Automatic Critical Path
The tool calculates the critical path from your task durations and dependencies and highlights it with a distinct color so bottlenecks are unmissable.
Chart & Visualization Tools
PERT CPM Chart Maker
Turn your project tasks into a clear PERT CPM chart. Define optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic durations — our tool calculates expected times and highlights the critical path automatically.
Features
Everything You Need in a PERT CPM Chart Maker
Purpose-built controls for project network diagrams — not just a generic diagram tool.
Three-Point Time Estimates
Enter optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic durations for each task — expected time (PERT formula) is computed and displayed automatically.
Slack and Float Display
Toggle on slack and float values for every node so project managers can immediately see where schedule flexibility exists.
Early and Late Times
Show earliest start, earliest finish, latest start, and latest finish for each task directly on the PERT diagram nodes.
Flexible Layout Controls
Adjust horizontal and vertical spacing, node size, font size, and arrow width to fit your chart on any slide or document.
AI-Powered Generation
Describe your project in plain language and the AI builds a complete PERT CPM chart — tasks, dependencies, and time estimates included.
Data input
Add Your Project Data Your Way
Type Tasks Manually
Enter task names, time estimates, and dependencies directly into the panel — no spreadsheet needed.
Paste from Spreadsheet
Copy your task list from Excel or Google Sheets and paste it straight into the tool.
Describe with AI
Tell the AI your project scope and it will generate a complete PERT network diagram for you.
Upload a File (Pro)
Import CSV or Excel project files to build your PERT CPM chart automatically.
Share
Share and Embed Your PERT Chart Anywhere
Download as Image
Export your PERT CPM chart as a high-resolution PNG or SVG for slides, reports, and documents.
Share a Link
Generate a shareable link so stakeholders can view your project network diagram instantly.
Embed on Your Site
Drop an embed code into your project portal, wiki, or website — chart updates reflect live.
Present in Slides
Paste your PERT chart directly into PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote presentations.
About This PERT CPM Chart Maker
MakeCharts built this PERT chart tool for project managers, engineers, and planners who need dependency diagrams fast. Enter tasks, set three-point estimates, and get a publication-ready PERT CPM chart with critical path highlighted — no diagramming software required.
<2 minChart created in
10k+Charts generated
Hours, Days, WeeksTime units supported
12+Languages supported
FreeCost to start
Workflow
How to Make a PERT CPM Chart
Define Your Tasks
Add each project task by name. Use the AI generator to create a starter chart from a description, or type tasks manually.
Set Time Estimates
Enter the optimistic (O), most likely (M), and pessimistic (P) duration for each task. Expected time is calculated using the standard PERT formula: (O + 4M + P) / 6.
Map Dependencies
Specify which tasks must finish before each task can begin. The diagram arranges nodes and draws arrows automatically.
Review and Export
Toggle on the critical path, slack values, and early/late times. Customize colors and layout, then download or share your PERT chart.
Use cases
Who Uses PERT CPM Charts
Sprint and Release Planning
Engineering teams use PERT CPM charts to map feature dependencies, estimate release timelines with uncertainty, and spot which tasks will delay the launch if they slip.
Construction Project Scheduling
Project managers use PERT charts to sequence site tasks, coordinate subcontractors, and identify the critical path that drives the handover date.
Product Launch Planning
Cross-functional teams build PERT CPM diagrams to align design, engineering, legal, and marketing workstreams so nothing blocks the go-live date.
Research Project Management
Researchers and students create PERT diagrams to plan thesis timelines, grant deliverables, and multi-phase studies with realistic time buffers.
Templates
Start with professionally designed templates
Plan Complex Timelines with a Professional pert-chartpert-chart
Map task dependencies, timelines, and critical paths fast with this Pert Chart Template for clearer project scheduling and better delivery planning.
PERT CPM Chart Template for Clearer Project Schedulingpert-chartMap dependencies, timelines, and critical paths fast with this PERT CPM Chart Template for clear project planning and delivery.
Blank pert-chart Template for Clear Project Schedulingpert-chartUse this Blank Pert Chart Template to map tasks, dependencies, and timelines fast for clearer planning, risk review, and professional project scheduling.
Plan Projects Faster with a Professional pert-chartpert-chartMap task dependencies, timelines, and critical paths fast with a professional Pert Chart Template Word workflow for clear project planning.
Related Tools
Create similar charts with these tools
PERT Chart Makerpert-chart
Build PERT charts in minutes. Map task dependencies, calculate critical paths, and visualize project timelines with our free online PERT chart maker.
AI PERT Chart Generatorpert-chartBuild professional PERT charts in seconds with AI. Map tasks, dependencies, and critical paths instantly. Free online PERT chart generator — no signup needed.
Plan Projects with PERT Chartspert-chartBuild PERT chart project network diagrams instantly. Map task dependencies, find the critical path, and plan timelines — free, no sign-up needed.
Critical Path Chart Makerpert-chartBuild PERT charts and map your critical path in minutes. Calculate task durations, dependencies, and float times with our free AI-powered chart maker.
Comparison
PERT CPM Chart Maker vs. Manual Diagramming
See why teams switch from Visio and spreadsheets to MakeCharts.
MakeCharts PERT Maker
- AI generates a complete PERT network from a text description
- Critical path highlighted automatically in one click
- PERT formula (O + 4M + P) / 6 calculated instantly per task
- Edit any value and the chart updates in real time
- Share via link or embed — no file attachments needed
- Clean, readable diagrams stakeholders understand at a glance
Visio / Manual Approach
- Draw every node and arrow by hand — takes hours
- No automatic critical path calculation
- PERT expected time formula must be applied manually
- Updating task durations requires redrawing the chart
- Sharing requires exporting files back and forth
- Steep learning curve for non-technical stakeholders
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PERT CPM chart?
A PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) CPM (Critical Path Method) chart is a project management network diagram that maps tasks, their dependencies, and time estimates. It shows which sequence of tasks is the longest — the critical path — and where schedule float exists. PERT uses three time estimates per task (optimistic, most likely, pessimistic) to account for uncertainty.
How does the PERT formula work?
The expected duration for each task is calculated as (O + 4M + P) / 6, where O is the optimistic time, M is the most likely time, and P is the pessimistic time. This weighted average gives more influence to the most likely estimate. MakeCharts applies this formula automatically as soon as you enter your three values.
What is the critical path in a PERT CPM chart?
The critical path is the longest sequence of dependent tasks from project start to finish. Any delay on a critical path task directly delays the project end date. Tasks not on the critical path have 'slack' — extra time they can slip without affecting the deadline. MakeCharts highlights the critical path in a distinct color so you can focus on what matters most.
Can I use this as a free PERT chart maker?
Yes. MakeCharts is free to use with no sign-up required. You can create, customize, and download PERT CPM charts at no cost. Free accounts also include a limited number of AI credits to try AI-powered chart generation. Paid plans unlock more AI credits, file uploads, and advanced export options.
How is a PERT chart different from a Gantt chart?
A PERT chart is a network diagram that focuses on task dependencies and shows multiple paths through a project — ideal for understanding logical sequence and the critical path. A Gantt chart is a timeline bar chart that shows when each task is scheduled to occur. PERT is better for dependency analysis; Gantt is better for calendar scheduling. Many project managers use both.
Can the AI generate a PERT CPM chart for me?
Yes. Describe your project in plain language — for example, 'a 6-week software launch with design, development, testing, and deployment phases' — and the AI will create a complete PERT chart with tasks, dependencies, and three-point time estimates. You can then edit any values in the panel to match your real project data.
What time units does the PERT chart support?
The PERT CPM chart maker supports hours, days, and weeks as time units. You can switch the unit in the Appearance settings, and all durations across the chart update to reflect the selected unit.
How do I show slack and float on my PERT diagram?
Toggle on 'Show Slack / Float' in the Display Options section. The slack value — the amount of time a task can be delayed without delaying the project — will appear on each node. Critical path tasks will show zero slack.
Can I embed my PERT chart on a website or wiki?
Yes. Plus and Pro plans include embed codes you can paste into any website, project portal, Notion page, or internal wiki. The chart renders inline so your team always sees the latest version without downloading a file.
What export formats are available?
You can download your PERT CPM chart as a PNG image (free) or SVG vector file (Starter and above). PNG is ideal for presentations and documents; SVG is best for print and web use where you need sharp output at any size.
Built for Every Project Team
- No design skills needed — clean PERT diagrams out of the box
- Works in 12+ languages so global teams can collaborate
- Accessible on any device — desktop, tablet, or phone
- Beginner-friendly controls with expert-level output
- No software to install — works entirely in your browser
- Free tier with no sign-up so you can start right now
Your Project Data Stays Yours
- Your chart data is not sold or shared with third parties
- You control what you share — links are only accessible to people you send them to
- Download or delete your charts and account data at any time
- No tracking of your project content for advertising purposes
- AI inputs are used only to generate your chart, not to train models on your data
Start now
Build Your PERT CPM Chart Now
Map your critical path in minutes — free, no sign-up needed.
- Automatic critical path calculation
- Three-point PERT time estimates
- AI-powered chart generation
- Free PNG download
- No installation required
No sign-up required. Free to use.