Project Charter Template Excel (Free Download)

Why You Need a Project Charter

A project charter is the foundation document that formally authorizes a project and gives the project manager the authority to proceed. Without one, projects often start with unclear goals, misaligned stakeholders, and scope that creeps unchecked.

A well-defined charter establishes:

• Purpose and objectives: Clearly defines what the project aims to achieve and why it matters.
• Scope: Sets boundaries and deliverables, preventing scope creep before it starts.
• Stakeholders: Identifies everyone involved — from sponsors and decision-makers to team members.
• High-level approach: Provides a roadmap for how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled.

Starting a project without a charter is like building without blueprints — you might make progress, but you’ll waste time, money, and effort course-correcting along the way.

What’s Inside This Project Charter Template

The template is organized into five clear sections. Fill in each one to create a comprehensive charter that serves as your project’s single source of truth.

1. Project Overview

High-level details that let stakeholders quickly understand the project’s basics and leadership.

• Project ID: A unique identifier for easy tracking and reference.
• Project Name: The formal name used across all documentation and communication.
• Project Manager: The person responsible for overseeing execution and serving as the primary contact.
• Project Sponsor: The executive or senior stakeholder championing and funding the project.

2. Timeline and Budget

Key timeframes and financial parameters that define the project’s scale and resource allocation.

• Expected Start Date: When the project is scheduled to begin.
• Expected Completion Date: The projected delivery date.
• Estimated Cost: Total financial resources required for completion.
• Estimated Savings: The financial benefits or savings the project is expected to generate.

3. Project Details

The core section that defines the what, why, and who — ensuring all participants are aligned on goals and deliverables.

• Purpose: Why the project is being initiated and its importance to the organization.
• Objectives: Specific, measurable goals the project aims to achieve.
• Scope: What is included and excluded from the project.
• Deliverables: The specific outputs or products the project will produce.
• Stakeholders: Individuals, groups, or organizations with an interest in the project.

4. Execution and Control

How the project will be managed — roles, milestones, risks, and the approvals needed for smooth progression.

• Roles & Responsibilities: Key roles and their specific responsibilities within the project.
• Tentative Schedule: Major milestones with descriptions and expected start/finish dates.
• Risks and Mitigation: Potential risks with corresponding strategies to address them.
• Approvals: Who must approve each stage, their roles, and the dates approvals were granted.

5. Contact Information

Essential contact details for communication between stakeholders and the project team.

• Email: Contact email for project communications.
• Phone: Phone number to reach the project team.
• Address: Physical or mailing address of the project office.

How to Use This Project Charter Template

Follow these steps to complete your charter and get your project formally authorized.

1. Download and open the template in Excel (2016 or later) or Google Sheets.
2. Fill in the Project Overview: Enter the project ID, name, manager, and sponsor with their contact details.
3. Set the Timeline and Budget: Add your expected start and completion dates, estimated cost, and projected savings.
4. Define the Project Details:
   • Write a clear purpose statement explaining why the project exists.
   • List specific, measurable objectives.
   • Define the scope — what’s included and what’s not.
   • Specify deliverables and identify all stakeholders.
5. Plan Execution and Control:
   • Assign roles and responsibilities to each team member.
   • Set major milestones with estimated start and finish dates.
   • Identify risks and document mitigation strategies.
   • Record approvals with names, roles, and dates.
6. Add Contact Information: Enter the project email, phone number, and office address.
7. Review and distribute: Double-check all entries for accuracy, then share the completed charter with all stakeholders as the central reference document for the project.

Related Templates and Resources

Your project charter is the starting point. Extend your project planning with these additional tools.

• Project Plan Template — Manage tasks, deadlines, and resources with a built-in Gantt chart.
• All Free Excel Templates — Browse our full collection of project management and productivity templates.

External Resources

• PMI — The Charter: Selling Your Project: Learn how a charter helps you gain buy-in and funding for your project. Read Article
• Smartsheet — Project Charter Templates: A variety of downloadable charter templates in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint formats. View Templates