Planner Inputs
Use the project settings first. Then fill task rows in logical order. Predecessor values should reference earlier row numbers.
Example Data Table
This example matches the default values already loaded into the planner.
| Row | Task | Duration | Progress | Predecessor | Dependency | Lag | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project Kickoff | 2 | 100% | None | FS | 0 | PM |
| 2 | Requirements Review | 3 | 85% | Row 1 | FS | 0 | Business Analyst |
| 3 | Design Approval | 4 | 60% | Row 2 | FS | 1 | Design Lead |
| 4 | Development Sprint | 8 | 35% | Row 3 | FS | 0 | Engineering |
| 5 | QA and Launch Prep | 5 | 10% | Row 4 | SS | 2 | QA Team |
Formula Used
1. For tasks without a predecessor, the task starts on the project start date adjusted to the next valid working day.
2. For FS dependencies, the task starts after the predecessor finishes, plus any lag.
3. For SS dependencies, the task starts from the predecessor start, plus any lag.
4. For FF dependencies, the task finish is anchored to the predecessor finish, plus any lag.
5. For SF dependencies, the task finish is anchored to the predecessor start, plus any lag.
6. Finish Date = Start Date shifted by Duration − 1 working days.
7. Weighted Progress = Σ(Duration × Progress) ÷ Σ(Duration).
8. Schedule Span = Working days between earliest start and latest finish, inclusive.
How to Use This Calculator
Step 1: Enter your project name, start date, and workdays per week.
Step 2: Add tasks row by row. Use one row for each activity you want on the schedule.
Step 3: Enter duration, current progress, and the task owner for better timeline visibility.
Step 4: Add predecessor row numbers and select dependency types such as FS, SS, FF, or SF.
Step 5: Use lag days when a task should begin or finish after a planned delay.
Step 6: Click Generate Gantt Plan to show the results above the form.
Step 7: Review summary metrics, schedule dates, and the Plotly timeline chart.
Step 8: Download the generated schedule as CSV or PDF for sharing and recordkeeping.
FAQs
1. What does this planner calculate?
It calculates task start dates, finish dates, dependency timing, total schedule span, weighted progress, and a visual Gantt timeline from the inputs you provide.
2. What do FS, SS, FF, and SF mean?
FS means finish-to-start, SS means start-to-start, FF means finish-to-finish, and SF means start-to-finish. These define how one task controls another.
3. Can I leave some task rows blank?
Yes. Blank rows are ignored. Only rows with a task name or a duration are considered during schedule generation.
4. How is weighted progress different from average progress?
Weighted progress gives longer tasks more influence. A ten-day task affects the result more than a one-day task, which makes the overall completion figure more realistic.
5. Does the planner handle weekends?
Yes. It supports 5-day, 6-day, and 7-day workweeks. The schedule shifts dates to the next valid working day when needed.
6. What happens if a predecessor row is invalid?
The planner falls back to the project start date and shows a warning note. This prevents the schedule from breaking completely.
7. Why does the chart show overlapping tasks?
Overlaps happen when tasks share the same start period or use dependency types like SS or FF. This is normal in multi-track project plans.
8. Can I use this planner for software, marketing, or operations work?
Yes. The logic is generic, so it works for project planning across teams, campaigns, implementation roadmaps, launches, and internal operations.