forProject Technology

Start/Finish Method

Start/Finish Method

EVM Terms Reviewed by forProject Technology - updated Sep 2026
Quick definition: The Start/Finish Method is an earned value method or technique where a set percentage of a Work Package's or task's value is earned when it starts, and the remainder is earned when it finishes.

Common versions include the 0/100 Method (0% at start, 100% at finish) and the 50/50 Method (50% at start, 50% at finish); Any combination (e.g., 60/40 or 25/75) may be used. The family is often referred to generically as the X/Y Method, where X is the percentage earned when the work starts and Y the percentage earned when it finishes. It is best suited to short-duration Work Packages or tasks, generally no more than one or two reporting periods long, where more granular progress measurement isn't practical.

What this means for you

This method keeps earned value simple and objective for short tasks, avoiding subjective in-progress percent-complete estimates. Because it earns value in fixed chunks, it also reduces the temptation to overstate progress on work that isn't actually finished.

Also known as
X/Y Method
Used in
0/100 Method; 50/50 Method

FAQ

What's the difference between the 0/100 and 50/50 versions?
The 0/100 Method earns nothing until the task is fully complete; the 50/50 Method earns half the value as soon as the task starts and the other half at completion.
Why not use this method for longer tasks?
Longer tasks need more granular progress measurement to reflect actual status accurately — the Start/Finish Method is too coarse for a Work Package running many reporting periods.
Definition maintained by forProject Technology.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
forProject