What is float?

    Float, also called slack, is how long an activity can be delayed without delaying something else. Total float is measured against the project finish; free float against the next activity.

    Activities with zero or negative total float are on the critical path. Negative float means the schedule can't meet a required date as it stands.

    Float is shared along a chain of activities, so using it early leaves less for the work that follows.

    Related terms

    Critical path

    The longest chain of dependent activities through a schedule.

    Baseline

    An approved snapshot of the schedule, budget or scope, kept so actual performance can be compared against the plan.

    Look-ahead schedule

    A short-term, detailed view of the next few weeks of work, taken from the main schedule and used to plan and clear constraints.

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