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How to Link a Task to Another Task's Start and Finish in Microsoft Project

Bushra Parveen Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to configure a task in Microsoft Project so that its start date is triggered by the completion of one task, and its finish date is tied to the start of a later task.

How to Link a Task to Another Task's Start and Finish in Microsoft Project

Product: Microsoft Project
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating complex task dependencies where a single task's duration spans exactly between the finish of a predecessor and the start of a successor.
Observed behavior: The start and finish dates of a specific task need to be dynamically controlled by two entirely different predecessor relationships.

Before you start

Ensure you have clearly identified the two specific tasks in your schedule that will dictate the beginning and the end of your dependent task.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a Hammock Task to Link Start and Finish Dates

Use a hammock task when a task's duration is flexible and needs to be calculated dynamically based on the dates of two other separate tasks.

A hammock task in Microsoft Project does not have a fixed duration. Instead, its length expands or contracts dynamically based on the finish date of its starting predecessor and the start date of its finishing predecessor. This is highly useful for continuous overhead tasks like project management, software development phases, or equipment rentals that span between two fixed milestones.

Copy the trigger task's finish date

In your Gantt Chart view, locate the task that will trigger the start of your hammock task. Right-click its 'Finish' date cell and select 'Copy'.

Paste as a link to the hammock task's start

Select the 'Start' date cell of your target hammock task. Go to the 'Task' tab on the ribbon, click the drop-down arrow under 'Paste', select 'Paste Special', choose 'Paste Link', and click 'OK'.

Copy the concluding task's start date

Next, locate the later task that will conclude the hammock task. Right-click its 'Start' date cell and select 'Copy'.

Paste as a link to the hammock task's finish

Select the 'Finish' date cell of your target hammock task. Again, go to the 'Task' tab, click 'Paste' > 'Paste Special', choose 'Paste Link', and click 'OK'.

Create a Hammock Task to Link Start and Finish Dates

Dynamic Updates Enabled: Your hammock task is now set up. If the schedule of either linked task changes, the duration of the hammock task will automatically recalculate to fit the new timeframe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if the predecessor dates overlap in a hammock task?

If the finish date of the starting task occurs after the start date of the finishing task, Microsoft Project may calculate a negative duration or display a scheduling error. Ensure your project logic flows chronologically.

Can I use multiple predecessors to control the start date of a hammock task?

A hammock task's specific start date cell can only be paste-linked to one single source cell. If multiple tasks dictate the start, you should link the hammock task to the latest finishing task among those predecessors.

Why did my hammock task duration change unexpectedly?

Hammock tasks dynamically update based on their linked tasks. If either the starting or finishing predecessor is delayed or expedited, the hammock task's duration will automatically recalculate to fill the new time gap.

Is a hammock task the same as a summary task in MS Project?

No. A summary task rolls up the dates, costs, and work of its indented subtasks. A hammock task simply bridges the time gap between two completely separate, otherwise unrelated tasks in your schedule.

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