Office guide
How to Use PERT Chart Maker
A PERT chart estimates activity duration from optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic cases, then combines dependencies to expose the critical path. It is useful when timing is uncertain.
Open the PERT Chart MakerWhat to prepare
A few reliable inputs make the first result easier to review.
- A list of project activities with clear completion points
- Optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic duration estimates in the same unit
- Dependencies that reflect required sequence
How to Use PERT Chart Maker
- Name the project and add each activity
- Enter the three duration estimates and identify predecessor activities
- Calculate the PERT plan and inspect expected durations and the critical path
- Challenge the assumptions, then export the plan for review
Worked example
For an activity estimated at 2 optimistic days, 5 most likely days, and 11 pessimistic days, the PERT expected duration is (2 + 4×5 + 11) ÷ 6 = 5.5 days.
Review the result
Focus on critical-path activities because delay there can move the project finish. Also inspect near-critical paths and shared resources that the dependency model may not capture.
Practical tips
- Estimate with the people doing the work
- Define optimistic as achievable, not impossible
- Update dependencies when scope changes
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using calendar days for some activities and workdays for others
- Treating the expected duration as a guarantee
- Adding dependencies merely to make the diagram tidy
Build it in your browser
The free PERT Chart Maker processes entries locally in your browser. Review the generated draft against source information and any policy that applies before sharing it.