How to Use a Timeline in Excel? – A Visual Presentation

A timeline is a representation of events in chronological order.

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How to Create a Timeline in Excel?

In the following dataset the plan of company to develop a website is showcased.

1. How to Create a Timeline Using a Template

• Click File.

• Go to New.
• In Search for online templates, choose Timeline, and press Enter.

• The Detailed project timeline template was selected here.

• Click Create.

• The template will be displayed in a new workbook.

• Modify the Project details.
• The Start Date was inserted in the DATE column and the Tasks in the MILESTONE column.

• The timeline is created.

Method 2 – How to Use a Scatter Chart to Create a Timeline

• Add a Position column.

• Select C4:D10.
• Go to Insert >> Insert Scatter (X, Y) or Bubble Chart >> Scatter.

• A chart will be created.

• At the top-rightmost of the chart, click the Plus (+) icon.
• Check Error Bars.

• Right-click the dates along the horizontal axis.
• Select Format Axis.

• The Format Axis sidebar will be displayed.
• Click Axis Options.
• Select Series “Position” X Error Bars.

• Go to Fill & Line.
• Select No line.

• Click Error Bar Options.
• Select Series “Position” Y Errors Bars.

• Go to Error Bars Options.
• Check Minus.
• In Error Amount, check Percentage and set the percentage to 100.

• Your chart will be displayed.
• Click the Plus (+) icon again.
• Check Data Labels.

• Go to the Format Axis sidebar.
• Click Axis Options.
• Select Series “Position” Data Labels.

• Go to the Label Options.
• Uncheck Y Value.
• Check Value From Cells.

• Select range B5:B10.
• Click OK.

The timeline using the scatter chart feature will be displayed.

Method 3 – How to Use the Excel SmartArt Feature to Create a Timeline.

• Go to the Insert tab.
• Click SmartArt.

• The Choose a SmartArt Graphic dialog box will be displayed.
• Go to Process.
• Select Basic Timeline and click OK.

This is the output.

• Enter your data in Type your text here.

This is the output.

• You can customize your timeline.
• Right-click your timeline and you will see customize options.

This is the customized timeline.

Method 4 – How to Utilize the PivotChart Feature to create a Timeline

The PivotChart allows us to sum values based on dates.

• Select B4:D10.
• Go to the Insert tab.
• Click PivotChart.

• In the Create PivotChart dialog-box, select Existing Worksheet.
• Select any cell, here F4, as the location and click OK.

• The  PivotChart Field will be displayed.

• Drag Tasks to the Axis (Categories).
• Drag Start Date and End Date to Values.
• Drag Days (Start Date), Months (Start Date), Days (End Date) & Months (End Date) to Legend (Series).

• In Values, click Count of Start Date.
• Select Value Field Settings.

• In Summarize values By, select Sum.
• Click Number Format.

• In the Format Cells dialog box, go to Date.
• Select a date format.
• Click OK.

• Click OK in Value Field Settings.

• Click Count of End Date in Values.

Your timeline will be displayed.

• To add labels:
• Click the Plus (+) icon.
• Check Data Labels.

This is the final output.

Method 5 – How to Use the Excel Command to Create a Timeline Chart

• Select B4:D10.
• Go to Home >> Orientation >> Angle Counterclockwise.

• This is the output.

• Select B4:D10.
• Go to: Home >> Cells >> Format >> Row Height.

• Set Row Height to 60.
• Click OK.

• Go to Home >> Alignment >> Wrap Text.

This is the output.

• Add color to your timeline.

What Are the Built-in Timeline Templates Available in Excel?

Project Timeline

Work Plan Timeline

Milestone Infographic Timeline

Wedding Planning Timeline

Event Planner Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a slicer and a timeline in Excel?

A slicer is an Excel visual control element that enables users to filter data in a pivot table or pivot chart by choosing values from a predefined list.

A timeline is a visual control element in Excel that enables users to filter data in a PivotTable or PivotChart based on a specified date or time range.

2. What is a project timeline?

A project timeline is a diagram that gives a comprehensive overview of the project’s schedule, including start and finish dates, significant outcomes, and project dependencies.

3. What is a timeline spreadsheet?

A timeline spreadsheet gives you an organized visual representation to arrange and present data systematically.

Timeline in Excel: Knowledge Hub

• Create a Timeline Chart
• Create a Timeline With Milestones
• Create a Timeline with Dates
• Create a Project Timeline

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