Percent Complete is an estimate expressed as a percentage that reflects the amount of work completed on a specific activity or work breakdown structure (WBS) component. It is a commonly used metric for tracking project progress and determining how much of the planned work has been accomplished at a given point in time.
This metric supports earned value management, forecasting, and performance evaluation throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Characteristics
- Quantitative Measure – Expressed as a numeric percentage (0%–100%)
- Activity or WBS-Based – Can apply at task, work package, or control account level
- Subjective or Objective – May rely on judgment, deliverable milestones, or actual effort
- Supports Status Reporting – Regularly updated in project dashboards and reports
Example Scenarios
- A task with 6 out of 10 sub-tasks finished is marked as 60% complete
- A deliverable is considered 100% complete only after client approval
- A feature that passed initial testing but awaits integration may be marked as 80% complete
Why Percent Complete Matters
- Tracks Work Progress – Provides a snapshot of current completion status
- Enables Forecasting – Helps estimate time and effort remaining
- Supports Performance Metrics – Used in earned value calculations (e.g., EV)
- Improves Visibility – Keeps stakeholders informed of real-time progress
See also: Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Earned Value Management (EVM), Work Package, Schedule Forecasts, Control Account.