Forward Pass
Scheduling Terms
Reviewed by forProject Technology - updated Sep 2026
Quick definition: The Forward Pass is the Critical Path Method calculation that works forward from the project start date (or the status date, once work is underway) to find the earliest each task can start and finish.
The Forward Pass starts at the first task and works forward through the schedule, one link at a time. The results are each task's Early Start Date and Early Finish Date, and the last Early Finish Date is the earliest the project can finish.
What this means for you
The Forward Pass shows whether the plan can meet its required dates, and it sets up the Backward Pass. Its results are only as good as the schedule logic and Durations behind them.
Also known as
N/A
Used in
Critical Path Method schedule calculation; Early Start Date and Early Finish Date determination; Total Float calculation
See also
FAQ
What does the Forward Pass actually calculate?
The earliest each task can start and finish (its Early Start Date and Early Finish Date), and the earliest the project can finish.
Does the Forward Pass identify the Critical Path?
Not on its own. The Critical Path is found only after the Backward Pass supplies the late dates and Total Float is calculated.
Definition maintained by forProject Technology.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
