Crafting a Project Roadmap in Microsoft Excel (2025): A Step-by-Step Guide

In the world of project management, a clear and well-organised roadmap is crucial for success. This article will guide you through the process of creating a project roadmap, using both traditional tools like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, as well as a free online roadmap maker.

Using an Online Platform

One of the benefits of using an online platform is the increased design customization and flexibility it offers for branding. Platforms like Microsoft Planner, which evolved from "Project for the Web," provide a unified tool for various project management functionalities. Creating an account ensures that saved projects can be revisited and edited with ease.

Creating a Project Roadmap in Microsoft Excel

To create a project roadmap in Microsoft Excel, follow these steps:

Open Microsoft Excel
Set up your worksheet, rename the sheet to "Project Roadmap" and create headers such as Task Name, Start Date, End Date, Duration, Status, Assigned To, and Dependencies.
Enter project data, listing tasks, filling in start and end dates, calculating duration using a formula, filling in status and assignment, and listing dependencies.
Format the roadmap, adjusting cell formatting for easier reading, using different colors for statuses or task types.
Create a Gantt Chart by selecting task names and corresponding start dates and durations, then inserting a Stacked Bar Bar Chart.
Identify project milestones and highlight them on the roadmap using symbols or different colors.
Adjust and format the Gantt chart as needed.
Review all data entries, formatting, and chart elements before saving the project roadmap.
Save the Excel workbook to preserve all work.
Regularly update the roadmap to reflect changes in the project's progress.
Share the project roadmap with the team or stakeholders for review and updates.

The Benefits of a Project Roadmap

A project roadmap serves as a visual overview of a project, containing a timeline, deliverables, milestones, project goals, potential risks, and resources. It helps keep the team updated about progress and manages the project timeline effectively.

By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive project roadmap that will help you manage your project more efficiently and keep your team on track. Whether you choose to use Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or a free online roadmap maker, the key is to stay organised, up-to-date, and flexible in your approach.