Software
PremiumMicrosoft Project
Scheduling
Microsoft's project scheduling tool, a smaller-scale and more widely available alternative to enterprise scheduling software like Primavera P6.
What it does
Microsoft Project builds a schedule around a Gantt chart view with critical path highlighting built in, letting a scheduler assign resources and track workload across a project's team. Lighter cloud based plans handle basic task tracking, while a desktop client and higher tiers add deeper scheduling control and portfolio-level reporting across multiple projects at once.
Key features
- Gantt chart scheduling with critical path highlighting built into the standard view
- Resource assignment and workload tracking across a project's team
- Cloud-based plans for lighter task tracking, with a desktop client available for deeper scheduling control
- Portfolio-level reporting across multiple projects at the higher subscription tiers
How it's actually used
- A project manager on a small to mid-size project builds a Gantt chart schedule and tracks the critical path without needing enterprise-level scheduling software
- A scheduler on a smaller contractor uses Microsoft Project instead of Primavera P6 because the project's scale doesn't justify the added cost and complexity
Microsoft Project Tutorial
Good to know
- Pricing:
- Subscription-based, tiered by feature depth from basic task management up through full desktop scheduling and portfolio reporting, with one-time on-premises licenses also available.
Reviewed 2026-09. Costs, timelines, and licensing details vary by location and change over time. Treat these as a starting point, not a quote.