Download a free Excel project charter template to define scope, objectives, stakeholders, timeline, and budget before your project begins. Includes project overview, risk mitigation, milestone scheduling, roles & responsibilities, and approval tracking.
Free Project Charter Template Excel: Download Now
This Project Charter Template is a free Excel spreadsheet that helps you define your project’s scope, objectives, stakeholders, timeline, and budget in one structured document. Use it to align your team from day one.
- Complete Project Overview: Document project ID, name, manager, and sponsor in a structured header section.
- Timeline & Budget Tracking: Set expected start and completion dates, estimated costs, and projected savings.
- Scope, Risks & Approvals: Define deliverables, identify risks with mitigation strategies, and track stakeholder approvals.
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: Unique identifier for tracking and reference.
- Project Name: Formal name used across all documentation.
- Project Manager: Person overseeing execution and primary contact.
- Project Sponsor: Executive 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 begins.
- Expected Completion Date: Projected delivery date.
- Estimated Cost: Total financial resources required.
- Estimated Savings: Financial benefits the project generates.
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.
- Objectives: Specific, measurable goals.
- Scope: What is included and excluded.
- Deliverables: Specific outputs the project will produce.
- Stakeholders: Individuals 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. Use alongside a RACI Matrix for detailed role mapping.
Tentative Schedule
Major milestones with descriptions and expected start/finish dates. Expand into a full Project Schedule for detailed planning.
Risks and Mitigation
Potential risks with corresponding strategies to address them. Document before execution to prevent surprises.
Approvals
Who must approve each stage, their roles, and dates approvals were granted. Creates accountability and audit trail.
5. Contact Information
Essential contact details for communication — email, phone, and address of the project office.
Get all free PM templates delivered to your inbox
How to Use This Project Charter Template
-
Download and openGet the template in Excel (2016 or later) or Google Sheets. See our guide on creating a new workbook.
-
Fill in Project OverviewEnter project ID, name, manager, and sponsor with their contact details.
-
Set Timeline and BudgetAdd expected start and completion dates, estimated cost, and projected savings.
-
Define Project DetailsWrite a clear purpose statement, list measurable objectives, define scope (included and excluded), specify deliverables, and identify all stakeholders.
-
Plan Execution and ControlAssign roles and responsibilities, set major milestones with dates, identify risks with mitigation strategies, and record approvals.
-
Add Contact InformationEnter project email, phone number, and office address.
-
Review and distributeDouble-check all entries, then share with all stakeholders as the central reference document.
Project Charter vs Project Plan
• Defines the why — purpose, objectives, scope
• Authorizes the project to proceed
• Identifies stakeholders and sponsor
• High-level timeline and budget
• Created before detailed planning
• Typically 1–2 pages
• Defines the how — tasks, resources, Gantt chart
• Guides execution and tracking
• Assigns specific tasks to team members
• Detailed schedule with dependencies
• Created after charter is approved
→ Project Plan Templates
Recommended PM workflow
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a project charter?
A formal document that authorizes a project, defines its scope, objectives, stakeholders, timeline, and budget. It gives the project manager authority to proceed and serves as the single source of truth for the project’s foundations.
Who creates the project charter?
Typically the project manager drafts it, with input from the project sponsor and key stakeholders. The sponsor formally approves and signs it.
When should I create a project charter?
Before any detailed planning begins. The charter comes first — once approved, you move to WBS, project plan, and schedule creation.
Can I use this in Google Sheets?
Yes. Standard .xlsx file that opens in Google Sheets. All formatting and structure works across platforms.
How detailed should the scope section be?
Detailed enough to prevent misunderstandings but high-level enough to allow flexibility. List what’s included AND what’s explicitly excluded. Save granular task details for the WBS Template.
What’s the difference between a charter and a project plan?
The charter defines WHY (purpose, scope, authorization). The project plan defines HOW (tasks, timelines, resources, Gantt chart). Charter comes first; plan follows after approval.
How many stakeholders should I list?
Include everyone with decision-making authority, budget influence, or direct involvement. For large projects, use a RACI Matrix to map roles in detail.
Related Templates
Project Plan Templates
9 free templates with Gantt chart and task tracking.
WBS Template
Decompose scope into hierarchical task groups.
RACI Matrix
52 templates to assign roles and responsibilities.
Project Schedule
Detailed timeline with milestones.
Gantt Chart Templates
11 free timeline visualization templates.
Multi-Project Tracker
Monitor multiple projects from one dashboard.
Ready for Professional Project Power?
Need advanced dashboards, resource leveling, and workload capacity tools? Check out our Premium Project Templates.
Thanks for Project Charter Template, it is precisely what I needed. Great resources!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you found the Project Charter Template helpful. If you need any more templates, feel free to suggest here! We are happy to provide more free Project Management Templates!
Hi PNRao!
Thank you for your free template! It truly is a must-have and very useful resource.
I have been using your free templates for the last five years and I love your work and your smart design skills.
This simple project charter document helps managers plan their projects clearly and easily.
Thank you for helping us, and I appreciate your hard work!
Regards!
Amy
Hi Amy,
Thanks for your valuable feedback and appreciation, it really encourages our hard working Excel team to create more useful templates.
Thanks
PNRao!
This project charter template is a lifesaver for my project management tasks!
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled to know the template is helping with your projects.
Does this template include sections for project goals and objectives?
Yes, the template includes sections for project goals and objectives. If you need tips on customizing them, feel free to reach out!
I’m new to project management. Does this template come with instructions?
Yes, the template includes clear instructions to guide you through creating your project charter. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!