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Performance Measurement Baseline

Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB)

EVM Terms Reviewed by forProject Technology - updated Sep 2026
Quick definition: The Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) is the time-phased baseline budget against which Control Account performance is measured. It is the sum of all budgets, both direct and indirect, that have been allocated to Control Account and Summary Level Planning Package elements, plus the amount temporarily held in Undistributed Budget.

Budget reaches Control Account and Summary Level Planning Package budgets by passing through Control Account planning and Work Authorization. Until that happens, budget for authorized scope sits temporarily in Undistributed Budget, which is part of the PMB but is expected to be distributed within one or two accounting periods rather than held indefinitely. Control Account budgets include both direct and indirect costs, so indirect cost is not a separate component of the PMB. Management Reserve sits outside the PMB entirely: the PMB plus Management Reserve is the Total Allocated Budget.

Why it matters

The PMB is the backbone of earned value measurement — every BCWS, BCWP, and variance calculation is ultimately measured against this baseline, which is why Integrated Baseline Reviews exist to protect its integrity.

Also known as
N/A
Used in
Earned Value measurement; Integrated Baseline Review; Total Allocated Budget calculation

FAQ

Does the Performance Measurement Baseline include Management Reserve?
No — Management Reserve is held separately and specifically excluded from the PMB.
What is the PMB actually made up of?
All budgets, direct and indirect, allocated to Control Account and Summary Level Planning Package elements — together the Distributed Budget — plus the amount temporarily held in Undistributed Budget. Management Reserve is excluded.
Definition maintained by forProject Technology.
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