FREE Project Tracker Template
Master project tracker timelines with our intuitive project tracker Gantt chart template.
Get started for free
Master project tracker timelines with our intuitive project tracker Gantt chart template.
Get started for free
A project tracker Excel template is a structure that lets you map out projects of all types and scopes. It’s particularly well suited for very complex projects with lots of moving parts. With it, you can organize tasks, assign responsibilities, and track progress over time, all in a central location. Whether it’s a project tracker spreadsheet or a Gantt chart template, it keeps things from falling through the cracks.
Another high point here is that most trackers are customizable. You can adjust the one you use to your project and even specific workflow preferences. And there are tons of options. You can choose from simple checklists, detailed Excel project tracker templates, and cloud-based options like a project tracker Google Sheets template if you need agility and collaborative capabilities.
While a project tracking template Excel free download might show you what needs doing, Gantt charts bring timing into the picture. They’re visual timelines that outline tasks, deadlines, and dependencies. Here’s why they’re essential to your project:
A project tracking Excel template with a built-in Gantt chart will help you know exactly when each task starts and ends. That clarity isn’t just important for starting and ending on time. It also affects things like scheduling team members and even managing your resources.
A Gantt chart helps you identify what needs finishing before the next task begins. Dependencies occur throughout most projects, but identifying and managing them can be challenging with a generic project task tracker Excel template. Failing to do it right threatens your progress, though.
With a Gantt chart and a customized project tracking form, you can easily track completed, ongoing, and overdue tasks. It’s the difference between knowing exactly where your project stands and hoping that things are going okay but dreading that something’s going sideways.
With a Gantt chart built into your free project tracking template, everyone sees the same big picture, reducing miscommunication. It also helps improve communication across teams and even with stakeholders (including those who might not be part of your organization).
Pairing a Gantt chart with a project tracker template gives you the tools you need for a successful project.
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A strong project tracking spreadsheet goes beyond a simple list. It should support all aspects of your project and everyone in your team. Here’s what the best ones have:
The best project tracker template will include clear and concise explanations of each task. Explanations help your people understand what’s expected and required but also help outside stakeholders understand requirements, like the need for additional resources.
Deadlines keep everything moving. Your template for project tracking should include deadlines or key phases or stages, but it should also have deadlines for smaller tasks and subtasks.
A good project status tracker template will show who’s responsible for what. This helps improve both accountability and visibility, while making it easier to manage your people.
Use visual markers like checkboxes or color codes. That lets you easily see progress on specific tasks, but also how tasks line up with one another in terms of completion.
A good project tracker template will help you highlight tasks that rely on others. Dependencies exist in almost all projects, but failing to identify and understand them can lead to delays and bottlenecks.
Whether you use a simple project tracker template in Google Sheets or a detailed project tracking sheet, it should help you focus on what matters most. Set priorities, focus attention on critical tasks, and move your project forward.
What does “complete” mean for your project? Each one is unique. A project tracking spreadsheet template should let you highlight completion metrics that matter to you, whether that’s percentages or time spent vs. remaining.
An Excel progress tracker template or a Google Sheets project tracker template help you structure these elements for better efficiency.
Whether you’ve never used a team project tracker template before or you’re just looking to boost efficiency and ease of use, these tips will help:
Use a simple project tracker template to avoid overcomplicating things. You can always add more details later. Resist the urge to go with the most bells and whistles. It’s nice to have features, but if you’re never going to use them, they’re ultimately a source of waste (you’re paying for them, if nothing else).
Tailor your tracker to your project. A team project tracker template might include team assignments, while a multiple project tracking template might focus on timelines.
Use colors, charts, and progress bars to make information more visual. Not only does that improve its impact, but it makes it easier to digest and use. The more usable your data is, the more value you’ll get out of it.
A tracker only works if it’s current. Make updates a regular habit. Make updating it a regular habit and eventually it’ll become ingrained, and you’ll do it almost automatically.
The best format depends on your workflow, project type, scope, and other factors. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution that will be “the best” for everyone. Spreadsheets like an Excel project tracker template are good for detailed tracking, while options like Google Sheets make real-time collaboration possible. Gantt charts add visual timelines for better organization with complex projects.
Start by adding your specific tasks, deadlines, team assignments, resource-related information, and other metrics. Use formatting options like color coding or bold fonts for priority items. If you’re using a project tracker template Google Sheets, take advantage of formulas for auto-calculating progress. They can save you a ton of time and effort.
A project tracker focuses on tasks, responsibilities, and progress. On the other hand, a Gantt chart focuses more on timelines and task dependencies. While both are valuable, combining them offers the most comprehensive view of your project.
Google Sheets project tracker templates are good options for remote teams, but there are other choices. Everyone can access and update the tracker as needed, reducing unnecessary emails and keeping everyone on track. However, remote collaboration can introduce challenges, particularly if everyone has the same permissions. Consider setting rules or at least using a tool that shows who made what edits and that supports rolling information back to a previous version if need be.