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How to Find Your Project Finish Date in Microsoft Project

by | reviewed 12/06/2024

Finding the finish date of your project in Microsoft Project can be quick and easy. In this step-by-step guide I will take you through two simple methods. Avoid the hassle of scrolling through numerous tasks to find the final date!

1. Use a Project Summary Task

Tick Project Summary Task under the Gantt Chart Format tab, Show/Hide group to easily see your schedule finish date and duration.

Video Guide

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Screenshot of a Gantt chart in Microsoft Project showing how to tick the Project Summary Task checkbox. The image includes a toolbar with various options, with the Project Summary Task checkbox highlighted. Below the toolbar, a list of tasks is displayed in a hierarchical structure with a highlighted task named 'software-development-plan'. The right side shows a visual Gantt chart representation. The source website is stakeholdermap.com.
  1. Open Microsoft Project:
    • Launch Microsoft Project and open your project file.

  2. Navigate to the Gantt Chart View:
    • Ensure you are in the Gantt Chart view, as this is where you'll find the necessary options.

  3. Go to the Gantt Chart Format Tab:
    • At the top of your screen, locate and click on the Gantt Chart Format tab. This tab contains various formatting options for your Gantt chart.

  4. Locate the Show/Hide Group:
    • Within the Gantt Chart Format tab, look for the Show/Hide group. This group includes options to display or hide certain elements in your Gantt chart.

  5. Click on Project Summary Task:
    • In the Show/Hide group, find and click on the Project Summary Task option. This action will display a summary task that encapsulates the entire project.

  6. View Your Project Finish Date:
    • Once you click on the Project Summary Task, a summary task will appear at the top of your task list. This summary task includes the overall finish date for your project.

And there you have it! By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily find the finish date of your project without having to scroll through to the last task.

Summary:

  1. Open Microsoft Project and your project file.
  2. Ensure you are in the Gantt Chart view.
  3. Click on the Gantt Chart Format tab.
  4. Look for the Show/Hide group.
  5. Click on Project Summary Task.
  6. Check the top of your task list for the project summary task and finish date.

2. Use the Project Information box

Check the Finish date field in the Project Information box under the Project tab.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Screenshot of Microsoft Project showing how to find the project finish date using the Project Information box. The image highlights the following steps: 1. Click the 'Project' tab in the Ribbon. 2. Select 'Project Information'. 3. In the 'Project Information' dialog box, the 'Finish date' field shows the project finish date. The source website is stakeholdermap.com.
  1. Open Microsoft Project:
    • Launch Microsoft Project and open your project file.

  2. Access the Project Information Box:
    • Navigate to the Project tab in the Ribbon at the top of the screen.
    • In the Properties group, click on Project Information.

  3. View the Project Finish Date:
    • In the Project Information dialog box that appears, look for the field labeled Finish date.
    • The date displayed in this field is the current scheduled finish date for your entire project.

  4. Check Other Relevant Information:
    • In the same dialog box, you can also see other important information like the project Start date, Current date, and the Status date.
    • Ensure the Schedule from field is set correctly (usually Project Start Date).

  5. Close the Project Information Box:
    • Once you have noted the finish date, click OK to close the Project Information dialog box.

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