Plan Projects with PERT Charts
Turn task lists into clear project network diagrams in seconds.
Map every task, dependency, and critical path with an AI-powered PERT chart maker. Identify bottlenecks before they happen and keep projects on track.
Everything You Need in a PERT Chart Maker
From critical path analysis to polished exports — built for project managers and planners.
Critical Path Highlighting
Automatically identify and highlight the critical path so you instantly see which tasks drive your project deadline.
Three-Point Time Estimates
Enter optimistic, most-likely, and pessimistic durations — the tool calculates expected time and variance for each task.
Task Dependency Mapping
Link tasks with directional arrows to build an accurate project network diagram that reflects true task flow.
Slack and Float Display
Show total float and slack for every node so your team can spot scheduling flexibility at a glance.
Customizable Appearance
Adjust node colors, arrow widths, fonts, and spacing to match your brand or reporting standard.
AI-Powered Generation
Describe your project in plain words and the AI builds a complete PERT chart — tasks, dependencies, and time estimates included.
Add Your Project Data Your Way
Type Tasks Manually
Enter task names, time estimates, and dependencies directly into the panel — no file needed.
Describe with AI
Tell the AI your project in plain language and it will generate a complete PERT chart instantly.
Upload a File
Import a CSV or Excel task list and let MakeCharts map it into a project network diagram automatically.
Paste from Spreadsheet
Copy task data from any spreadsheet and paste it straight into the editor for instant PERT charting.
Share and Export Your Network Diagram
Download as PNG or SVG
Export crisp, high-resolution PERT charts ready for presentations, reports, or docs.
Share via Link
Send a direct link to your project network diagram — no account required for viewers.
Embed on Your Site
Add your PERT chart to any website or project portal with a simple embed code.
Drop into Slides
Paste your exported diagram into PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Notion in seconds.
About MakeCharts Project Network Diagram Maker
MakeCharts is a free online chart maker built for speed and clarity. The PERT chart tool lets any team create professional project network diagrams without specialist software. Describe your project, review the AI-generated network, and export in seconds.
- ✓50+ chart types including PERT, timeline, flow, and org charts
- ✓AI generation from plain-language descriptions
- ✓Critical path and slack calculation built in
- ✓Free to use — no sign-up required
- ✓Export as PNG, SVG, or shareable link
- ✓Used by project managers, researchers, and students worldwide
PERT Charts, Fast
How to Make a Project Network Diagram
From raw task list to finished PERT chart in three simple steps.
Describe or Enter Your Tasks
Type in your project tasks with time estimates, or describe the project to the AI and let it build the initial network for you.
e.g. 'Create a software release plan with requirements, coding, testing, and deployment phases'
Set Dependencies and Estimates
Define which tasks depend on others and enter optimistic, most-likely, and pessimistic durations for each one.
e.g. Development depends on System Design; O=3d, M=5d, P=10d
Review the Critical Path
The tool automatically calculates expected times, highlights the critical path, and shows slack for every task.
e.g. Critical path highlighted in red; total project duration = 23 days
Export and Share
Download your project network diagram as PNG or SVG, share a link, or embed it in your project portal.
e.g. Attach to a project kickoff deck or share with stakeholders via link
Who Uses a Project Network Diagram Maker
PERT charts help any team plan work, manage risk, and meet deadlines.
Sprint and Release Planning
Engineering teams use PERT charts to map feature development tasks, surface bottlenecks, and protect ship dates.
Project Scheduling
Project managers build PERT chart network diagrams to sequence construction phases and meet contractual milestones.
Product Launch Planning
Cross-functional teams use project network diagrams to coordinate marketing, legal, and operations for on-time launches.
Study and Grant Project Planning
Researchers use PERT charts to plan multi-phase studies, allocate time realistically, and meet grant deadlines.
Templates
Start with professionally designed templates
Plan Projects Faster with a Professional pert-chart
This template visualizes task dependencies, expected durations, and the critical path for building and delivering a Word-based project template.
Blank pert-chart Template for Clear Project Scheduling
This pert-chart visualizes project tasks, dependencies, and estimated durations so you can plan timelines with more confidence.
PERT CPM Chart Template for Clearer Project Scheduling
This pert-chart visualizes project tasks, dependencies, estimated durations, and the critical path to help you plan delivery with confidence.
Plan Complex Timelines with a Professional pert-chart
This template visualizes project tasks, dependencies, expected durations, and the critical path in a clear schedule view.
View All Templates
Browse the full library to find more templates tailored to your chart.
AI Project Network Diagram Maker vs. Manual Tools
See why teams switch from spreadsheets and Visio to MakeCharts.
Manual / Visio / Spreadsheets
- ✗Hours spent drawing nodes and arrows by hand
- ✗Manual recalculation when any estimate changes
- ✗No automatic critical path detection
- ✗Hard to share — file attachments or screen shares only
- ✗Formatting inconsistencies across team members
- ✗Steep learning curve for complex diagramming tools
MakeCharts PERT Chart Maker
- ✓Generate a full project network diagram in under two minutes
- ✓Critical path recalculates instantly when you update estimates
- ✓Automatic slack and float calculation for every task
- ✓Share via link or embed — no file attachments needed
- ✓Consistent, polished output every time
- ✓Plain-language AI input — no diagramming experience required
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PERT chart and how is it used?
PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) is a project management tool that maps tasks as nodes connected by arrows showing dependencies. It uses three time estimates — optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic — to calculate expected duration and identify the critical path. Teams use PERT charts to plan complex projects, manage uncertainty, and protect deadlines.
What is a project network diagram?
A project network diagram is a visual representation of a project's tasks and their dependencies, showing the sequence in which work must be completed. PERT charts are one of the most common formats. They help project managers see the full scope of work, identify the longest path (critical path), and spot where delays could cascade.
How do I make a project network diagram with this tool?
Enter your tasks and their dependencies in the panel on the left, or describe your project to the AI and let it build the initial diagram. The tool automatically calculates expected times and highlights the critical path. Once you are happy with the layout, export as PNG or SVG or share via link.
What is the critical path in a PERT chart?
The critical path is the longest sequence of dependent tasks from project start to finish. Any delay on a critical path task directly extends the project end date. MakeCharts highlights the critical path automatically so you can focus your risk management attention where it matters most.
What is the difference between a PERT chart and a Gantt chart?
A Gantt chart shows tasks on a timeline as horizontal bars — great for tracking progress over calendar time. A PERT chart focuses on task dependencies and time uncertainty, not calendar dates. PERT charts are better for planning and risk analysis; Gantt charts are better for day-to-day schedule tracking.
Built for Every Project Team
- ✓No diagramming experience needed — plain-language AI does the heavy lifting
- ✓Works on desktop, tablet, and mobile so you can plan from anywhere
- ✓Available in 12+ languages for international project teams
- ✓Simple enough for students, powerful enough for professional PMs
- ✓Free tier gives full access to PERT chart features with no time limit
- ✓No software to install — runs entirely in your browser
Your Project Data Stays Yours
- •Your project data is used only to render your diagrams
- •We do not sell or share your task data with third parties
- •You control what you export, share, or delete
- •Download or remove your charts at any time
- •No account required to create and export a PERT chart
Build Your Project Network Diagram Now
Free, fast, and no sign-up required. Your critical path is one click away.