Can you explain how critical path is calculated in MS Project?

How is Critical Path Calculated in MS Project?

The Critical Path in MS Project is calculated using a method called Critical Path Method (CPM). It involves analyzing the sequence of tasks and their dependencies to determine the longest path that dictates the overall project duration.

Here are the key steps to calculate the Critical Path in MS Project:

1. Identify all tasks in the project and their dependencies.
2. Determine the duration of each task and estimate the total duration of the project.
3. Calculate the Early Start (ES) and Early Finish (EF) dates for each task, starting from the project's start date.
4. Calculate the Late Start (LS) and Late Finish (LF) dates for each task, starting from the project's end date.
5. Identify tasks with zero slack, where ES=LS and EF=LF. These tasks are critical and form the Critical Path.

By following these steps and utilizing the scheduling and dependency features of MS Project, you can accurately determine the Critical Path of your project, which is crucial for effective project management and timely delivery of milestones.