Tableau Gantt Chart: A How-to Guide With Pros, Cons & Alternatives

Creating a Gantt chart is an essential part of scheduling projects. They can organize tasks, break larger projects into phases and provide a timeline to show the entire project on one screen. Therefore, most project management professionals want Gantt chart software.

Tableau is an analytical tool, but does it have a Gantt chart? Can one be built? How good is its Gantt chart? These are just some of the questions we answer in the following blog. Anyone curious about using Tableau for project management needs to read further to see if it’s the project management solution for them.

What Is Tableau?

Tableau is an analytics platform that allows organizations to visualize their data on powerful yet user-friendly data analysis charts and diagrams powered by machine learning, natural language processing and predictive analytics. It has interactive, shareable dashboards and reports.

This app is widely used by businesses, data analysts and other professionals to make sense of complex data, uncover insights and drive decision-making. There are a variety of Tableau products, from desktop to online.

This easy-to-use powerful data analytics tool isn’t designed with project management features. However, it can be used by project managers to analyze and visualize project data. It can even be used to make a Gantt chart. In this blog, we’ll learn how to make a Gantt chart in Tableau and explore its key features and limitations.

Does Tableau Have a Gantt Chart?

Gantt charts are a type of bar chart used in project management to represent the timeline of a project. It is divided into two parts, one is a spreadsheet that collects project data, such as start and finish dates, milestones and dependencies. The other is a visual timeline that shows the entire project on one screen.

In a Gantt chart, each task is represented by a horizontal bar, with the length of the bar indicating the duration of the task. The position of the bar on the timeline shows when it starts and ends. Gantt charts can be used to track project progress, visualize task dependencies, plan resource allocation and identify potential delays.

While Tableau isn’t a project management software, it can be used to help with managing projects, as we’ve already stated. But does it have this all-important tool? Let’s take a look at what Tableau can and can’t do regarding a Gantt chart.

Short Answer: No, Tableau Doesn’t Have Gantt Charts

No, Tableau doesn’t have a built-in Gantt chart feature, so you’ll need to manually set up its stacked bar charts to make one. The result will be a Gantt chart diagram that shows your project schedule and basic details such as project task names, duration and due dates.

Long Answer: Tableau Gantt Charts Lack Key Features for Project Management

Okay, so Tableau can make a Gantt chart, but is that a fully functional tool or just a poor workaround? First, and already a problem, is that unlike Gantt chart software that has Gantt charts ready and waiting for use, this one must be manually set up. This is time-consuming and may require a certain level of expertise in the software.

Another ding on this product is that it doesn’t natively support task dependencies. This must be managed manually, which is cumbersome in larger projects. Task dependencies are essential to identify those tasks that can’t start or be completed until another has started or been completed. Having a limited Gantt chart that doesn’t do this automatically is frustrating.

While Tableau can visualize tasks, it doesn’t provide built-in features like critical path analysis or milestone tracking. Add to that the lack of drag-and-drop functionality to reschedule tasks, meaning more manual duties for users, and anyone who hoped Tableau’s built Gantt chart would be helpful is sure to be disappointed.

If you need a Gantt chart that allows you to do that and much more, you should try ProjectManager. ProjectManager’s Gantt chart allows you to plan, schedule and track your projects from start to end and sync with a variety of project management tools such as kanban boards, project dashboards, timesheets, workload charts and much more. But more than that, all four types of task dependencies can be linked to avoid costly delays. The critical path can be found easily by filtering the Gantt chart, which shows essential tasks that must be completed to deliver a successful project. Once the project is scheduled, set a baseline to track progress in real time to never miss a deadline. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

Gantt chart in ProjectManager — ProjectManager’s Gantt chart is a robust project planning, scheduling and tracking tool. Learn more

How to Make a Tableau Gantt Chart Better With ProjectManager

In some cases, creating a Gantt chart in Tableau can be helpful, but it pales in comparison to Gantt chart software. With ProjectManager, you get online project and portfolio software that offers a suite of tools to plan and manage every stage of your project. With best-in-class Gantt charts that track all four types of dependencies, built-in resource management, real-time collaboration and so much more, you’ll quickly see why this is preferred over Tableau’s weak features. If needed, you can always import your Tableau data into ProjectManager for a closer look at key metrics.

Use ProjectManager’s Gantt chart to set a baseline, identify the critical path, oversee resources and track costs. In a few clicks, assign tasks to your team members, set priority and recurrence and collaborate with your team. Use unlimited file storage to keep track of all documents and share files from wherever you’re working. Try it free for 30 days.

Tableau Gantt chart import image into ProjectManager — ProjectManager is free to use and has stronger Gantt charts than Tableau. Get started for free

1. Export & Import Your Tableau Project

Choose the project from Tableau that you want to export and save it as an Excel or CSV file. It is now ready to import into ProjectManager. In ProjectManager, toggle to the Gantt chart where you’ll see an import button. Click “Select file” and find your Tableau project.

Import Tableau project into ProjectManager

2. Add Data to a New or Existing Project

Now that your Tableau file is uploaded to ProjectManager, decide if you want to add the data to a new project or if you prefer to add it to an existing project. If you’re adding to an existing project, be sure to determine whether to keep the existing data or delete it.

3. Choose What Data to Import

Then, determine if you want to import all of the data from your Tableau file or only the task list. Select the option you want and click next.

4. Create a Thorough Tableau Gantt Chart!

When the “Success!” popup appears, the process is complete. The Tableau file has been imported and you can now use a real Gantt chart in ProjectManager. Now, you’ll be able to see what a true Gantt chart can accomplish as it’s packed with features and keeps you connected to the rest of your team.

What Can You Use a Tableau Gantt Chart For?

Gantt charts in Tableau are basic at best. They outline the duration of events or activities in any given project, helping project managers see the project schedule and stay on track throughout various phases. However, the lack of true project management features is a significant hole in its usability, and there’s no time tracking, critical path or resource allocation, to name a few.

For example, if someone besides the project manager prefers to look at the data from a different view, it will be difficult to do so. All formulas have to be set up by hand which leaves room for human error. This isn’t ideal when the success of the project is on the line. Plus, sharing files with stakeholders is tricky and time-consuming.

Tableau Gantt Chart Key Features

Knowing how to make a Gantt chart in Tableau can help you turn data sets, spreadsheets and task lists into data-driven project schedules for your organization. It could be a good alternative for project managers who just need to visualize the duration and due dates of project tasks on a timeline but don’t need a Gantt chart to manage the project’s day-to-day execution. Here are some benefits of using a Tableau Gantt chart.

Map data from large data set into a project timeline using stacked bar charts
Create accurate and realistic Gantt charts and avoid human error
Import data from a variety of file formats such as CSV, JSON, XML and Excel files, among many others

Tableau Gantt Chart Example

If you’re still set on using Tableau, we’ve outlined what a Tableau Gantt chart looks like. As you can see, it’s a typical Gantt chart that lists project tasks on the left side and uses a stacked bar chart on the right to represent project tasks on a timeline. Upon closer inspection of each task, this Gantt chart also shows the due dates and total duration of these tasks.

Disadvantages of Making a Gantt Chart In Tableau

Tableau simply doesn’t have the features you need from Gantt chart software. All you can do is use its stacked bar chart to mimic a Gantt chart, but it’s clear that this is just a mere data visualization chart and not the project planning, scheduling or tracking tool that a Gantt chart should be. Having said this, here are some of the key disadvantages of making a Gantt chart in Tableau.

Can’t be used for cost tracking, resource allocation or critical path analysis
Making a Gantt chart in Tableau is time-consuming and requires you to manually set up lots of things such as formulas
While Tableau claims to be a user-friendly analytics platform, its user interface is still hard to use and navigate for most people, especially those new to this type of software
Due to its total lack of project management features, Tableau can’t be considered Gantt chart software
Files can only be saved as a Tableau Workbook file format (.twb), which makes it hard to export data into other software and share files with team members

The Best Tableau Gantt Chart Alternative

Let’s explore some other reasons that make ProjectManager a much better Gantt chart tool than Tableau.

Advanced Gantt Chart Features

As we hinted at, ProjectManager has one of the best Gantt chart tools any project management software can offer. Besides creating an interactive, online project schedule that allows you to collaborate with your team online, ProjectManager’s Gantt chart allows you to allocate resources, estimate project costs, link four types of task dependencies, identify the critical path of your projects and much more.

ProjectManager's Gantt chart with task information panel showing

Multiple Project Management Tools

One of the main advantages of ProjectManager’s Gantt chart is that it syncs automatically with other project management tools like kanban boards, project calendars, project dashboards, timesheets and workload management charts, so you can manage all the different areas of your project.

Collaborate With Your Team Online

One of the biggest drawbacks of Tableau’s Gantt chart is that it’s a desktop-based solution that doesn’t work for teams that need to collaborate online. ProjectManager on the other hand, is an online project management solution with unlimited file storage and team collaboration features like messaging and file sharing.

ProjectManager also has email notifications that alert you when someone makes changes to tasks or projects you’re in, or whenever you’re mentioned in a message so you’re always updated on your team’s progress.

If you’re still interested in creating a Gantt chart in Tableau, read on as we outline each step you need to make one from scratch. However, if you’re new to Tableau and you’re having a hard time adapting to this tool, you can also use our Gantt chart template for Excel, which will help you create a similar project schedule.

Gantt Chart Template

This free Gantt chart template for Excel can automatically create a Gantt chart for you based on a list of project tasks and their due dates. Simply enter that data and this free Gantt chart template for Excel will automatically calculate the duration of each task and generate a stacked bar chart to depict the project schedule.

How to Make a Gantt Chart in Tableau

To make a Gantt chart in Tableau, you’ll need to have a project or business data set, which can be anything from an Excel spreadsheet with a few project tasks and due dates, to large data sets with hundreds of tasks. If you don’t have a data set, you can download our construction schedule template as a CSV or Excel file. Let’s get started with the process of making a Gantt chart.

1. Import a Data Source File

The first step when making a Gantt chart in Tableau is to upload data into the software. For this example, we’ll use data from our construction schedule template, which we’ve downloaded as an Excel file. To get started, click the option that allows Tableau to import a “Microsoft Excel” file. Then select the file you’d like to import from your computer.

2. Select Your Data

Once you import your file into Tableau, you’ll land on the “Data Source” screen. Here you can preview your data set, select the data you’d like to import and remove unnecessary columns if needed.

In this case, we’re exporting a file that contains project scheduling data for a construction project that can be used to make a Gantt chart, such as the list of project tasks that need to be completed, their due dates and duration. It also contains other details you might choose to display in your Gantt chart such as task costs, resource requirements, task dependencies and more. Once you’re happy with your data, you can switch to the Sheet view.

3. Add Data to Populate Your Gantt Chart

Now that you’ve imported data into Tableau, you’re ready to make a Gantt chart using the Sheet view. On the left side of your screen, there’s a list of variables from your data set. Now you can simply drag and drop them into the columns and rows fields to automatically generate a Gantt chart in Tableau.

First drag and drop the “Planned Start Date” from the list of data variables to the “Columns” field as shown in the image below.

Once you add this variable, click on it and select “Exact date,” which is the correct date format for making a Gantt chart.

Next drag and drop the “Task Name” variable into the “Rows” field. Once you do so, Tableau’s stacked bar chart will begin to look like a Gantt chart, but there still are some steps that you’ll need to complete.

Now click the drop-down menu under “Marks” and select the Gantt chart.

4. Calculate the Duration of Tasks

Now let’s configure the Gantt chart to show the duration of project tasks with the size of each bar. To do this, follow the steps below.

Open the data visualization drop-down menu and click “Create Calculated Field…”

Name the calculated field and add a formula to it. In this case, we’ll use the “DATEDIFF” formula, which will calculate the difference between two dates. Begin by typing “DATEDIFF” and then select it from the formula menu.

Now fill in the formula variables by typing “(‘day’, [Planned Start Date], [Planned Finish Date])” as shown in the Tableau Gantt chart example below.

Once you add this formula and click “OK,” this custom-calculated field will appear with the rest of the data variables on the left side of your screen. Now drag and drop it into the size icon.

This adjusts the size of the Gantt chart task bars to show the duration of each task so that it accurately depicts the construction project schedule.

5. Add Additional Details About Your Tasks to Your Tableau Gantt Chart

For the last step, drag and drop the “Planned Finish Date” and “Planned Duration” variables in the Details box so this information shows as you hover over the Gantt chart bars.

Note: Set the “Planned Finish Date” as an exact date variable by clicking its drop-down menu and selecting “Exact date.”

Congratulations, you’ve created a Gantt chart in Tableau. Now you can add extra details to your project schedule, such as costs, resources and assignees.

Advantages of a Tableau Gantt Chart

Even though it’s not a best-in-class option, there are some advantages to using a Tableau Gantt chart.

The process of creating a Gantt chart is easy and only requires you to import a data set and choose what information you’d like to display
In addition to the stacked bar charts you can use to make a Gantt chart in Tableau, there are dozens of data visualization diagrams and charts to analyze business or project data
Simple alternative for project managers who only need to see timelines and due dates

However, as stated above, this basic Gantt chart lacks resource management, cost tracking, project budgeting, risk planning and other important project management features. On top of that, this is a desktop-based Gantt chart so you won’t be able to collaborate with your team members online.

Therefore, Tableau Gantt charts can only be used for making a project schedule but they shouldn’t be used to manage the execution phase of your project due to their limited functionality. If you need a robust Gantt chart tool you can use to manage all aspects of your project, try ProjectManager. Let’s review what makes ProjectManager a much superior Gantt chart tool than Tableau.

In Summary: ProjectManager Has a Better Gantt Chart Than Tableau

As discussed above, Tableau can only help you visualize data sets into more digestible charts and diagrams, like a Gantt chart. But unfortunately, Tableau isn’t a Gantt chart tool you can use to actively manage your projects because you won’t be able to assign work to your team members, track project costs, or track the completion of tasks in real time like you would with ProjectManager.