How to Create a Project Tracker in Excel

By Kate Eby | May 17, 2024

We’ve compiled step-by-step directions on creating a project tracker to ensure the completion of all project tasks and keep projects progressing toward their deadlines. 


Included in this article, you’ll find the following:
 

What Is a Project Tracker?

project tracker is a project management tool used for monitoring multiple projects so that they stay on schedule and within budget. Managers can use project trackers as a single source of data for listing and auditing project tasks.

How to Create a Project Tracker in Excel

To accurately track all your projects’ tasks, owners, timelines, budgets, and hours, download the project tracker template from this page. Once you download the template, you can easily start tracking and managing your projects with the template’s user-friendly layout.


Use the following step-by-step instructions to create a project tracker in Excel. 
 

1. Download and Open the Simple Multiple Project Tracking Template

Download the  simple multiple project tracking template  to your computer, and save it using your preferred file-naming conventions.

simple project tracker template image

2. Enter the Company Name and Project Start Date

When you input the start date, the Gantt chart automatically updates to display the weekly timeline of your project.

project tracker company name

3. Enter the Project Names, Task Titles, and Task Descriptions

Replace the sample text with your project and task names to customize the cells. 

project tracker project names

4. Enter the Task Owners and Start Dates

Enter the task owners and the start dates of each task. 

project tracker task owner

 

5. Select a Status and Priority for Each Project and Task 

Use the drop-down menus to select the status and priority of each project and task. 

project tracker status

6. Enter the End Dates

The number of days for each project and task will auto-populate. The timelines will become visible in the Gantt chart. 

project tracker end date

gantt chart timelines

7. Enter the Deliverables and Percentage Complete

As you enter the percentage completed for each deliverable, the template will automatically calculate the total percentage of the project’s completion.

project tracker deliverable

8. Enter the Fixed Costs

As you enter the fixed cost for each deliverable, the template will automatically calculate the total fixed cost of the project. 

project tracker fixed cost

9. Enter the Estimated and Actual Hours 

As you enter the estimated and actual hours for each deliverable, the template will automatically calculate the total estimated and actual hours of the project. 

project tracker hours

Excel Simple Multiple Project Tracking Template

Simple Multiple Project Tracking Template for Excel Example

Download the Example Simple Multiple Project Tracking Template for Excel  

Download the Blank Simple Multiple Project Tracking Template for Excel


This easy-to-use template is ideal for project managers who need to organize and track multiple projects simultaneously. The template features a week-by-week Gantt chart for a visual representation of each project’s and task’s progress. The Gantt chart auto-populates color-coded timelines as you enter start and end dates. This template also includes sections for tracking total costs and hours spent on each task. 


For additional project tracking resources, check out these free project tracking templates

Project Tracker Templates in Excel

Project tracker templates track many components of a project, including timelines, deadlines, budgets, and more. Check out the comprehensive list of project tracker templates below, and use the provided chart to choose the one that best fits your needs. 


Excel Project Management Issue Tracking Template

Project Management Issue Tracking Template

To track project issues and their solutions, download this  project management issue tracking template . It includes pie charts for a quick view of the status of outstanding issues. If you need a project management template, check out these top project management templates in Excel.  


Project Time Tracking Template

Project Time Tracking Template

To track the timeline of each project task, use this  project time tracking template . Once you enter a task's start and end date, the template automatically updates the Gantt chart to reflect your project's timeline. 


Multiple Project Budget Tracking Template

Multiple Project Budgeting Template

To track the budget of multiple projects, use this  multiple project budget tracking template . It includes a section for tracking labor and materials used. 


Agile Sprint Tracking Template

Agile Sprint Tracking Template

To track the sprints in an Agile project, use this  Agile sprint tracking template . The color-coded Gantt chart makes it easy to follow the progress and duration of every sprint.


Multiple Project Schedule Template

Multiple Project Schedule Template

To track the timelines of multiple projects’ tasks, use this  multiple project schedule template . It allows you to schedule and track tasks monthly, quarterly, and annually. 


If you’re having trouble deciding which template is right for you, refer to the following chart: 

project-tracker-template-features

To guide and manage project execution, check out these top project plan templates

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