performed.
Arrange these activities in a proper logical sequence and make sure to follow the sequence throughout the project.
Estimate the time that is required in order to complete each of the task or activity.
Determine the critical path of the project, that is, the most important tasks or activities without which the project can’t be completed.
As the project proceeds, make sure to update the PERT chart on a regular basis.

Sample PERT Chart Templates

Benefits of using a PERT Chart

Following are some general benefits of using a PERT Chart for projects:

A PERT chart effectively helps in the decision making process of a business.
A PERT chart makes it easy to determine the relationships among the activities of a project, as it provides a visual presentation of the project.
A PERT chart also considers any inevitable circumstances or situations.
It is an effective tool when it comes to planning large projects.
It minimizes the costs, efforts and time required to complete a project.
A PERT chart can be helpful in proper allocation of available resources.
It makes project analysis quite easier.
It makes the critical path more visible and obvious, identifying the most important tasks in a project.

Estimating Durations in a PERT Chart

Choose a PERT layout when uncertainty in activity duration matters. Record the assumptions behind optimistic, most likely and pessimistic estimates rather than treating the chart as a precise promise. To present the resulting activity dates in a working timetable, see WordNExcelTemplates’ project schedule templates and keep their dependencies consistent with the PERT analysis.

Define activities and dependencies before estimating durations.
Gather three-point estimates on a consistent basis.
Calculate expected durations using the chosen method and review the network and assumptions.

Worked Example

Using the common weighted estimate, an activity with optimistic 2, most likely 4 and pessimistic 8 days has an expected duration of (2 + 4×4 + 8) ÷ 6, or about 4.33 days. This is an estimate for that activity, not a guaranteed completion time for the whole project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid adding activity durations without considering which run in parallel. State working-day assumptions and do not imply that a single expected value removes uncertainty.

Related Templates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PERT the same as a Gantt chart?

No. PERT emphasizes activities, dependencies and uncertain durations. A Gantt chart shows a schedule against time; the tools can be used together.

Do I need three estimates for every activity?

Use the method appropriate to the planning purpose. If you use three-point estimation, keep its assumptions and calculation consistent and explain exceptions.