Project Charter Template

When it comes to project management, a well-crafted project charter can make all the difference between success and chaos. Whether you’re a veteran project manager or a newcomer, having a project charter template at your disposal simplifies the process of outlining project goals, aligning stakeholders, and setting your team up for success.

This template is a pre-designed framework that helps project managers quickly draft a comprehensive project charter, outlining key elements like objectives, scope, stakeholders, timeline, and budget. Available in various formats like Word, Excel etc. these templates save time, ensure consistency, and help align teams on project goals. Whether you’re looking for practical project charter examples or a team charter template to define roles, this guide walks you through every step to create a clear, actionable charter for project success in 2025.

What is a Project Charter?

A project charter is a foundational document that defines the objectives, scope, stakeholders, and high-level plans of a project. Think of it as your project’s blueprint—a guide that sets the tone for the work ahead.

Here’s why a project charter is indispensable:

1. Alignment: It ensures everyone is on the same page, from stakeholders to team members.
2. Clarity: It minimizes confusion by defining objectives, roles, and expectations early.
3. Accountability: By formalizing goals and approvals, the charter keeps everyone committed.
4. Risk Reduction: It helps identify risks and constraints upfront, avoiding surprises later.

Related Article: RACI matrix template

Why Use This Template?

Starting a project charter from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially when managing multiple projects. That’s why free project charter templates in formats like Word and Excel are a game-changer.

Here’s how they help:

1. Save Time: Pre-filled sections allow you to focus on what matters most.
2. Ensure Consistency: A standardized format keeps documentation clear across projects.
3. Boost Confidence: Templates guide you in covering all essential details.
4. Ease of Collaboration: Team members and stakeholders can easily understand and contribute.

Related Article: Project Status Report Template

Essential Elements

Whether you’re using a Word file or an Excel sheet, these are the must-have components:

1. Project Title & Description: Give your project a clear name and a brief overview.
2. Objectives: Outline what you aim to achieve, with specific, measurable goals.
3. Scope: Define what’s included—and excluded—to avoid scope creep.
4. Stakeholders: List key players, such as the project sponsor, manager, and team members.
5. Timeline: Highlight key milestones and deadlines.
6. Budget: Provide an estimate of the resources needed.
7. Risks & Assumptions: Identify challenges and any key assumptions made during planning.
8. Approval Section: Include a space for signatures to formalize the charter.

Related Article: Project Plan Template

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Project Charter

1. Gather Initial Information

Start by collecting key inputs: project goals, stakeholder expectations, budget estimates, and available resources.

2. Choose the Right Template

Select a template that fits your project’s needs. For example:

• A project charter template Word file for text-heavy documents.
• A project charter template Excel for projects requiring data and numerical tracking.

If managing team dynamics, pair it with a team charter template to clarify roles and responsibilities.

3. Fill in the Basics

Begin with simple sections like the project title, description, and objectives. Example:

Objective: Boost customer retention by 20% through a loyalty program within six months.

4. Define the Scope

Avoid future conflicts by explicitly stating what the project includes—and excludes. Example:

• In Scope: Designing the loyalty program and training staff.
• Out of Scope: Third-party app development or customer surveys.

Related Article: Project Scope Plan Template

5. Identify Stakeholders

Create a list of stakeholders and their responsibilities. Example:

• Sponsor: Sarah Lee, VP of Marketing
• Project Manager: Tom Adams
• Team Members: Marketing Analysts, Graphic Designers

6. Highlight Risks and Assumptions

Document potential risks and the assumptions your plan relies on. Example:

• Risk: Delayed vendor deliverables.
• Assumption: Adequate budget approval by Q1.

7. Secure Approvals

Conclude with an approval section for formal sign-offs. This is critical for alignment before execution.

Related Article: project charter

Conclusion

A project charter is more than a document—it’s the backbone of your project’s success. By using a this template, whether in Word or Excel, you can simplify planning, align stakeholders, and set clear goals. Don’t forget to explore project charter templates to get started without hassle.

Set your projects up for success in 2025 with the right tools and strategies today!

My Personal Experience

As someone who’s managed multiple projects over the years, I can confidently say that purchasing this  template was a game-changer for me. It’s hands down the best template I’ve ever used! The structure is intuitive, the sections are clear and well-organized, and it saved me hours of work. What I love most is how customizable it is—you can tweak it to fit any project, whether simple or complex. Personally, I’ve used it for everything from marketing campaigns to IT upgrades, and it never fails to deliver clarity and alignment among my team and stakeholders. I absolutely love this template, and it’s become an essential tool in my project management arsenal!

(FAQs)

1. What’s the difference between a project charter and a team charter?

A project charter outlines the project’s objectives, scope, and stakeholders, while a team charter template focuses on team roles and workflows.

2. Is Word or Excel better for creating a project charter?

It depends on your project’s needs. Use Word for text-heavy charters and Excel for data-driven projects.

3. What are the 6 elements of a project charter?

The six essential elements of a project charter are:

1. Project Title & Description – A clear project name and summary.
2. Objectives – Specific and measurable goals.
3. Scope – Outlines what’s included and excluded.
4. Stakeholders – Key individuals involved, such as sponsors and team members.
5. Timeline – High-level milestones and deadlines.
6. Budget – Estimated costs and resource allocation.

4. What is the format of a project charter?

A project charter is typically created using a project charter template in formats like Word or Excel. The format generally includes structured sections such as project title, objectives, scope, stakeholders, timeline, and budget. Templates often have predefined fields and prompts to ensure all critical details are covered, making it easier to customize for any project.