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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 is the forecast of the expected cost to complete the remaining work. It's the responsible manager's estimate, usually prepared by the Control Account Manager (CAM), of what the remaining work will cost. Good practice is to consider past cost performance as one factor, along with remaining scope and known risks, but the estimate is still a judgment. ETC is one of the two building blocks of the Estimate at Completion (EAC).

What this means for you

A realistic ETC is critical because it feeds directly into the Estimate at Completion (EAC). An overly optimistic ETC can hide a potential cost overrun until it's too late to correct. Reviewing and updating ETC regularly keeps the overall cost forecast credible.

Also known as
N/A
Used in
Estimate at Completion

FAQ

Does ETC include costs already spent?
No. ETC is an estimate of the future / remaining cost only. Costs already incurred are captured in the Actual Cost of Work Performed (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 stays current.
Definition maintained by forProject Technology.
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