Baseline Schedule
Scheduling Terms
Reviewed by forProject Technology - updated Sep 2026
Quick definition: A Baseline Schedule is the approved version of a project schedule that serves as the standard against which ongoing schedule performance is measured.
The Baseline Schedule is the approved version of a project's schedule used as the yardstick for measuring progress and performance. The baseline is not fixed or rigid — it can be changed, but only with formal management approval — typically when the contract's scope changes or based on changing internal conditions.
Why it matters
Without a fixed baseline, "ahead of schedule" or "behind schedule" have no meaning, since there's no fixed point of comparison. It's the schedule-side counterpart to the cost-side Performance Measurement Baseline. Both anchor the same question — "What did we commit to, and how far off are we?" — in different dimensions.
Also known as
N/A
Used in
Baseline slippage analysis; Basis for the Earned Value Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB)
See also
FAQ
What's the difference between the Baseline Schedule and the Forecast Schedule?
The Baseline Schedule is the approved reference plan as it exists at any point in time, based on approved modifications. The Forecast Schedule records actual progress and the current expectation, updated each status cycle. Both sets of values belong to the same tasks; whether they are held in one file or two depends on the tool.
How often does the Baseline Schedule change?
Rarely, and only with formal management approval — typically only when there's a change to the contract's scope or sometimes for internal management reasons.
Definition maintained by forProject Technology.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
