How to Create a Baseline in Microsoft Project

Quick summary

A baseline in Microsoft Project captures your original schedule, cost, and scope as a fixed reference point so you can measure project performance over time. Setting a baseline lets project managers track variances between planned and actual progress throughout the project lifecycle.

Steps

1. Click on the Project tab in the Microsoft Project ribbon.
2. Select Set Baseline from the Schedule group to capture your current schedule as a reference point for future comparison.
3. Choose Set Baseline... from the submenu to open the baseline dialog.
4. Use the drop-down menu to select which baseline slot to save to — Microsoft Project allows you to save up to 11 baselines.
5. Select Entire project to apply the baseline across all tasks.
6. Click OK to confirm and create your baseline.