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How to Reset Microsoft Project Week Numbers Each Year

Jason Miller Oct 13, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to configure Microsoft Project so that the displayed week numbers restart at week 1 at the beginning of each calendar year, rather than continuing sequentially from the previous year.

How to Reset Week Numbers Each Year in Microsoft Project

Product: Microsoft Project
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting the project timeline view to match standard calendar week numbers across multiple years.
Observed behavior: Week numbers continue consecutively across calendar years (e.g., reaching week 53 and beyond) instead of automatically resetting to 1 at the start of a new year.

Before you start

Ensure your Microsoft Project file is open and you are currently in a Gantt Chart or Timeline view where the timescale header is visible.

Solution 1Recommended

Modify Timescale Settings to Reset Week Numbers

Change the label format in the Timescale dialog to automatically repeat week numbers from 1 to 52 for each new year.

Microsoft Project controls the visual representation of time through its Timescale dialog. By adjusting the specific label format for your weeks, you can instruct the software to restart the count annually instead of accumulating continuously.

Open Timescale Dialog

Right-click anywhere on the timescale header (the date area at the top of your Gantt Chart) and select 'Timescale' from the context menu.

Select the Appropriate Tier

Navigate to the 'Middle Tier' or 'Bottom Tier' tab, depending on which tier is currently displaying your week numbers.

Change the Label Format

Locate the 'Label' drop-down menu and scroll until you find the option '1, 2, ... 52, 1, 2, ...'. Select this option.

Apply and Save

Click 'OK' to close the dialog. Your Gantt chart timeline will immediately update to show week numbers restarting at 1 for every new calendar year.

Modify Timescale Settings to Reset Week Numbers

Immediate View Update: The timescale changes apply instantly to the current view. If you use multiple views, you may need to apply this setting to the timescale in those views as well.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my week numbers in Microsoft Project start from 53 in the new year?

By default, Microsoft Project uses a continuous week numbering system from the project's start date. To fix this, you must change the Timescale label to the repeating '1, 2, ... 52' format.

Can I change the starting day of the week in Microsoft Project?

Yes. Go to the 'File' tab, select 'Options', and click on 'Schedule'. Under 'Calendar options for this project', change the 'Week starts on' dropdown to your preferred day (e.g., Monday).

Is there a way to show calendar dates alongside week numbers?

Absolutely. You can configure a multi-tier timescale. Set the Top or Middle Tier to show standard calendar months or days, and set the Bottom Tier to display the week numbers.

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