This page collects the most useful project planning templates for real-world delivery. Each template is linked, explained in one line, and designed to help you plan faster, communicate better, and stay on schedule.
Below, you’ll find a practical, full set of project planning templates.
Project Planning Templates for Every Project
| Template | What it’s for | When you’ll feel it most | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Charter | Provides a high-level overview of agreed deliverables between sponsor and project team. | Kickoff, funding, stakeholder alignment. | Project Charter Template (Google Docs) |
| RACI Matrix | Clarifies who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each task. | Cross-team delivery, approvals. | RACI Matrix Template (Google Sheets) |
| Requirements Tracker | Tracks requirements and status (developed/tested/completed) in one place. | Scope control, QA readiness. | Requirements Template (Google Sheets) |
| Project Plan / Schedule | Schedules key tasks, subtasks, and milestones to keep delivery on track. | Timeline planning, dependency mapping. | Project Plan Template (Google Sheets) |
| Risk Register | Logs and monitors risks with probability, impact, owner, and response plan. | Risk review, escalation readiness. | Risk Register Template (Google Sheets) |
| RAID Log | Tracks Risks, Actions, Issues, and Decisions with ownership and follow-up. | Fast-moving projects, weekly reporting. | RAID Log Template (Google Sheets) |
| Test Plan | Documents test cases with expected vs. actual results to validate outcomes. | Pre-launch QA, acceptance testing. | Test Plan Template (Google Sheets) |
| Project Status Summary | One-page status view: health, progress, risks, and next steps. | Stakeholder updates, steering reviews. | Project Status Summary Template (Google Docs) |
| Communication Plan | Defines channels, audiences, cadence, messages, and purpose. | Stakeholder alignment, change management. | Communication Plan Template (Google Docs) |
| Lessons Learned | Captures what worked, what didn’t, and what to improve for future projects. | Phase end, project closeout. | Lessons Learned Template (External) |
| Kick-off Presentation | Sets expectations and aligns stakeholders on scope, approach, and benefits. | Kickoff meeting, leadership alignment. | Kick-off Presentation Template (Google Slides) |
| Meeting Agenda | Provides a structured outline to keep meetings focused and outcome-driven. | Recurring syncs, decision meetings. | Meeting Agenda Template (Google Docs) |
| Project Budget | Estimates and tracks costs so financial resources stay visible and controlled. | Procurement, burn tracking, budget reviews. | Budget Template (Google Sheets) |
Project Plan Template Options
Project plan templates come in many formats depending on how your team works.
Some projects need a Gantt-style schedule, others need a one-page plan for stakeholders, and Agile teams often prefer sprint-based planning. The “Project Plan / Schedule” template above is your baseline—then you can adapt the layout to match your workflow (simple timeline, Gantt view, sprint plan, or implementation plan).
The key is consistency: one source of truth for tasks, dates, owners, and milestones.
Project Planning Worksheets
| Worksheet | Link |
|---|---|
| Problem Statement Worksheet | Open in Google Docs |
| Managing Project Risk Worksheet | Open in Google Docs |
| Project Communication Worksheet | Open in Google Docs |
Source: https://technology.berkeley.edu/