Lucy Muturi for Syncfusion, Inc.

Posted on Nov 5 • Originally published at syncfusion.com on Nov 4

Gantt vs PERT Charts: How to Pick the Right One for Your Project

#angular #ganttchart #angulargantt #pertchart

TL;DR: Gantt charts are timeline-based tools that visually map tasks, durations, and progress, making them ideal for projects with clear schedules and dependencies. PERT charts, on the other hand, use a network-based approach to model task relationships and calculate the critical path, helping teams manage uncertainty and optimize resource allocation. Choose Gantt for predictable workflows and visual clarity; opt for PERT when dealing with complex, interdependent tasks or risk-sensitive projects.

In 2025, managing remote teams, following agile practices, and meeting tight deadlines is more challenging than ever. Choosing the right project management tool can significantly impact your workflow.

Two popular options, Gantt charts and PERT charts, offer unique strengths. Yet, misconceptions persist: some think Gantt charts are outdated, while others assume PERT charts are simpler for dependency mapping.

This blog clears up the confusion and explains why modern Gantt tools, such as Syncfusion Angular Gantt, deliver a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for end-to-end project management.

Exploring the roles of Gantt and PERT Charts

Effective project management begins with tools that align with your project’s workflow. Both Gantt and PERT charts serve distinct purposes, but understanding their differences ensures you choose the right one for your workflow.

Role and usage of PERT Charts

Program evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) charts are ideal for planning of complex projects with uncertain timelines.

Key features include:

Task dependency mapping: PERT charts use nodes and arrows to illustrate task dependencies, clarifying the project’s workflow.
Critical path analysis: They identify the longest sequence of dependent tasks, determining the minimum project duration.
Time estimation with uncertainty: By factoring in optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely durations, PERT provides realistic timelines for uncertain tasks.
Risk identification: Visualizing dependencies highlights potential risks or delays.

Best Use Case:

PERT charts are best for early-stage planning and risk analysis.

Role and usage of Gantt Chart

Gantt chart provide a timeline-based, comprehensive view of projects, making them indispensable across the entire project lifecycle:

Schedule visualization: Tasks appear as bars on a timeline, clearly showing start and end dates.
Dependency management : Modern Gantt charts support task dependencies (e.g., Finish-to-Start, Start-to-Start).
Critical path tracking: Highlight critical tasks that directly impact project deadlines.
Flexible task management: Allows unscheduled tasks and later scheduling.
Progress and resource monitoring: Real-time updates track task completion and resource allocation.
Interactivity: Features like drag-and-drop rescheduling and inline editing enable rapid adjustments.

While PERT charts are valuable for planning and risk analysis, Gantt charts provide a versatile, all-in-one solution for planning, execution, and monitoring. Tools like Syncfusion Angular Gantt combine dependency management, real-time tracking, and resource allocation, reducing the need for multiple tools.

Feature comparison: Gantt Chart vs. PERT Chart via Syncfusion Angular

This section compares Syncfusion Angular Gantt for Gantt chart and Syncfusion Angular Diagram for PERT charts to help teams choose based on scheduling, interactivity, and visualization needs.

1. Purpose and use case

Aspect	Syncfusion Angular Gantt	Syncfusion Angular Diagram
Primary use	Project scheduling, task tracking, and resource management	Visual modeling of workflows, structures, or diagrams
Ideal for	Agile sprints, construction timelines, product roadmaps	PERT charts, flowcharts, org charts, process modeling
Project lifecycle support	Full lifecycle: plan → assign → execute → track	Early-stage planning and visualization only

2. Scheduling and time management

Aspect	Syncfusion Angular Gantt	Syncfusion Angular Diagram
Task scheduling	Start/end dates, durations, milestone tracking	Not supported
Timeline view	Built-in calendar-based timeline	Canvas only, no timeline concept
Calendar awareness	Supports workdays, holidays, weekends	No date/time integration
Drag-and-drop rescheduling	Tasks can be moved along the timeline	Nodes reposition only; not date-aware

3. Task dependencies and structure

Aspect	Syncfusion Angular Gantt	Syncfusion Angular Diagram
Dependencies	FS, SS, SF, FF dependency types with visual connectors	Only visual connectors; no scheduling logic
Critical path support	Auto-calculated and highlighted	Not supported
Hierarchical task view	Task > Subtask (Work Breakdown Structure)	Node hierarchy supported, but manual

4. Tracking and monitoring

Aspect	Syncfusion Angular Gantt	Syncfusion Angular Diagram
Progress tracking	% complete, Gantt bars with real-time updates	Not available
Resource management	Assign users/resources and track workload	No resource concepts
Status indicators	Progress bars, late markers, baselines	Must be manually simulated

5. Interactivity and editing

Aspect	Syncfusion Angular Gantt	Syncfusion Angular Diagram
Inline editing	Update tasks directly in the grid or timeline	Edit node text, connectors, and positions
Drag-and-drop	Reschedule tasks visually	Reposition and link nodes freely
Zoom & pan	Timeline zoom and scroll	Canvas zoom/pan support with mouse & touch
Undo/redo	Build-in support	Built-in for diagram interactions

6. Data binding and integration

Aspect	Syncfusion Angular Gantt	Syncfusion Angular Diagram
Data binding	Full support with REST/JSON CRUD	Requires custom implementation
Live updates	Sync with APIs, track updates in real time	Manual handling needed
Export options	Excel, PDF, CSV	Image (PNG, SVG), PDF

Now that we’ve seen the difference between Gantt and PERT charts, let’s see how they come to life through simple, practical examples.

Simplifying complex scheduling with Syncfusion Angular Gantt

Many developers assume Gantt charts are hard to configure for multi-phase projects. The truth? Modern tools like Syncfusion Angular Gantt make it surprisingly simple with intuitive setup, powerful features, and seamless Angular integration.

Streamlined setup with hierarchical clarity

Syncfusion Angular Gantt integrates effortlessly into Angular applications, allowing teams to create detailed schedules with minimal effort. Its Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) support helps break large projects into manageable sub-tasks, giving clear visibility into phases, dependencies, and relationships.

Quick example: Enabling critical path

Here’s a basic example of setting up a Gantt chart with critical path enabled using Syncfusion Angular Gantt:

import { Component, OnInit} from '@angular/core';
import { projectNewData } from './data';
import { GanttAllModule } from '@syncfusion/ej2-angular-gantt';

@Component({
    selector: 'app-root',
    templateUrl: 
        <ejs-gantt id="ganttCritical [dataSource]="data" [taskFields]="taskSettings" [enableCriticalPath]="true"
 [treeColumnIndex]="1" height="400px">
        </ejs-gantt>,
    standalone: true,
    imports: [GanttAllModule,]
})
export class AppComponent {
    public data: object[];
    public taskSettings: object;
    public ngOnInit(): void {
        this.data = projectNewData;
        this.taskSettings = {
            id: 'TaskID',
            name: 'TaskName',
            startDate: 'StartDate',
            endDate: 'EndDate',
            duration: 'Duration',
            progress: 'Progress',
            dependency: 'Predecessor',
            child: 'subtasks'
        };
    }
}

Critical path in Syncfusion Angular Gantt Chart

Creating a PERT Chart with Syncfusion Angular Diagram

For projects with uncertain timelines, Syncfusion Angular Diagram helps visualize task dependencies and risks through PERT charts. It’s ideal for early planning and dependency mapping. For comparison, here’s an example of creating a basic PERT chart using Syncfusion Angular Diagram:

import { Component, ViewEncapsulation, ViewChild } from '@angular/core';
import { DiagramComponent, DiagramModule } from '@syncfusion/ej2-angular-diagrams';
import {
    Diagram, NodeModel, DataBinding, DiagramElement, StackPanel, VerticalAlignment,
    SnapConstraints, TextStyleModel, TextElement, HorizontalAlignment, DiagramTools,
    HierarchicalTree, ComplexHierarchicalTree, ConnectorModel, SnapSettingsModel, randomId
} from '@syncfusion/ej2-diagrams';
import { DataManager } from '@syncfusion/ej2-data';
import { pertChartData } from './diagram-data';

export interface DataInfo {
    [key: string]: string;
}

// Injecting necessary features into the Diagram component
Diagram.Inject(DataBinding, HierarchicalTree, ComplexHierarchicalTree);

/**
* Sample for PERT Chart
*/
@Component({
    selector: 'app-root',
    templateUrl: `
        <ejs-diagram #diagram id="diagram" width="100%" height="499px" [tool]="tool" (created)="create($event)" [layout]="layout" [dataSourceSettings]="data" [getConnectorDefaults]="connectorDefaults" [snapSettings]="snapSettings" [setNodeTemplate]="setNodeTemplate">
        </ejs-diagram>
    `,
    encapsulation: ViewEncapsulation.None,
    standalone: true,
    imports: [DiagramModule]
})
export class AppComponent {
    @ViewChild('diagram') public diagram: DiagramComponent;

    // Data source configuration for the diagram
    public data: Object = {
        id: 'id',
        parentId: 'Category',
        dataSource: new DataManager(pertChartData),
        doBinding: (nodeModel: NodeModel, data: object, diagram: Diagram) => {
            nodeModel.shape = { type: 'Text' };
        }
    };

    // Layout configuration for the diagram
    public layout: Object = {
        type: 'ComplexHierarchicalTree',
        orientation: 'LeftToRight',
        verticalSpacing: 100,
        horizontalSpacing: 70
    };

    // Connector defaults configuration
    public connectorDefaults(connector: ConnectorModel): ConnectorModel {
        connector.style.strokeColor = '#979797';
        connector.targetDecorator.width = 10;
        connector.targetDecorator.height = 10;
        connector.targetDecorator.style = {
            fill: '#979797',
            strokeColor: '#979797'
        };
        return connector;
    }

    // Tool configuration for the diagram
    public tool: DiagramTools = DiagramTools.ZoomPan;
    public snapSettings: SnapSettingsModel = { constraints: SnapConstraints.None };
    public setNodeTemplate: Function = this.nodeTemplate.bind(this);

    // Function to define the custom node template
    private nodeTemplate(node: NodeModel): StackPanel {
        let table: StackPanel = new StackPanel();
        table.id = randomId();
        table.style.fill = '#0069d9';
        table.orientation = 'Vertical';

        let nameKey: string = 'id';
        let stack: StackPanel = new StackPanel();
        stack.id = randomId();
        stack.children = [];
       .orientation = 'Horizontal';
        stack.horizontalAlignment = 'Stretch';

        this.addRows(stack, node);

        table.children = [
            this.getTextElement((node.data as DataInfo)[nameKey], 'Stretch', 170, 'Stretch'),
            stack
        ];

        const textStyle = table.children[0].style as TextStyleModel;
        textStyle.color = 'white';
        element with specified properties
    private getTextElement(
        text: string,
        horizontalAlignment: HorizontalAlignment,
        width?: number,
        verticalAlignment?: VerticalAlignment
    ): DiagramElement {
        let textElement: TextElement = new TextElement();
        textElement.id = randomId();
        textElement.content = text;
        textElement.width = width;
        textElement.height = 25;
        textElement.horizontalAlignment = horizontalAlignment;
        textElement.verticalAlignment = verticalAlignment;
        textElement.style.strokeWidth = 1;
        textElement.style.strokeColor = '#b5b5b5';
        textElement.style.fill = 'transparent';
        textElement.style.color = '#3c3c3c';
        textElement.relativeMode = 'Object';
        return textElement;
    }

    // Function to fit the diagram to the page after creation
    public create(args: Object): void {
        this.diagram.fitToPage();
    }

    // Function to add rows to the stack panel
    private addRows(column: StackPanel, node: NodeModel): void {
        column.children.push(this.getTextElement((node.data as DataInfo).startDate, 'Left', 70));
        column.children.push(this.getTextElement((node.data as DataInfo).duration, 'Center', 30));
        column.children.push(this.getTextElement((node.data as DataInfo).endDate, 'Right', 70));
    }
}

Visualizing task dependencies and risks through PERT charts

Choose the right tool for your project’s success

In 2025, picking the perfect tool for your project means matching it to your goals.

Use PERT: Syncfusion Angular Diagram for early planning of projects like research, where timelines are fuzzy and task connections matter.
Choose Gantt: Syncfusion Angular Gantt for managing projects like apps or events with set schedules and active tracking.
Try both : Start with PERT for mapping tasks, then switch to Gantt for execution and monitoring.

If you’re a Syncfusion user, you can download the setup from the license and downloads page. Otherwise, you can download a free 30-day trial.

You can also contact us through our support forum, support portal, or feedback portal for queries. We are always happy to assist you!

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This article was originally published at Syncfusion.com.

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