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Estimate to Complete

Estimate to Complete (ETC)

EVM Terms Reviewed by forProject Technology - updated Sep 2026
Quick definition: Estimate to Complete (ETC) is the projected cost of finishing all remaining authorized work from this point forward.

ETC looks only at the work that's left to do — it doesn't include costs already incurred. It's typically re-estimated periodically based on current performance, remaining scope, and known risks, and is one of the two building blocks of the Estimate at Completion.

Why it matters

A realistic ETC is critical because it feeds directly into EAC (EAC = ACWPcum + ETC) — an overly optimistic ETC can mask a looming cost overrun until it's too late to correct. Regularly refreshing ETC based on actual performance keeps the overall cost forecast credible.

Also known as
N/A
Used in
EAC = ACWPcum + ETC

FAQ

Does ETC include costs already spent?
No — ETC only covers the estimated cost of work that hasn't happened yet; costs already incurred are captured separately in ACWP.
How often should ETC be updated?
It should be re-estimated regularly, typically at least monthly alongside other EVM data, so the resulting EAC reflects current performance and conditions.
Definition maintained by forProject Technology.
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