Free template · Academic & Research
Thesis Progress Tracker Template
A thesis progress tracker is a table with one row per chapter or section that records its status, current word count, target, next deadline and the latest supervisor feedback. It shows at a glance how far along the thesis is and which chapter is holding everything up.
Who it's for: PhD and master's students writing a thesis or dissertation, and supervisors who want a shared view of progress.
Free, no email needed. Google Sheets: download the .xlsx, then File > Import > Upload.
Preview
These are the real columns with example rows. Click Try it here to type your own rows and download them.
| Chapter | Status | Words now | Target words | % of target | Next deadline | Latest feedback | Next action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | Drafting | 3200 | 8000 | 40% | 2026-12-05 | Narrow the research question | Rewrite aims paragraph |
| 2. Literature review | Revising | 11800 | 12000 | 98.3333% | 2026-10-30 | Add 2023 studies | Update theme 3 |
| 3. Methodology | With supervisor | 7400 | 9000 | 82.2222% | 2026-11-14 | Justify sample size | Add power analysis |
| 4. Results | Not started | 0 | 10000 | 0% | 2027-01-20 | Clean dataset |
What goes in each column
| Column | What goes in it | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter | Chapter number and working title | 3. Methodology |
| Status | Not started, Drafting, With supervisor, Revising, Done | With supervisor |
| Words now | Current word count | 7,400 |
| Target words | Planned length | 9,000 |
| % of target | Words now divided by target (calculated) | 82% |
| Next deadline | Date the next version is due | 2026-11-14 |
| Latest feedback | The main point from your supervisor | Justify sample size |
| Next action | The single next step | Add power analysis |
Why these columns: Most thesis delays come from one chapter stalling while others move. Status plus % of target shows the stall; Latest feedback and Next action stop feedback from getting lost between meetings.
How to use it in 5 steps
- List every chapter, including front matter and appendices if they need real work.
- Set a target word count per chapter from your programme's limit.
- Update Words now and Status once a week, on the same day.
- After each supervisor meeting, write the main point in Latest feedback and turn it into a Next action.
- Sort by Next deadline before each week starts. The top row is your priority.
Spreadsheet, dedicated software, or Notion?
| Option | Best for | Falls short when |
|---|---|---|
| This spreadsheet | Simple weekly check-in, easy to share | Feedback history gets overwritten; no link to notes or sources |
| Word or Google Docs outline | Drafting the text itself | No overview of status and deadlines |
| Notion version | Chapters linked to sources, notes and meeting logs | Needs a little setup time |
If the free spreadsheet does everything you need, stick with it. The Notion version is for when you want the pieces connected.
Want it connected? PhD Dissertation Planner & Research OS
The spreadsheet is one table. The Notion system links it to everything around it:
- Every chapter linked to its sources, notes and supervisor feedback
- Meeting log that keeps the full feedback history, not just the latest note
- Deadlines and milestones on a timeline view
- Literature matrix built in, feeding each chapter
See PhD Dissertation Planner & Research OS
Instant duplicate link after purchase.
Questions
How often should I update a thesis tracker?
Weekly is enough for most students. Pick a fixed day so it becomes a habit rather than a chore.
Should I share the tracker with my supervisor?
Many students find it helps. A shared Google Sheet gives your supervisor a quick view before meetings.
What if my chapters change?
Add, merge or rename rows. The % of target column recalculates on its own.
Does this work for a master's dissertation?
Yes. Use fewer rows and smaller targets; the structure is the same.