Recreate Gantt Chart logic used in Microsoft Project in EXCEL

Hi,

So basically I need to re-create a dynamic excel template that is modeled after the 'Gantt Chart' layout in Microsoft Project. The reason being, not everybody has MS Project installed nor do they know how to use the software. Hence, why I need to create a 'duplicate' version in Excel.

I have attached the MS Project data dump to Excel. The key field here would be the "Predecessors" column, which the Start Date references to begin a new milestone line. I'd also like to make the 'Duration' column dynamic, where I could easily choose my own amount (assuming Data Validation--> Drop Down list is the route to choose here). And I'll also probably use Days as the common denominator for 'Duration' to make the formula easier, instead of trying to incorporate days, weeks, and months (which is currently how it's structured).

Anybody have ideas on the best ways to go about this? Thx

For duration:

In C2: =NETWORKDAYS(D2,E2)

copy down as far as needed

Thanks for the tip!

Anybody else have an idea on how to build the logic using Column F ('Predecessors')?