What is an S-curve?

    An S-curve is a graph of cumulative cost, hours or progress over time. It is usually S-shaped because work starts slowly, peaks in the middle and tails off at the end.

    Plotting planned value, earned value and actual cost on the same S-curve shows schedule and cost performance at a glance: the gaps between the lines are the schedule and cost variances.

    Related terms

    Planned value

    PV

    The budgeted value of the work that was scheduled to be done by a given date.

    Earned value

    EV

    The budgeted value of the work actually completed by a given date.

    Formula and example

    Baseline

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

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