Free float is the amount of time that an activity can be delayed without delaying the early start of its successor activity. It is a crucial concept in project management as it helps project managers identify the flexibility within the project schedule and determine which activities can be delayed without impacting the project’s critical path.
Key Facts
- Free float is the amount of time that an activity can be delayed without delaying the early start of its successor activity.
- It helps project managers identify the flexibility within the project schedule and determine which activities can be delayed without impacting the project’s critical path.
- Free float is calculated by subtracting the early finish date of the current activity from the early start date of the next activity.
- If two activities converge into a single activity, only one of them may have free float.
- Free float is different from total float, which is the amount of time that an activity can be delayed without delaying the project completion date.
Calculating Free Float
Free float is calculated by subtracting the early finish date of the current activity from the early start date of the next activity.
Free Float = Early Start Date of Next Activity – Early Finish Date of Current Activity
It is important to note that if two activities converge into a single activity, only one of them may have free float.
Difference Between Free Float and Total Float
Free float is different from total float, which is the amount of time that an activity can be delayed without delaying the project completion date. Total float is calculated by subtracting the late finish date of the current activity from the late start date of the next activity.
Total Float = Late Start Date of Next Activity – Late Finish Date of Current Activity
Significance of Free Float
Free float is a valuable tool for project managers as it provides insights into the project schedule and helps in making informed decisions. It allows project managers to:
- Identify the critical path and non-critical path activities.
- Determine the amount of flexibility available in the project schedule.
- Prioritize activities and allocate resources accordingly.
- Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Make informed decisions about project changes and adjustments.
By effectively managing free float, project managers can improve project efficiency, reduce the likelihood of delays, and enhance overall project success.
Conclusion
Free float is a critical concept in project management that provides valuable insights into the project schedule and enables project managers to make informed decisions. By understanding and utilizing free float effectively, project managers can improve project efficiency, reduce the likelihood of delays, and enhance overall project success.
References
- Basics of CPM Scheduling Software, PMI
- Total Float Versus Free Float, PM Study Circle
- What Is Float in Project Management?, Wrike
FAQs
What is free float in project management?
Free float is the amount of time that an activity can be delayed without delaying the early start of its successor activity.
How is free float calculated?
Free float is calculated by subtracting the early finish date of the current activity from the early start date of the next activity.
What is the difference between free float and total float?
Free float is the amount of time that an activity can be delayed without delaying the early start of its successor activity, while total float is the amount of time that an activity can be delayed without delaying the project completion date.
Why is free float important in project management?
Free float is important in project management as it provides insights into the project schedule, helps identify critical and non-critical activities, and allows project managers to make informed decisions about resource allocation, risk management, and project changes.
How can free float be used to improve project efficiency?
Free float can be used to improve project efficiency by identifying activities that can be delayed without impacting the project schedule, allowing project managers to prioritize activities, allocate resources more effectively, and mitigate potential risks.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when calculating free float?
Some common mistakes to avoid when calculating free float include not considering the early start and early finish dates of activities, not accounting for dependencies between activities, and assuming that all activities have free float.
How can free float be used to identify critical and non-critical activities?
Free float can be used to identify critical and non-critical activities by comparing the free float of each activity. Activities with zero free float are considered critical, while activities with positive free float are non-critical.
How does free float impact project risk management?
Free float can be used to identify activities that have more flexibility in their schedule, allowing project managers to focus their risk management efforts on activities with less free float and higher risk of delay.