How to Create a Network Diagram in Excel

This is an overview of a network diagram in Excel.

Network Diagram in Excel


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What is Network Diagram?

The network diagram is a chart composed of boxes and arrows. The boxes represent the activities performed, and the arrows show the sequence of a pre-determined schedule.

It also shows the interrelationship of activities at different stages of a project and helps determine the completion period of a task.


How to Create Network Diagram in Excel

  • Choose the options in the Home tab to create the initial activity charts.

Making Initial Activity Chart

  • Select the activity charts and copy them.
  • Paste them as a Linked Picture, selecting Paste Special.

Paste Special Linked Picture Option

  • Go to the Insert tab.
  • Choose Arrow Line in Shapes.

Inserting Line Arrow Between Activities

  • The network diagram is created.

Final Output of Network Diagram


How to Draw a Project Network Diagram with SmartArt in Excel

  • In the Insert tab, select SmartArt.
  • Select Horizontal Hierarchy and click OK.

Using Smart Art to Create Project Network Diagram

  • Enter the project network diagram details in the text box.
  • You can change the order by using the Promote and Demote buttons.
  • Click outside the type box.

Typing Text Values and changing order

  • Add coloring.
  • The project network diagram is complete.

Final Output of Project Network Diagram


Things to Remember

  • Align and arrange the elements of the network diagram in Excel.
  • Link data to make the diagram dynamic.
  • Keep the outline simple.
  • For complex diagrams, use the Microsoft Visio application.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a way to import data into a network diagram from other sources?

You can import data into Excel and link it to the network diagram. There is no specific function.

2. Does Excel have network diagram templates?

No, there are no  templates. However, you can download various formats from the internet. Our site also has some templates.

3. How to automatically update  network diagram data when there are changes?

You need to link the network diagram data to the source data.


Network Diagram in Excel: Knowledge Hub


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Rafiul Haq
Rafiul Haq

Rafiul Haq worked as an Excel and VBA Content Developer in Exceldemy for over two years and published almost 200 articles for the website. He is passionate about exploring new aspects of Excel and VBA. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Production Engineering (MPE) from the Islamic University of Technology. Rafiul furthered his education by obtaining an MBA in Finance from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) at the University of Dhaka. Apart from creating... Read Full Bio

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