Optimistic Most Likely Pessimistic Expected
Task Name Predecessor Variance
Time Time Time Time
A - 0.5 1 0.5 0 0.00
B A 0.5 1 2 1 0.25
C B 0.5 1 1.5 1 0.17
D C 0.5 1 1.5 1 0.17
E D 1 2 3 2 0.33
F E 0.5 1 2 1 0.25
G F 0.5 1 0.5 1 0.00
H G 1 2 4 2 0.50
I H 0.5 1 2 1 0.25
J I 0.5 1 1.5 1 0.17
K J 0.5 1 1.5 1 0.17
L J,K 0.5 1 2 1 0.25
M L 1 2 3 2 0.33
N M 0.5 1 1.5 1 0.17
O N 0.25 0.5 1 1 0.13
FINAL SUBMISSION O - #VALUE! #VALUE!
END
PERT Chart
A: 1 Month C: 1 Mon
1 2 3
START
B: 1 Mon
I : 1 Mon
9 8
END
J: 1
Mo
n
O: N: 1 Mon
0 .5
M 13 12
on
M: 2 Mon
3 4 E: 2 Mon
5
D: 1 Mon
F: 1 Mon
H: 2 7
8 Mon
G
:1 6
Mo
n
J: 1
Mo
n
on
M
1
10 K:
11
L : 1 Mon
How To Use This Template
This PERT chart template allows you to estimate the duration of tasks to make an accurate project sch
familiar with before getting started.
1. Important Definitions
PERT Chart Formula
A traditional PERT chart relies on the weighted average of three numbers that are based on the most
length.
Optimistic Time (O): The least amount of time to accomplish a task or activity.
Pessimistic Time (P): The maximum amount of time to accomplish a task or activity. This is the worst-
Most Likely Time (M): The best estimate of how long it’ll take to accomplish the task or activity, assum
Expected Time (E): The best estimate of how long it’ll take to accomplish the task or activity, assumin
Based on these values, the PERT chart formula is E=(O + (4*M) + P) / 6
What Is the PERT Chart Standard Deviation?
Use the formula below to find the PERT chart standard deviation. The larger your results, the less confi
(P-O) / 6
What Does this PERT Chart Template Include?
These concepts allow you to understand the Program Evaluation and Review Technique and the anato
Nodes: These are the symbols used to visualize project milestones, which are the outcomes of each ta
Arrows: Visual representation of the sequence of a task, diverging arrows indicate tasks that can be c
Predecessor: An activity that precedes another, and must finish before its successor can start.
Lead Time: How much time you should complete a task or activity without impacting the following one
2. Editing the PERT Chart Template
1. List your project tasks using the PERT chart table at the left side and then make an optimistic, pess
estimates in their corresponding columns, this template will automatically apply the PERT chart formu
2. A PERT chart uses arrows to represent tasks and show dependencies among them. Edit the task na
shown by the sample data in this PERT chart template for Excel. Copy and paste the sample PERT cha
3. Now that you've mapped your project tasks using the PERT chart you can visualize them more clea
4. Then edit the project milestone names using the PERT chart nodes as shown in the sample PERT ch
accurate project schedule. But before you do so, here are some important definitions you should be
based on the most pessimistic (P), the most optimistic (O) and the most likey (M) estimates for the project’s
y. This is the worst-case scenario, anything that can go wrong does.
k or activity, assuming there are no problems.
or activity, assuming there will be problems. This would be the more realistic duration.
esults, the less confidence you have in your estimate, and vice versa.
nique and the anatomy of a PERT chart:
utcomes of each task.
tasks that can be completed at the same time.
or can start.
ng the following ones.
an optimistic, pessimistic and a most likely time estimate for their completion. Once you enter these three
e PERT chart formula and fill the "Expected Time" and "Variance" columns.
m. Edit the task names and their duration on the PERT chart to show the project tasks you listed in step 1 as
e sample PERT chart nodes and arrows to create a diagram that reflects your project workflows.
ze them more clearly, which facilitates filling out the "Preceding Tasks" column.
the sample PERT chart.
or the project’s
ter these three
sted in step 1 as
ws.
