How to Display Summary Durations in Weeks in Microsoft Project
Question details
The user wants to configure Microsoft Project to display summary task durations in weeks instead of the default time units.
- Product
- Microsoft Project
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Configuring project scheduling settings to change the default duration entry and summary rollup display to weeks.
- Observed behavior
- Durations are displayed in default units (like days or hours), and the user needs to set summary durations and new task entries to automatically use weeks.
Note that changing the default duration unit in Microsoft Project will apply to new task entries and summary rollups, but it will not automatically convert the duration units of existing tasks already entered.
Change the Default Duration Unit in Project Options
Configure the project schedule options to set weeks as the primary duration unit for new tasks and summary rollups.
Microsoft Project calculates all time internally in hours based on your working calendar. By modifying the schedule options, you can dictate that new inputs and top-level summary tasks roll up into weeks.
Launch Microsoft Project and open your project file. Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner and select 'Options' from the menu.
In the Project Options dialog box, click on the 'Schedule' tab located on the left pane.
Scroll down to the 'Scheduling options for this project' section. Look for the 'Duration is entered in' dropdown menu and change the selection to 'Weeks'.
Click 'OK' at the bottom of the dialog box to save your settings. New tasks and summary rollups will now be displayed in weeks.
Customize Working Time for Accurate Week Calculations
Adjust your calendar settings if different tasks require different working patterns to ensure your weekly durations calculate correctly.
Manage Project Schedules Effortlessly with WPS Office
While Microsoft Project is built for highly complex project logic, many project schedules and timelines can be managed more simply using WPS Spreadsheet. As a comprehensive, free, and lightweight Microsoft Office alternative, WPS Office provides built-in Gantt chart templates and ensures flawless compatibility with Microsoft Excel files.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free suite and install it on your computer or mobile device.
- 2. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open a new Spreadsheet to start your project planning.
- 3. Use Project Templates: Click on 'New', navigate to the template library, and search for 'Gantt' or 'Project Plan' to instantly create professional project schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't my existing task durations change to weeks in Microsoft Project?
Changing the schedule options via File > Options > Schedule only applies to new task entries and top-level summary rollups. Any tasks that were already entered into the project will retain the original duration units they were created with.
How does Microsoft Project calculate the length of a week?
Microsoft Project calculates all time internally using hours. By default, it defines a standard week as 40 working hours. If you type '1 week', the software interprets it as 40 hours of work. You can customize this hourly definition in the Schedule Options menu.
Is it recommended to use months for task durations?
Using months is generally discouraged because it can be ambiguous. Project uses a standard definition for a month (typically 20 working days) regardless of how many actual days are in a specific calendar month. If you absolutely must use calendar months, it is better to enter it as elapsed time, such as '1emon'.
