If you’re handling a project—big or small—it helps to have a clear way to see what needs to be done, when it needs to happen, and who’s in charge. That’s where Gantt charts step in. They’re a simple but powerful way to plan and track projects, and once you get the hang of them, they can make life a lot easier.

A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that shows tasks over time. On the left, you list all the tasks. Across the top, you have dates. Then, for each task, you draw a bar that stretches from the start date to the end date. You can easily see which tasks happen when, which ones overlap, and which tasks need to be done before others can begin. It’s like laying out all your plans on one big calendar.

Many teams use Gantt charts to stay organized and see progress at a glance. Tools like proworkflow5 allow you to build Gantt charts quickly and make updates as your project moves forward.

To start using a Gantt chart, first write down every task that needs to be done. Try to break big jobs into smaller tasks—it makes progress easier to see and manage. Next, think about how long each task will take and if it depends on something else being done first. For example, you can’t paint a room until the walls are built.

Now you’re ready to build the chart. Put your task list down the left side of a piece of paper, or use a simple Gantt chart tool online. Across the top, mark the days or weeks your project will cover. Then, for each task, draw a horizontal bar that starts and ends on the dates you expect the work to be done.

As your project gets going, update the chart. If something takes longer than expected, you can shift things around. Maybe some tasks can happen at the same time, or others need to wait. A Gantt chart helps you spot these changes early, so you can adjust instead of being surprised.

Gantt charts don’t have to be complicated. At their core, they’re a handy way to keep plans clear and on track. With a little practice, you’ll wonder how you managed projects without them.