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Fix Microsoft Project Doubling Duration and Work During Excel Import

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent Microsoft Project from automatically doubling task duration and work values when importing project data with multiple resources from Excel.

Product: Microsoft Project
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Importing a task list containing tasks with two or more assigned resources from an Excel worksheet into Microsoft Project.
Observed behavior: Duration and work values are unexpectedly doubled upon import. For example, a task with 10 hours of duration and 20 hours of work changes to 20 hours of duration and 40 hours of work.

Before you start

Before proceeding, ensure you have a backup copy of your original Excel source file and verify that you have access to modify the default schedule options in your Microsoft Project file.

Solution 1Recommended

Change Default Task Type to Fixed Work

Adjusting the task type to Fixed Work prevents Microsoft Project from multiplying the total work hours by the number of resources assigned during the import process.

By default, Microsoft Project sets tasks to 'Fixed Units'. When multiple resources are imported at 100% allocation, the software assumes each resource is working the full duration, thereby multiplying the total work and duration. Using 'Fixed Work' locks the total intended work hours regardless of how many resources are assigned.

Open Schedule Options

Launch Microsoft Project, go to the 'File' tab in the ribbon, and select 'Options' at the bottom left. Then, click on the 'Schedule' tab in the Project Options dialog box.

Modify Default Task Type

Scroll down to the 'Scheduling options for this project' section. Locate the 'Default task type' dropdown menu and change it from 'Fixed Units' to 'Fixed Work'.

Re-run the Excel Import

Save the settings and run the Excel import wizard again. The imported work and duration values will now remain constant even with multiple resources assigned.

File-Specific Settings: Task type settings are often file-specific. If the task type reverts to Fixed Units upon reopening a file, ensure you are saving the setting to the correct project calendar and template.

Solution 2

Exclude Summary Tasks from Excel Import

Avoid importing duration and work values for summary tasks, as Microsoft Project's built-in calculation engine handles these automatically based on subtasks.

Solution 3

Use a Separate Assignment Worksheet

When resources require different assignment percentages (units), a standard flat-file import often ignores them. A separate assignment worksheet ensures accurate distribution.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Project change my work hours when I assign multiple resources?

By default, Microsoft Project uses 'Fixed Units' for new tasks. When you import a task and assign multiple resources, the software assumes each resource works the full duration at 100% capacity, effectively multiplying the total work hours by the number of resources. Changing the task type to 'Fixed Work' resolves this.

How do I display the Work column in the Gantt Chart view?

To see the total work hours alongside your tasks, right-click on any existing column header in the Gantt Chart view, select 'Insert Column', type 'Work' in the search field, and select it to add the column to your current view.

Can I import task duration directly for summary tasks?

It is not recommended to import duration or work values for summary tasks. Microsoft Project is designed to automatically calculate summary task values by rolling up the durations and work hours of their underlying subtasks.

Why does the task type revert to Fixed Units when reopening my file?

If you only changed the task type for existing tasks rather than the project default, new imports will still default to Fixed Units. To fix this permanently for the file, you must navigate to File > Options > Schedule and change the 'Default task type' to Fixed Work.

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