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How to Offset Task Timing in Project Online with Lead or Lag

Nimra Malik Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to adjust task dependencies to start a successor task before its predecessor is completely finished by using lead time (negative lag).

How to Offset Task Timing in Project Online with Lead or Lag

Product: Microsoft Project Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Adjusting project schedules and setting up task overlaps for efficient timeline management.
Observed behavior: The user is looking for the correct settings and columns in Project Online to specify negative lag, allowing tasks to begin ahead of the predecessor's completion.

Before you start

Ensure you have editing permissions for the project schedule and verify that the 'Depends On' or 'Predecessors' column is visible in your active task view.

Solution 1Recommended

Set Lead Time (Negative Lag) in Task Dependency Settings

Adjust the task settings to introduce an overlap by applying a negative lag value to the predecessor.

By using negative lag, also known as lead time, you can efficiently overlap tasks in your project schedule without breaking the dependency link. This is particularly useful when a successor task can begin a few days before the preceding task completely finishes.

Open Task Information

Navigate to your task list in Project Online and double-click the successor task to open the Task Information dialog.

Access Predecessors Tab

Click on the 'Predecessors' tab within the dialog to view the list of tasks the current task depends on.

Enter Negative Lag

Locate the 'Lag' column for the specific predecessor task. Enter a negative value, such as '-5d' for a 5-day lead, and click 'OK' to save your changes.

Use the Predecessors Column Directly

Alternatively, you can click directly into the 'Depends On' or 'Predecessors' column in your grid view and type the task ID followed by the dependency type and negative lag (e.g., '3FS-5d').

Set Lead Time (Negative Lag) in Task Dependency Settings

Understanding Lead vs. Lag: Lead time is always entered as a negative lag (e.g., -3d), which pulls the successor task to start earlier. Entering a positive lag will push the successor task to start later.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see the Depends On column in Project Online?

You might need to customize your current grid view. Right-click any column header, select 'Insert Column', and search for 'Predecessors' or 'Depends On' to add it to your view.

Can I use hours instead of days for lead time?

Yes. You can specify hours by typing 'h' instead of 'd' after your negative lag value (for example, typing '-4h' will schedule a task to start 4 hours earlier).

Does applying lead time change the predecessor's finish date?

No, applying lead time only affects when the successor task begins. The timeline and completion date of the predecessor task remain entirely unchanged.

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