Total Float in Primavera P6: How Much Is Allowed and How to Reduce It

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN/SEARCH TITLES

Allowed Total Float in Primavera P6
Reduce Total Float in P6
Understanding Total Float in P6
How to calculate total float in Primavera P6
How to Manage Total Float in Primavera P6
Optimizing Project Schedules with Total Float
Mastering Total Float in P6: A Complete Guide
Primavera P6 Tutorial: Total Float and Critical Path
How to Reduce Total Float in Primavera P6
Understanding Total Float and Its Impact on Project Schedules
Accelerate Your Projects: Control Total Float in P6
Unlock the Power of Total Float in Primavera P6
Master the Art of Project Scheduling with Total Float

DESCRIPTION

In this guide, we dive into a critical topic for project planners and schedulers: How much total float is acceptable in a project, and more importantly, how to reduce float when needed — all within Primavera P6.

What is Total Float?

Total Float refers to the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the overall project completion. It is calculated as:

Total Float = Project Finish Date – Activity Finish Date

Understanding and controlling float is essential for effective project risk management and schedule optimization.

VIDEO TUTORIAL

How Much Float is Acceptable?

Maximum total float should be less than 44 days
For shorter projects (e.g., 6-month duration), aim for a float under 22 days

Important: These values are not officially fixed by DCMA. They are based on best practices and real-world experience to ensure flexibility without compromising project deadlines.

Different Standards Across Clients

There’s no global planning standard, but many clients and industries adopt their own. Examples:

Tanzanian Standards – Road Works
Pakistan Highway Standards
ARAMCO – Comprehensive planning rules
Red Sea, New City – Tailored requirements

Always follow your client’s specific planning standards. If none exist, reference well-known benchmarks like DCMA or PlanningP6 best practices.

How to Reduce Float in Primavera P6

Reducing float can improve schedule credibility and project control. Here are two primary methods:

1. Change Relationship Logic

Modify activity relationships such as:

Finish-to-Start → Start-to-Start
Adjust links to better reflect real work dependencies

Example: Changing the logic between excavation and masonry work can reduce float from 51 to 10 days.

2. Split Activities

Divide large float activities into smaller tasks to distribute and control float more effectively.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Avoid excessive use of lags/leads in baseline schedules.
Refrain from overusing constraints unless mandated.
Always validate with logic and productivity standards.

Schedule Basis Memorandum (SBM)

An SBM is a document agreed upon by stakeholders that outlines planning assumptions, including float allowances. It acts as a formal reference point to avoid conflicts later in the project lifecycle.

Practical Tips for Primavera P6 Contributors

Check your calendar settings before scheduling
Use “Calculate Multiple Float Paths” for better visibility
Validate float changes with logic and calendar accuracy
Watch for default calendar issues — fix them before baseline

Final Thoughts

While DCMA’s 44-day float guideline is helpful, each project is unique. Collaborate with clients, document assumptions via SBM, and follow logical methods in P6 to manage and reduce float effectively.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For a comprehensive understanding, we recommend exploring our dedicated tutorials on Primavera P6 relationships. These tutorials are accessible through our Planning P6 Tutorials Dictionary (REV-003). Simply search for keywords like “relationship” or “Primavera P6 integration” to access relevant content.