PERT charts and Gantt charts are frequently relied on by project managers who are seeking the best organizational options for assigning tasks to team members and keeping track of all the moving parts. Both systems can serve as useful visual tools for arranging project plans and achieving the best outcomes.

The biggest difference between the two is that PERT focuses on a flowchart system, while Gantt offers a linear bar chart.

PERT Chart vs. Gantt Chart: At a Glance

PERT Charts Explained

A PERT (which stands for program evaluation and review technique) chart is a flowchart or network diagram that displays project tasks in separate boxes. Task dependencies are then connected with arrows between the boxes, allowing managers to create project milestones as well as identify any potential obstacles that the team may face.

• Features: Elements such as boxes, circles, arrows and lines
• Flexibility: Very limited
• Best for: Planning before a project starts

Gantt Charts Explained

A Gantt chart (named for the 1910 creator Henry Gantt) is a bar chart that lays out project tasks in a linear timeline. Gantt charts illustrate all the project tasks that will need to be completed, along with the time allotted for each task and task interdependencies. You can use our free Gantt chart template to try building one for yourself.

• Features: Elements such as bars, schedules and milestones
• Flexibility: Very high
• Best for: Implementation once a project is underway

When To Use a PERT Chart vs. a Gantt Chart

PERT charts serve as helpful tools when mapping out a project. Their use of numbers, arrows and task dependencies allow users to quickly see where any potential problems or bottlenecks may occur. When managers are in the beginning stages of project creation, PERT charts can be a vital resource for planning and visualizing.

Gantt charts are best used once projects are underway, particularly if there is the possibility of multiple changes as the timeline progresses. Since they utilize bars and lists, these charts are very flexible in terms of illustrating task durations, interdependencies and resource management.

Bottom Line

Both PERT and Gantt charts are incredibly helpful tools when it comes to project planning and visualization. Choosing the right one for your project will depend on how it may shift as time progresses.

Are you in the planning stage or the implementation stage? PERT charts are the best option if you are mapping out what a project and its timeline will look like. Gantt charts are better used once you are implementing a project and have a team on board.

Once started, do you anticipate the project changing? If the timeline, tasks or goals will evolve at all, sticking with a Gantt chart is your best option. PERT charts are the right choice only when there will be very limited alterations to a project.