Fix Missing Year in Microsoft Project Resource Chart
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where the Resource Chart timeline skips a year while the Gantt Chart timeline displays normally.
- Product
- Microsoft Project
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing project timelines, resource allocations, and charts within Microsoft Project.
- Observed behavior
- The Resource Chart timeline appears to skip a year entirely, creating a visual discrepancy with the correct Gantt Chart timeline.
Ensure you have your Microsoft Project file open and verify that the Gantt chart timeline is displaying correctly before adjusting global schedule options.
Adjust the Fiscal Year Starting Month
Realign the Resource Chart timeline by correcting the project's global fiscal year start date.
A fiscal year that begins in a month other than January (such as July) can cause the Resource Chart timeline to appear as if it skips a year, even when the Gantt Chart remains accurate. Resetting the fiscal year to January usually resolves this display discrepancy.
Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of Microsoft Project and select 'Options' at the bottom of the navigation menu.
In the Project Options dialog box, click on the 'Schedule' tab located on the left-hand sidebar.
Locate the 'Fiscal year starts in' dropdown menu under the calendar options and change the setting to 'January'.
Click 'OK' to apply the changes, then navigate back to your Resource Chart to confirm the timeline no longer skips a year.
Manage Project Timelines Seamlessly with WPS Office
While Microsoft Project is a dedicated scheduling tool, it can be expensive and complex. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. With built-in Gantt chart templates in WPS Spreadsheet, you can easily track project resources and timelines without the steep learning curve or high software costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does changing the fiscal year affect the Resource Chart differently than the Gantt Chart?
Microsoft Project calculates and displays timelines based on global calendar settings. Specific views like the Resource Chart often inherit fiscal year settings more strictly than the standard Gantt Chart, causing visual shifts or skipped years when the fiscal year doesn't start in January.
Will changing the fiscal year start month alter my actual project task dates?
No. Changing the fiscal year start month primarily affects how financial periods are labeled and displayed in timelines and reports. It does not modify the actual scheduled start and finish dates of your project tasks.
Can I set a custom fiscal year for individual resources in MS Project?
No, the fiscal year setting in Microsoft Project is a global option. It applies to the entire project file and cannot be configured independently for individual resources or specific charts.
