Understanding Microsoft Project Task Types

Overview

In this article I’ll help you understand Microsoft Project Task Types. Understanding Fixed Units, Fixed Work, and Fixed Duration – can be crucial for managing your project effectively. These Task Types determine how project scheduling behaves when you make changes to the Duration, Work, or Units values tasks. Let’s break down each Task Type and when to use them.

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Microsoft Project Task Types

What is the Task Types Feature?

The Microsoft Project Task Types feature allows you to fix or “lock” one of three variables in the Duration Equation: Units, Work, or Duration. This locking ensures that when you change one variable, Microsoft Project recalculates another value accordingly, maintaining consistency in your project plan.

When to Use Each Microsoft Project Task Type

  • Fixed Units: Use this when the availability of a resource is limited, such as part-time resources. When you set Fixed Units, Microsoft Project locks the Units value, but you can freely adjust Work or Duration.
  • Fixed Work: Use this for tasks where the amount of Work is fixed, often due to contractual obligations. When you fix Work, Microsoft Project locks the Work value, allowing you to adjust Units or Duration as needed.
  • Fixed Duration: Use this when a task must be completed within a specific time window. Fixed Duration locks the task’s Duration, enabling you to adjust Units or Work without changing the Duration.

How Task Types Work in Practice

Here is how these Task Types always behave in Microsoft Project.

On a Fixed Units task:

  • The Units value is locked. When you change the Work, Microsoft Project recalculates Duration.
  • When you change the Duration, Microsoft Project recalculates Work.
  • When you change the Units value, Microsoft Project will always calculate the Duration.

On a Fixed Work task:

  • The Work value is locked. When you change Units, Microsoft Project recalculates Duration.
  • When you change the Duration, Microsoft Project recalculates Units. By the way, the new Units value is stored in the “Peak” field, visible only in the Resource Usage and Task Usage views.
  • When you change the Work value, Microsoft Project will always calculate the Duration.

On a Fixed Duration task:

  • The Duration value is locked. When you change Units, Microsoft Project recalculates Work.
  • When you change Work, Microsoft Project recalculates Units. By the way, the new Units value is stored in the “Peak” field, visible only in the Resource Usage and Task Usage views.
  • When you change the Duration, Microsoft Project will always calculate the Work.

Conclusion

Understanding Task Types in Microsoft Project empowers you to make informed decisions about scheduling and resource management in your projects. Whether you’re dealing with part-time resources, fixed contracts, or strict deadlines, choosing the right Task Type ensures your project stays on track.

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If you would like to have a formal class on using Microsoft Project, here is a link for my classes.

Hello there, esteemed Microsoft Project enthusiasts! It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself as Dale Howard Microsoft Project MVP, a seasoned veteran in the world of Microsoft Project. With a remarkable track record of being awarded the prestigious Microsoft Project MVP (Most Valuable Professional) title for an incredible 20 years in a row, I am humbled to share that I currently hold the distinguished position of being one of only 11 Project MVPs across the entire globe. To say that this achievement is exciting would be an understatement. It is a testament to my unwavering dedication, passion, and expertise in the Microsoft Project domain.


Why Should You Learn from Dale Howard Microsoft Project MVP?

Throughout my illustrious career, I have relentlessly pursued excellence, striving to be at the forefront of technological advancements and best practices in project management. Being a Microsoft Project MVP has endowed me with a wealth of knowledge and experience that I eagerly share with other users of this remarkable software. It has been my privilege to assist countless individuals and organizations in harnessing the full potential of Microsoft Project to effectively plan, execute, and monitor their projects. Through my extensive involvement in the Microsoft Project community, I have built a strong network of like-minded professionals, and together, we continuously strive to innovate and push the boundaries of project management excellence. As an MVP, I not only possess an in-depth understanding of Microsoft Project but also have access to exclusive resources, early product previews, and direct communication channels with the Microsoft Project development team. This unique advantage allows me to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that I can provide the most up-to-date and relevant guidance to fellow Microsoft Project lovers.

Whether you are a seasoned project manager seeking to enhance your skills or a novice navigating the intricacies of project planning, I am here to assist you every step of the way. Through my articles, webinars, and training sessions, I aim to empower individuals and organizations to unlock the true potential of Microsoft Project, enabling them to achieve their project goals efficiently and effectively. Join me on this exhilarating journey as we delve into the realm of Microsoft Project, exploring its vast capabilities, uncovering hidden gems, and conquering the challenges that lie ahead. Together, we can transform the way projects are managed, revolutionizing the world of project management, one keystroke at a time. So, buckle up and prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure in the fascinating universe of Microsoft Project.

Ask Questions on the Forums or Contact Me Directly

If you post a question about any of Microsoft’s PPM tools on the public message boards, look to see who the moderator or person that has answered the questions and you see, it’s frequently me answering your questions. Some people like to golf, I love Microsoft Project helping the community get to understand Microsoft Project much better.


Books I’ve Written on Amazon

I’ve been teaching students at all levels for over 20 years and have taught thousands of users around the world. I’ve written and co-authored 23 books on Microsoft Project, Project Online, and Project Server so if you’re like me and like to read over watching a video, you can Check Out My Books on Amazon.


Check Out My YouTube Channel

For the people that like to watch videos, check out my YouTube channel. If you post a question in the comments, I’ll be happy to answer questions or create a new video to answer your question. 

See Other Questions I Answer on the Message Boards

If you’ve got a question about Microsoft Project, Project Online or Project Server, check out some of these community post areas.
Microsoft Tech Community
Reddit Project Online Community
LinkedIn Project and Planner Group


Here’s some other blogs and message boards that I answer questions on:
https://www.mpug.com/author/dale-howard/
https://www.dalehowardmvp.com/microsoft-project-tips-and-tricks/
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/msoffice_project
https://www.reddit.com/r/MSProject/
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/profile/029b4dc7-350c-48f1-8f44-5f01718b3b30

Dale Howard Microsoft Project MVP

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